One Amazing Evening

On Friday we attended the Ultimate Jet Set Experience event benefiting Sunnybrook’s Women & Babies Program Neonatal Follow Up Clinic. It was at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto and a beautiful venue. One hundred and fifty guests attended the $1,000 per plate event; a gourmet evening of music which included an amazing auction. Top of the auction was a trip to the US Open, on a private jet, box seats and all the champagne and caviar you could eat… amazing. There was also a Master’s trip on the auction block and many other awesome items to raise significant funds.

Dr. Paige Church (head of the follow-up clinic) asked us in February if we would be willing to speak at this event. Of course, we accepted the opportunity – not really knowing at the time what the event was all about, the format, etc. Our ‘job’ for the evening was to give a testimony of our experience with Summer; birth to present. We had such a great time catching up over dinner with Dr. Church, Maureen (Summer’s lead Physiotherapist) and Patricia Maddalena, Nurse Practitioner in NICU Follow Up Clinic. It was really special to share the event with these three amazing ladies.

After the main course it was time for our speech. Don and Summer accompanied me to the podium and I gave our first hand account of the amazing care we have and continue to receive at Sunnybrook. It was an emotional experience but I managed to hold it together.

Following our speech was the live auction. It was quite exciting as the US Open bids went over $20,000.

Summer’s last job of the evening was to draw the winning ticket for the ‘door prize’, an 18K gold, diamond & ruby ring valued at $8,000. Here’s how it transpired.

Summer and Don made their way to the front. Dr. Church leans over and says to me “I hope she pulls number 119!” Summer dipped her hand in the bucket and handed the winning ticket to Leslie Roberts from Global National who was emcee for the evening. He squinted and read the winning number: 119!!! We were shocked, amazed! As if?

Paige made a classy move and asked that the ring be auctioned, on the spot, to raise a few more funds for the program. And the bidding began… it stalled at $5,500, so Leslie raised the stakes and added a ‘photo opt’ with Summer for the winning bidder. The bidding went to $7,500 and was won by a lovely couple at the next table.

The winning couple & photographer came over for the photo and we let Summer have her moment with them, standing off to the side. She obliged with hugs and smiles all around. Then we overheard the lady say, “this is for you Summer!” I thought, how cute, she’s letting Summer hold the box for the photo. Don said to me, “I think she is giving the ring to Summer!” I said, Of course she isn’t…I’m sure she is just letting her play with the box.” Well, a moment later when the ‘photo shoot’ was over, the lady and her husband said, “We want Summer to have the ring.” Don and I protested; we could not accept such a gift. But in the end, we did. The Gentleman assured us they were very happy to contribute to a great cause and it would please them to know that Summer has the ring.

It is still giving me goose bumps to recollect the moment.

Family heirlooms need to start somewhere and now we have one that starts with Summer and a story of spontaneous generosity and kindness. We are truly touched and still can’t quite believe it.

Summer is very aware that the ring is hers. I even asked if I could borrow it sometime and so far she has said no. One day she may say yes…I will keep trying.


Summer enjoying her dessert trio!



Maureen & Patricia








Patricia, Dr. Church, Maureen, Summer & me



THE Ring