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May 9, 2003
New campus celebrates life
Gala dinner will kick off home's Golden Key Endowment Fund campaign.
KYLE BERGER SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH BULLETIN
It was an historic day for anyone who has been involved with the
Louis Brier Home and Hospital since it opened in 1946.
As more than 200 people gathered on the corner of 41st Avenue and
Osler Street last Sunday, the ceremonial ribbon was cut, marking
the official opening of the new Harry and Jeanette Weinberg (of
Baltimore) Residence, located right next to the Louis Brier. The
two facilities now make up the Dr. Irving and Phyliss Snider Campus
for Jewish Seniors.
The ribbon was cut by Louis Brier resident Jeanette Novikof, sister
of the late Irving Snider, before Rabbi Yosef Wosk placed a mezuzah
outside the facility's main door. The crowd then took over the cafeteria
of the Weinberg Residence to hear from dignitaries like former Vancouver
mayor Philip Owen, provincial Health Minister Colin Hansen, B.C.
Lt.-Gov. Iona Campagnolo and Joseph Segal, who reflected on the
maturation of Jewish seniors care in Vancouver.
"This is my fourth opening for this organization," he
said with pride. "The first one was on 13th Avenue, the second
one was further down Oak Street, then the Louis Brier and now this
wonderful expansion to the facilities of this wonderful organization."
Segal went on to urge all who can afford it, to offer financial
support for the future of the organization. A champagne toast was
held, before tours of the new facilities were offered.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was just one of several events taking
place this month to celebrate the new campus for Jewish seniors.
A more formal celebration will take place May 25 at the 2003 Gala
Dinner event. The gala will be held in recognition of a growing
campus as the new Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Residence will be
less then a month old. According to the convenor of the event, Marie
Doduck, the dinner will recognize the celebration of life that the
campus for seniors represents.
"What we're trying to change with this dinner, is the perception
that the Louis Brier is just a place that you put your old parents
in," she said. "It's not. It's a place that your parents
go to have a wonderful life.
"It's going to be an exciting living place," she continued,
referring to the entire campus. "If you come here any time,
there will be music and people walking around."
"The spirit and mood around here has changed," added Dvori
Balshine, director of development for the Louis Brier Foundation.
"There are so many positive changes and everyone will tell
you that there is a great feeling here."
The dinner also marks the official kick-off of a campaign to create
a financial legacy through the new Golden Key Endowment Fund. The
interest collected from the fund will provide subsidies for potential
residents so that any member of the Jewish community can afford
to live in the Weinberg Residence. The initial goal for the fund
is $600,000, but that number should increase, as donations will
be encouraged at any time.
The gala will feature several special presentations, including a
performance by some of Perry Ehrlich's singers, various speeches
and a special video presentation. The event will also pay tribute
to honorees Joseph and Rosalie Segal and honorary co-chairs Ben
and Esther Dayson and Max and Margaret Fugman. The Segals will be
recognized for several generations of support to the Louis Brier
– Rosalie's father, Abrasha Wosk, was one of the key founders
of the Louis Brier Home in 1946. Joseph Segal is also the executor
of the Dr. Irving and Phyliss Snider estate and played a significant
role in the establishment of the campus for seniors in the Snider
name.
The Daysons have been longtime supporters of the Louis Brier. Among
their many contributions is a family tree sculpture in honor of
their 65th wedding anniversary that is located in the lounge of
the home's main entrance. Max and Margaret Fugman have also contributed
generously to the establishment of the campus for seniors.
Doduck said that her role as convenor is based on a simple desire
to invest in her own future and the future of her family and friends.
"Wherever my family has been involved, I've always been involved,"
she said, noting that her mother-in-law is currently a resident
at the Louis Brier. "We're all getting older and our money
should go where our future will eventually be."
The master of ceremonies for the gala will be Peter Legge, CEO of
Canada Wide Magazines and a former Golden Gavel Winner – Toastmasters
International's highest award.
The Louis Brier fund-raising dinner takes place May 25 at the Four
Season hotel at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $180, and running out quickly.
"We are four weeks away and we already almost have a full house,"
said Balshine. "So if people still want to be included, they
better call us right away."
For information about the new residence, the gala dinner or the
Golden Key Endowment Fund, call 604-261-5550.
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