Pictured above: Louis de Melo, Dr. Jeremy Freeman, United States Consul General Juan Alsace, Ben Mulroney, Arron Barberian, Howard Sokolowski
On May 7, Barberian’s Steak House closed its doors to host an intimate, private dinner in support of Mount Sinai Hospital, part of Sinai Health System. Now in its sixth year, the Harry Barberian Memorial Dinner honours the life of Harry Barberian, an entrepreneur and family man who helped shape Toronto’s culinary landscape and played host to everyone from Prime Ministers to movie stars.
Harry was treated for cancer in 1986 by Dr. Jeremy Freeman at Mount Sinai Hospital. The care he received provided him with many additional, wonderful years. This dinner is both a celebration of Harry Barberian and the excellent care he received at Mount Sinai. Funds from this event support the research activities of residents, fellows, graduate students and junior Faculty of the Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital.
Notable attendees included Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, Ben Mulroney, Consul General Juan Alsace, Paul and Gina Godfrey and Dr. Ann Cavoukian. Over 90 guests were invited into Barberian’s private wine cellar where they were treated to fresh oysters, shrimp and smoked salmon, passed hors d’oeuvres and fine wines. Later, they enjoyed a four-course steak dinner.
“The extra years afforded to us because of the spectacular care received at Mount Sinai Hospital was truly a cherished gift,” says Arron Barberian, event organizer. “My family is indebted to Dr. Freeman and the many talented physicians who will translate the ongoing support of this special event to impact the future for so many more families.”
“This is a shining example of how the life of one person can touch an entire community,” said Louis de Melo, Chief Executive Officer of Sinai Health Foundation. “Funds raised from this event will support the next generation of researchers so that one day, we can live in a world without cancer. We are very grateful to Arron Barberian and his family for hosting this special event.”