A Tribute to Gerry and Tootsie Halbert

After years of organizing tributes and fundraising for others, Gerry and Tootsie Halbert were honoured with a celebration to recognize their years of volunteerism at University Health Network. A Tribute to Gerry and Tootsie Halbert was held in June in Koerner Hall at the Royal Conservatory of Music.

"Gerry and Tootsie have made a life out of giving back," said Event Co-Chair Leo Goldhar. "And each in their way has made a difference. Giving and helping is really their life."

To honour the significant contributions made by Gerry and Tootsie, the Krembil Family provided a lead gift of $2 million. Thanks to an outpouring of support from family, friends, colleagues and peers, a committee raised another $2 million to establish the Gerry and Tootsie Halbert Chair in Neural Repair and Regeneration.

"Tootsie and Gerry have always been the heart of the Krembil Neuroscience Centre and Toronto Western Hospital," says Chairholder and Krembil Neuroscience Centre Medical Director Dr. Michael Fehlings.

Dr. Fehlings is a world-renowned expert in spinal cord repair and his research focuses on the application of stem cell biology to repairing spinal cords damaged by disease and injury.

Co-hosted by Leo Goldhar and Dr. Michael Baker, the evening featured a full program of music and artistic performances, and was produced by Veronica Tennant.

First asked to get involved in fundraising efforts by Dr. Charles Tator, a close friend and former Head of Neurosurgery, Gerry has helped raise over $140 million for TWH since 1995.

In Gerry's inaugural fundraising role at TWH, he served as a committee member for the Spark of Life Campaign, helping to raise over $21 million for spinal cord research.

Tootsie has been a champion of philanthropy in her own right. In addition to donating the sales of her exquisite jewelry designs "Creations by Tootsie" to the Krembil Neuroscience Centre, Tootsie has been an enduring friend of TWH.