Top Business Minds Meet at Revolving Tables

The Israel Cancer Research Fund presented the 2nd annual ‘Revolving Tables’ networking event and fundraiser at the Park Hyatt on February 9. The 250 guests got the chance to mix and mingle among Canadian Executives, CEOs and other young professionals for an evening of cocktails, a three-course meal and facilitated networking. Think corporate speed dating, as we like to refer to it, as the event was designed to encourage interaction among like-minded professionals, with guests matched with a different executive at each course.

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The event kicked off with a cocktail reception in the University Hall before guests were ushered downstairs to take their seat for the first course in the Queen’s Park Ballroom. At 7:15, our very own Julian Brass took to the stage to welcome the guests and speak about some of Notable.ca’s resonating principles like passion when it comes to career choices and philanthropy, noting that our time is now to make our mark and make a difference.

Co-Chairs Leah Carr and Kyle Lichtman echoed the sentiment that it is essential to empower young professionals to ensure the continued growth of the Israeli Research Cancer Fund and charities in general. The guests were shown a video presentation featuring moving stories from cancer survivors as well as from researchers whose work is supported by the Fund.

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We agree that nurturing someone in the early stages of their career produces the best results for the sustainability of such initiatives started by young professionals past. And who better to learn from than some of the brightest and most successful minds in our city? We were thrilled to be in the presence of such influential business minds like Dr. Sheldon Herzig, Brian Gluckstein, Rose Reisman, Dale Lastman and Warren Kimmel, to name a few, who were among the 32 executives.

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Perhaps the highlight of the evening was during dessert, when we were paired at the table with Paul Godfrey, former CEO of the National Post, Sun Media and the Toronto Blue Jays. He had the table’s attention with stories of his entrepreneurial successes and challenges, experience in politics, views on the current state of media (no matter what, he believes Canada will always have at least one paper newspaper) and even anecdotes about his family.

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Other highlights included a raffle, business card draw and giveaways for an assortment of coveted prizes. The personal-sized jars of candy during dessert were a much-welcomed addition, too.

If you were looking to meet new friends and expand your existing professional network, this was the place to do it. The event surpassed fundraising goals and secured its place as a staple on the Toronto charity event scene.