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@porridgeforparkinsons.org
2022 Co-Chairs: Adrienne Anderson and Jennifer Cerny
The P4P Committee has been the same group since 2020.
2020-2022 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
Brunch with Mildred’s scones
Mildred’s Temple Kitchen is renowned for flaky, buttery scones served with Strawberry Fruit Butter.
Chocolatier Extraordinaire: Kata Ambrus
In 2020, Kata Ambrus opened Chocolat de Kat in the St. Clair West neighbourhood. Each bonbon is like a tiny piece of edible art.
Fund a Fellow
Dr. Lang: “[fellows are] the future of our field, they’re the future of the care we provide, and they’re the future of the research.”
Chef Spotlight: Chef John Horne
Chef John Horne, District Executive Chef, at Oliver & Bonacini. In his role at O&B, John oversees the culinary direction of the company’s portfolio, including Canoe, Biff’s Bistro, and Auberge du Pommier.
In conversation: Dr. Philip Hébert
Dr. Philip Hébert is a Professor Emeritus at the University of Toronto. He had an active practice in Family Medicine until his retirement from clinical medicine in 2010.