WOMEN OF ACTION LUNCHEON

Pulitzer Prize winner keynote speaker

Against the backdrop of the American midterm elections, when a record-breaking number of diverse women were elected to the House of Representatives, as well as the history-making and history-changing #MeToo movement, it was rather timely — and apropos — to be covering the Israel Cancer Research Fund’s Women of Action Luncheon. Founded by a determined crew of Montreal women on a mission to find a cure for cancer and help fund ICRF’s extraordinary, oft pioneering research, the annual luncheon honours inspiring women of action while featuring compelling women speakers, who also inspire and empower with their achievements and life journeys. The 13th edition was held at the stunning Le Windsor, initiated by a mimosa-rich cocktail in the Versailles Room before the 500-plus guests took their seats for the main events. First up was ICRF Montreal president Jeffrey Bernstein (attending with wife Maxine Foldiak), who spoke eloquently of the organization’s research milestones and then introduced the Montreal chapter’s Scientific Advisory Board chair, Dr. Walter Gotlieb. The revered onco-surgeon elaborated upon the progress (including personalized and MRI-guided treatments) and the tremendous difference community support yields. Next, co-chair Elyse Rosen introduced a beautiful tribute video featuring the 2018 honourees — trailblazers who have made an impact on the world (and imprinted ours that day) with their outstanding contributions, both professionally and community-wise. After the video, each one — including science honouree, Montreal Children’s Hospital pediatric hema-to-oncologist Dr. Nada Jabado (attending with husband Dr. Jacques-Philippe Faucher); community honouree Dale Boidman, a member of the executive committee and National Walk Lead, Bladder Cancer Canada (with husband Nathan); and business honouree, Michael Kors Canada president Debra Margles (with husband Pino Forgione) — said a few words, inspiring us even more. While dining on a flawless three-course lunch catered by Blossom by the Plaza, we enjoyed more commanding and poignant addresses by co-chair Lindsay Hollinger, an associate portfolio manager at Jarislowsky Fraser; co-chair Alana Geller, a partner at Richter; and honorary chairwoman Heather Adelson, who spoke movingly of her own courageous experiences with the disease. And then it was time for the much-anticipated keynote speaker, Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times journalist Jodi Kantor, who captivated with her detailed account of breaking the Harvey Weinstein scandal with fellow journalist Megan Twohey. As she discussed their remarkable journey with candour and humour, highlighting challenges and unforeseen rewards along the way (including forging life-changing bonds and spawning formidable social change), she underscored the difference we can all make in our own spheres of influence, and reinforced the importance of a free and independent press. (Amen!) Guests were impressed and counted amongst their illustrious ranks: co-chair Shari Gordon Black; ICRF past president Robert Bard and wife, past co-chair Dr. Leah Moss; past honorary chair and gold sponsor Anne-Marie Boucher; silent auction sponsor Nannette de Gaspé Beaubien, CEO of Nannette de Gaspé; past co-chair and proud silent auction sponsor, Granolust founder Julie Wiener; committee member Alana Wexler Schwartz; her sister and past co-chair, writer Suzanne Wexler and many more. The important and timely event raised a record-breaking $310,000-plus for cancer research, thanks to overwhelming community support from attendees and the likes of sponsors including the diamond-level Azrieli Foundation, Heather Adelson and family, and Richter. Kudos as well to new event initiatives like the silent auction centrepieces featuring products generously donated by 15 local girl-power brands, including Aurum Activewear, Nannette de Gaspé, Granolust, Rejuice and others, and farewell gifts courtesy of Lysa Lash Furs. ICRF has awarded more than 2,400 grants totalling more than $65 million to underwrite cancer research at leading medical and scientific institutions. The local chapter currently funds four Israeli fellows conducting groundbreaking research in collaboration with physicians at the Jewish General Hospital, MUHC Cedars and the Montreal General Hospital.

HOWARD KAY KANTOR KAPTIVATES: Keynote speaker and Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times journalist Jodi Kantor has the audience’s attention, and then some, at the Israel Cancer Research Fund’s annual Women of Action Luncheon at Le Windsor.

CHRISTINNE MUSCHI TEAM DREAM: ICRF Montreal president Jeffrey Bernstein, honorary chairwoman Heather Adelson, event co-chairs Shari Gordon Black and Alana Geller, speaker/New York Times journalist Jodi Kantor, co-chairs Elyse Rosen and Lindsay Hollinger, and honourees Debra Margles, Dr. Nada Jabado and Dale Boidman.

HOWARD KAY DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE: Event supporter Faygie Dubrovsky, ICRF vice-president Bonnie Ostrov, Scientific Advisory Board chair Dr. Walter Gotlieb and past ICRF president Phyllis Brull take part in the ICRF’s annual Women of Action Luncheon at Le Windsor.

CHRISTINNE MUSCHI SISTERS ON SCENE: Committee member Alana Wexler Schwartz and sister/past co-chair Suzanne Wexler make the ICRF’s Women of Action Luncheon a family affair.

HOWARD KAY SHARING THE GOOD STUFF: Nannette de Gaspé Beaubien, Dr. Johanna Choremis, Natalie Azzouz, Sandy Rubin, Catherine Turner, Jill Aberman, Violette Cohen, business honouree Debra Margles, Claudia Cytrynbaum and Anne-Marie Boucher at the Women of Action Luncheon.

CHRISTINNE MUSCHI SMILING SUPPORTERS: Former committee member Rona Rosen and past chairs Sheryl Rosen and Maureen Tajfel.

HOWARD KAY POWER GALS: Richter’s Jenny Cheong Hin, Tamara Beresford and Tanya Greenidge, and NRC’s Dr. Priyum Koonjul.

HOWARD KAY CHEERS TO A GREAT EVENT: ICRF donor Leesa Steinberg with mimosa in hand.