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 $1.1 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@porridgeforparkinsonsto.org
2023 Committee
Peggy Ahearn
Adrienne Anderson
Julie Bordignon
Marylou Caden
Arna Cappe
Jennifer Cerny
Natalie Evans
Melissa Florence
Debi Perna
Sharon Rattner
Shelli Schwartz
Beth Sulman
Ira Trocme
Deb Voorheis
Joanne Yolles
Together again! This year we are planning to hold P4P at Toronto’s iconic Brick Works. Photo by @marydempster.

2020-2022 Committee
Co-Chairs:
Adrienne Anderson
Jennifer Cerny
Peggy Ahearn
Julie Bordignon
Natalie Evans
Melissa Florence
Debi Perna
Sharon Rattner
Shelli Schwartz
Beth Sulman
Deb Voorheis
Joanne Yolles

2019 Committee
Co-Chairs:
Adrienne Anderson
Jennifer Cerny
Julie Bordignon
Barb Cerny
Debi Perna
Sharon Rattner
Shelli Schwartz
Beth Sulman
Deb Voorheis
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 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

Chef Spotlight: Paula Navarette
Paula Navarette is a chef, food aficionado, and chocolatier. 2023 is her first year on the P4P chef team.

Chef Spotlight: Anthony Rose
Chef Anthony Rose gets rave reviews in the culinary community.

Musical Guests: Fifth Element
Porridge for Parkinson’s welcomes the Fifth Element jazz quintet on November 15, 2023 at the Brick Works.

Emcee Extraordinare: Jeanne Beker
Jeanne Beker is Porridge for Parkinson’s 2023 emcee extraordinaire.

Special Guest: Harry Forestell
Porridge for Parkinson’s welcomes Harry Forestell as our special guest speaker this November.