First-ever Sinai Showdown raises $1 million for research and care

Four remarkable families – the Cynamons, Goldsteins, Kimels and Pilosofs – stepped up to the challenge, taking the stage to test their knowledge in a night of friendly competition hosted by comedian Gerry Dee.  

What were they competing for? The opportunity to direct a $250,000 grand prize to a program at Sinai Health that is close to their hearts.  

The Cynamons championed Sinai Health’s world-leading women’s and infants’ health program at the Frances Bloomberg Centre for Women's and Infants' Health. The Goldsteins played for the renowned Centre for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) at Mount Sinai Hospital. The Kimels championed specialized cancer care programs and research. And the Pilosofs played for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) that provides care to fragile infants.

But the driving force behind this night of fun was each family’s commitment to mobilizing their networks to raise critical funds for life-changing research and care across Sinai Health. Together, thanks to the generosity of donors, attendees, and sponsors, the event raised $1 million in support of the institution’s highest priority needs.

“Sinai Health has an incredibly committed community of donors and supporters who are always willing to help us push the boundaries of what is possible for care and research. We’re deeply grateful to the four families who have risen to this challenge and rallied the community around them to help us transform the future of care for generations to come by participating in this exciting event,” says Louis de Melo, President and CEO of Sinai Health Foundation.  

After an unforgettable program full of trivia, laughter and camaraderie, the Goldstein family came out victorious, securing the grand prize for the Centre for Inflammatory Bowel Disease. The crowd was electric as members of the team at the Centre, including Dr. Adam Weizman and Dr. Zane Cohen, C.M., joined the family on stage to celebrate the win.  

“For our family, this cause is deeply personal. Three generations have lived with IBD, and we have all felt its impacts,” said the Goldsteins. “We also know there is a hereditary component, which makes supporting Sinai Health’s research even more important as we think about future generations.” 

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to this event! We are especially grateful to our Category Sponsors: TD Securities and The David and Stacey Cynamon Family Foundation, and to our Showdown Sponsors: CIBC, Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites Conference Centre and Spa and RPIA.

Interested in stepping up to the plate next year? Your family could join the fun and take on the challenge to participate in Sinai Showdown in 2026, helping us raise crucial funds for life-changing research and care at Sinai Health. For more information, reach out to our events team by emailing [email protected].  

Click here to see photos from the evening!