Monday Night Live raises $3.2M for cancer research

It was a sold-out affair for this year’s Hope & Cope gala, held at Place des Arts in Montreal. Hope & Cope chairs Marlene and Joel King and Gala co-chairs Nancy Ditkofsky and

Howard Stotland, welcomed guests to “Monday Night Live,” and emphasized that Hope & Cope will continue to be there for cancer patients at every age and every stage. The Wellness Centre at Jewish General Hospital is a community effort that helps to make it possible to live well with and after cancer. Affectionately referred to as “Lou’s House,” in tribute to the memory of Lou Adler, the centre is managed by Hope & Cope staff with the assistance of cancer-experienced volunteers. Course instructors and specialists graciously donate their time and expertise to help develop and teach a variety of classes and programs to support patients and their families.

Sheila Kussner, O.C., O.Q., received a standing ovation for her remarkable influence and unparalleled contributions to cancer care in Montreal and beyond, which she has sustained over a 34-year period. “Throughout this very short but incredibly successful campaign, we were inspired by two things: Sheila’s superhuman work ethic and the knowledge that Hope & Cope is a life-changing organization that deserves continued support,” said Joel King. The gala evening was emceed by CJAD Radio broadcaster

Aaron Rand. American comedian, Emmy Award winner and New York Times bestselling author Dennis Miller lived up to his reputation, bringing the house down with his insightful, dry wit. Miller, who met Kussner for the first time earlier that evening, ended his set by noting that if anyone could conquer cancer, it was Sheila Kussner.

Also singled out for praise were the pillars whose extraordinary generosity provided the foundation for the campaign’s success: Sandra and Phil Gutherz; Marlene and Joel King; Emmelle and Alvin Segal, O.C., O.Q;, and Morris Goodman. All proceeds of the Monday Night Live gala will support the many innovative, life-affirming programs and services offered free of charge to cancer survivors and their families by Hope & Cope at its Wellness Centre and at its sites within the Jewish General Hospital’s Segal Cancer Centre. With a focus on living well in mind, body and spirit, Hope & Cope helps people cope at every age and every stage of cancer.

This year’s Hope & Cope’s spirited Monday Night Live Gala, raised a record $3,206,000.

From left, Howard Ditkofsky, Marlene King, Dennis Miller, Nancy Ditkofsky and Joel King.

Suzanne O’Brien, Sheila Kussner and Lucinda Chodin.

Lillian Vineberg and Morris Goodman.

Hanka and Sonny Gordon.

Sylvia and Lou Vogel; and Valeria Rosenbloom.

Phil and Sandra Gutherz.

Therese and Michael Brownstein.

Barbara Knobovitch and Jeannette Valmont.