MISSION AND GOALS

This yarzheit candle burns in loving memory of past residents of Maimonides. Donations to the Yarzheit Candle Fund support Jewish programming at Maimonides. Click here to make a donation to the Yarzheit Candle Fund. If you wish to purchase a Yarzheit plaque to be hung in the synagogue, please contact the Foundation at (514) 483-2121 ext. 2207 or mhgcfoundation@ssss.gouv.qc.ca Hebrew Date Converter

The mission of the Maimonides Geriatric Centre Foundation is to provide the financial resources and leadership required to enhance the quality of life of the Centre's residents. The Foundation's role is to fundraise, build links with the community, promote the development of the Centre's services and facilities, share expertise, support innovative programming and maintain Maimonides' status as a Centre which sets new standards in geriatric care.

HISTORY OF THE FOUNDATION

The Maimonides Geriatric Centre Foundation was formed in 1974 by a highly dedicated group of community leaders who were determined to ensure high standards of care and the finest facilities at the Centre.

Their original objective was to supplement limited government funding with donations from private individuals, corporations, foundations and other sources, allowing Maimonides to provide a rich diversity of programs and services. As years passed, this objective extended to the replacement and improvement of the Centre's facilities.

Ben Cobrin Z"L, the Founding President of the Foundation, together with Phil Levenson, assembled the initial Board of Directors which began to fundraise and encourage members of the community to include Maimonides as a beneficiary in their wills. The first major bequest, in the amount of $165,000 arrived from the estate of Max and Jenny Borkowitz in 1976, stipulating that a garden be created on the grounds of the Centre. A magnificent garden was inaugurated the same year, featuring the gazebo which would become a landmark in the area, as well as the recent inspiration for our latest logo.

Bequests and endowment funds eventually became the largest source of capital for the Foundation, as Ben Cobrin Z"L promoted the concept that you must "plant the seed, and Maimonides will reap the benefits in future years." And thanks to Ben's continuing involvement as co-Chair of the Investment Committee, the annual income from this capital has grown each year, helping support essential services for our 387 residents.

Six other individuals have also served as President of the Foundation: Dave Singerman Z"L, Mitchell Klein, Stan Hitzig, Phil Levenson, George Landau, Larry Nachshen and the current President, Allen Quallenberg.

Dave Singerman Z"L served as chair of the 85th Anniversary Gala in 1995, and was instrumental in organizing two Jackie Mason benefit performances which produced a record level of donations for the Foundation - $470,000 in net revenue.

The operations and leadership of the Foundation have been re-shaped since 1996, and the Maimonides-RBC Dominion Securities Golf Tournament has developed into the largest 18-hole tournament in the city, raising $365,000 at the 13th anniversary in 2004.

The Maimonides Battle of the Bands, which started in 2003, has proven to be one of the hottest tickets in town. Five-baby boomer bands made up of doctors, lawyers, dentists and businessmen rock'n roll to raise funds for Maimonides.