A few months before I launched my first campaign for city council in Côte Saint-Luc in 2005, I was eating at Dunn’s Famous downtown and talking to owner Elliot Kligman. The topic of the election came up and when I told Elliot that my District 2 encompassed Marc Chagall Avenue, he excitedly told me that his parents Mel and Bayla resided in a condominium on that street and I should call his mom.
I did indeed give Bayla Kligman a call and she was beyond supportive. “How can I help?” she asked.
One night Bayla invited me to the building and proceeded to introduce me to all of her neighbours. I never forgot her good nature and I was deeply saddened upon learning last summer that she had passed away.
Bayla was the daughter of Myer Dunn, the founder of the restaurant that bears his name. On Thursday, August 10 the Israel Cancer Research Fund (ICRF) will hold its 15th annual Ladies Only Golf Tournament at Hillsdale Golf and Country Club in Bayla’s memory.
Former ICRF Executive Director Arlene Silver, a District 2 resident, will co-chair the event with Bonnie Rothstein. Proceeds will go towards ovarian cancer research under the leadership of Dr Walter Gotlieb at the Jewish General Hospital. Dr. Gotlieb. is the ICRF Scientific Advisory Chair.=
Bayla Kligman was a longtime supporter of ICRF and organizers believe the tournament provides an opportunity to celebrate her life, humor, wit, sportsmanship and contributions to tye cause. According to the co-chairs, “Bayla was often referred to as ‘the go – to person,’ always ready to welcome new members to both Pinegrove and Hillsdale. She was wonderful at connecting golfers looking to form a foursome and establishing new friendships. Her home was filled with golf trophies and she was ready and eager to play her best. However, it was always about playing with ‘her girls.’”
Bayla also loved golfing with her three grandsons, “the boys,” while enjoying the friendly competition and laughs between them. Sundays were reserved for couples’ golf where she partnered with her husband Mel.
ICRF Montreal Executive Director Gail Grief says that at each event planning meeting, new “Bayla isms,” are suggested – noted quotes from Bayla. There will be one placed at every hole. Some of them include: « A room with a view »; « A Kodak moment » ;« My boys »; « 100 % »; « A beauty, a doll »; « It’s always the one who asks’; « Grow teeth »; « Get legs »; « I bring out the best in you »; « Be good to Bayla »; « Never up, never in »; « I give you the first putt »; « A chip and a coke » ; « Higher Myer »; « Hit the ball, Nelly »; « The tears are dripping down my legs »; « It’s not how you drive, it’s how you arrive ! ».
How clever! Bayla will indeed be looking over each hole.
The Ladies Only Golf Tournament remains an important source of revenue for ICRF. This year the Kligman family have stepped up to the plate, along with countless volunteers. Sponsorship is still being accepted.
Founded in 1975, ICRF has raised approximately $60 million and supported over 2,300 research projects. ICRF-funded scientists have been at the forefront of important discoveries such as GLEEVEC, DOXIL, and VELCADE, which today, are used to treat hundreds of thousands of cancer patients across the globe. Montreal is an integral branch of the ICRF family, which also has offices in New York, Los Angeles, Florida, Chicago, Connecticut, Toronto and Israel.
For more information, please contact Gail Grief, ICRF Executive Director (514-481-2723, [email protected]).