Porridge for Parkinson’s TO
Porridge for Parkinson’s® is an elegant morning fundraising event that features a brunch prepared and served by top Toronto chefs, a brunch-themed silent auction, and special guest speakers. The first Porridge for Parkinson’s breakfast in Toronto was held in 2009 and has now become a biennial event. Together, we have raised over $1 million in net proceeds, thanks to hundreds of sponsors, donors, guests, volunteers, and of course, our chefs!
The proceeds from our events fund groundbreaking research into the cause and cure for Parkinson’s Disease. Since 2019, funds have been directed to the Parkinson’s Research Excellence Fund at the Edmond J Safra Program, at Krembil Brain Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, UHN.
Organizing Committee
We are a dedicated group of volunteers, passionate about good food and raising money for Parkinson’s research.
If you’re interested in becoming involved, please email us hello@porridgeforparkinsons.org
2021 Co-Chairs: Adrienne Anderson and Jennifer Cerny
2021 Committee
Peggy Ahearn
Adrienne Anderson
Julie Bordignon
Jennifer Cerny
Natalie Evans
Melissa Florence
Debi Perna
Sharon Rattner
Shelli Schwartz
Beth Sulman
Deb Voorheis
Joanne Yolles
2019 Committee
Adrienne Anderson (Co-Chair), Julie Bordignon, Barb Cerny, Jennifer Cerny (Co-Chair), Debi Perna, Sharon Rattner, Shelli Schwartz, Beth Sulman, Deb Voorheis, and Joanne Yolles.
Past Committee Members
Marsha Baillie, Beverly Biderman, Nuria Bronfman, Barb Cerny, Susan Chapman, Jean Crawford, Elizabeth Deacon, Emily Deacon, Shannon Elliott, Hannah Etlin-Stein, Gill Evans, Melanie Fallis, Jenny Ginder, Valerie Harris, Wendy Hill, Susan Jackson Craig, Susan Kates, Sheila Knox, Rosemary Little Jeffares, Monica Martin, Shawn Martin, Lisa Mills, Lauren Sheffield, Pamela Stevens, Barbara Vari, Barbara Walsh, Donna Walsh, and Brent Zacks.
Sponsorship opportunities offered
Please contact us about corporate or individual sponsorships. The 2021 Organizing Committee would love to hear from you. We offer sponsors and supporters lots of creative ways to support Parkinson’s research and get engaged in Porridge for Parkinson’s Toronto events.
If you’re interested in becoming involved, please email us hello@porridgeforparkinsonsto.org
Recent Updates
You asked for it! Granola Recipe
Joanne contributed delicious granola to P4P’s 2021 brunch package. Now she has generously shared her recipe.
John Szpik and Marylou Caden
John and Marylou saw this year’s brunch-at-home format as a great alternative to the live event. Marylou placed an order for delivery on November 21st, which coincidentally was their wedding anniversary.
Chef Spotlight: Parallel
This month marks the fourth anniversary of Parallel, a popular middle-eastern restaurant in the Junction neighbourhood that showcases sesame butter or tahini in its many delicious forms.
In conversation: Hugh Johnston
Hugh Johnston is the Chair of the Patient Advisory Board at UHN. He is also an avid sailor and Parkinson’s patient.
Chef Spotlight: Yoni Kamil
This November, Chef Yoni Kamil, the owner of Lev Bakery, will be deliciously satisfying our cravings with his decadent babka.