March 2009, Volume 3, Issue 10 www.sunnybrookfoundation.ca Foundation News & Events, When It Matters Most [email protected] Sunnybrook Foundation News Sunnybrook’s Schulich Heart Centre gets $20 million boost O ne year ago, an anonymous donor put a challenge to Sunnybrook : if the hospital raised $10 million by the end of 2008, it would be matched, dollar-for-dollar. Sunnybrook accepted the challenge and donor s from across the GTA responded. Today, Sunnybrook has $20 million to construct a new, wo rld- class , technologically -advanced Schulich Hea rt Centre . “We would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped us achieve our $10 million matching goal,” said Kevin Goldthorp, chief executive officer of Sunnybrook Foundation. “Sunnybrook can’t deliver world-class innovations in cardiac care without the support of donors and in tough economic times, this achievement is quite remarkable.” The challenge inspired Sunnybrook’s supporters in the Chinese community. In October, 16 leaders from Toronto’s Chinese community came together with the purpose of raising funds for the matching campaign. The group, called the Honorary Patrons Council, set a goal of raising $1.5 million. Ultimately, they raised $2.5 “This is the first time that Toronto’s Chinese community has collaborated with a hospital to fundraise on such a grand scale,” said John Man, Chair of the Honorary Patrons Council. “I am overjoyed that we were able to surpass our goal for such a worthy cause. I would like to thank my fellow council members, especially Ellen Pun for her philanthropy and ability to motivate others to give.” “The Schulich Heart Centre is important to our community,” says Ellen Pun, Sunnybrook Foundation’s Governing Council and Honorary Patrons Council member. “It is important for us to rally behind this world-class institution to improve cardiac care.” At the request of our anonymous donor, the gift will be recognized by the naming of the Brian W. Gilbert Cardiovascular Acute Care Unit. Dr. Gilbert is the chief of the Schulich Heart Centre at Sunnybrook. “Heart disease is one of the leading causes of illness and death amongst Canadians,” said Dr. Gilbert. “This $20 million gift will save lives. Our donors’ generosity enables us to create a revitalized Schulich Heart Centre to deliver the best possible care to the province’s most critically ill heart patients. We are profoundly grateful for this gift to Sunnybrook and the people we serve.” The centre rebuild will replace the 40-year-old acute care unit with a completely new unit that will set national standards for patient care. Medical equipment throughout the centre will be updated, ensuring the best technologies are available to patients. Patient rooms and visitor facilities will also be expanded and modernized. To learn how you can contribute to the Schulich Heart Centre visit www.sunnybrookfoundation.ca or call 416-480-4483. Members of the Honorary Patrons Council were recognized at the Estates of Sunnybrook for their $2.5 million contribution to the Schulich Heart Centre Matching Campaign. (Photo: D. Nicholson) D ue to demand for One Night Live tickets, a new block of seats has been released and put up for special auction. For a limited time, until March 9, the public can go to ticketmaster.ca and bid on tickets starting at $80. One Night Live, presented by Sun Life Financial, will feature international recording artists Sting, Sheryl Crow and The Canadian Tenors. Now in its second year, the concert will be held at the Air Canada Centre, and hosted by Sex & the City and Law & Order star, Chris Noth. On February 11, Chris thrilled hundreds of Sunnybrook staff at a launch event hosted in the McLaughlin Auditorium and simulcast at the Grenville Campus. Chris shared his recent experience of becoming a first-time father. Three lucky prize winners posed for a photo with him. Throughout the day, Chris made special appearances on local and national television programs including Breakfast Television, Entertainment Tonight and The Hour. To bid on tickets go to www.ticketmaster.ca. A tax receipt will be issued for a portion of each ticket purchased through the bid. Sunnybrook’s One Night Live™ host and Sex & the City star Chris Noth at the launch event. (Photo: D. Nicholson) New block of One Night Live™ tickets available through special auction W ell-known breast cancer survivor Sheryl Crow has thrown her support behind the Odette Cancer Centre. On May 20 th , the internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter will play an exclusive and intimate show at the Angus Glen Golf Club. Live to Tell: Up Close and Personal with Sheryl Crow is a celebration that brings w w together those dedicated to supporting treatment and research for breast cancer. Sheryl will entertain with her chart-topping hits and share her own inspiring experience as a breast cancer survivor. Canada’s very own Belinda Stronach - also a breast cancer survivor and former Liberal MP will host the event. Live to Tell will raise significant funds to support the building of the new Breast Cancer Research Centre and build awareness of this new resource in the fight against cancer. When built, the Breast Centre will occupy the sixth floor of M-Wing and will be home to pioneering programs such as PYNK, Breast Clinical Trials, The Locally Advanced Breast Cancer Program and Breast Brachytherapy. You can get your ticket online for $500 and receive a $425 tax receipt or by paying a non-tax deductible registration fee of $75 and fundraise for the additional $425. To learn more about Live to Tell visit www.livetotell.ca. Acclaimed singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow