Our 10th Porridge for Parkinson’s was a huge success. On November 12, 2017, guests enjoyed a delicious brunch at the Vaughan Estate prepared by our wonderful chefs. Longtime supporter Robert Fisher emceed the event and introduced our inspiring guest speaker Evan Siddall, a well-known business person. Evan was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2014 and has held several of his own successful charity events for Parkinson’s.
Proceeds from the 2017 brunch supported research programs through Parkinson Canada.
On Sunday November 8 2015 we held our Porridge for Parkinson’s brunch at the Vaughan Estate. The event was sold out, and 3oo guests enjoyed a fabulous breakfast prepared by our wonderful chefs. Longtime PforP friend and supporter, Jeanne Beker, emceed the event.
Our special guest speaker, Harry McMurtry, delivered an inspiring speech titled Things Can Be Better. Harry was a litigation lawyer until a Parkinson’s diagnosis cut short his professional career and he retired at the age of 42. After undergoing DBS surgery Harry founded highly successful fundraising events for various Parkinson’s causes. In 2016. he organized 500 Miles for Parkinson’s, where he walked from New York City to Toronto to bring focus to Parkinson’s and raise funds for research.
Thanks to our celebrity chefs and the many generous donors and guests our net proceeds in 2015 exceeded $250,000 in support of research programs at Parkinson Canada.
Porridge for Parkinson’s Toronto was held on Sunday, November 3, 2013 at a new larger venue, the elegant Vaughan Estate. Dr. Edward Fon, Associate Professor Neurology and Neurosurgery, and Director of the McGill Parkinson Program at McGill University was our guest speaker. Dr. Fon was the recipient of the 2012 Porridge for Parkinson’s (Toronto) Pilot Project Grant.
The fabulous food was prepared and served by Donna Dooher, Jamie Kennedy, Joanne Yolless, Derek Bendig, and StirCrazy catering. Thanks to all the chefs, emcee Jeanne Beker, our many patrons and donors and everyone who attended. The 2013 event raised over $150,000 to support research programs at Parkinson Canada.
The first Porridge for Parkinson’s Toronto was held in a home in 2007, and organized by Sheila Knox, a friend of Marg Miekle, the event’s famous founder in Vancouver. In 2009 and 2011, the growing biennial event was held at a stately home in Rosedale and included celebrity chefs and special guests from media and medicine.
In 2011, 300 guests enjoyed a delicious brunch provided by chefs Jamie Kennedy, Joanne Yolles, Martin Kouprie, Derek Bendig, and Donna Dooher. Emcee Robert Fisher of CBC Radio One, introduced guest speaker Dr Michael Schlossmacher, recipient of the first Porridge for Parkinson’s Toronto Pilot Project Grant, through Parkinson Society Central and Northern Ontario. Martha Johnson of “Martha and the Muffins” performed her famous song “Echo Beach,” among others, to the delight of everyone. The event raised over $92,000 to support research programs at Parkinson Canada.
