David Cynamon and Howard Sokolowski Announce Major Gift for Sports Complex

A vital part of the Prosserman JCC, which opened its first phase this past fall, the Cynamon/Sokolowski Sports Complex will offer a comprehensive, holistic approach to health and wellness for all ages. The approximately 71000 sq. foot facility will include a multi-sport gymnasium, indoor and outdoor pools, including a therapeutic pool, an indoor running track, and a state of the art fitness centre.

“This is an extraordinary gift, by philanthropic leaders in our city.  The Cynamon/ Sokolowski Sports Complex will embody the generosity, passion for sport, and commitment to community for which the Cynamon and Sokolowski families are renowned”, said Alan Winer, Chair, UJA Federation of Greater Toronto.

The Cynamon/Sokolowski Sports Complex will be part of the second phase of Sherman Campus, a unique centre of community services located on 27.5 acres adjacent to the Don Valley ravine on Bathurst St, north of Sheppard Ave.  The campus includes the Prosserman JCC, The National Centre for Jewish Heritage, the Sarah and Chaim Neuberger Holocaust Education Centre, The Koffler Centre of the Arts, the Lipa Green Centre for Jewish Community Services and the brand new Leah Posluns Theatre.

In announcing the gift, the owners of the Toronto Argonauts emphasized their commitment to enriching lives through athletics.  “Sports have a way of bringing people from all backgrounds and experiences together in the pursuit of excellence. My family and I are thrilled to be part of the growth and vibrancy of the Prosserman JCC on Sherman Campus which will serve Torontonians of all backgrounds ”, said David Cynamon.  “I can think of no better way to give back to a community than helping to give all Torontonians the opportunity to experience the love of sport in a nurturing environment that celebrates Jewish life within the context of a vibrant and diverse city like Toronto”, said Howard Sokolowski.

Sherman Campus is part of UJA Federation of Greater Toronto’s $400 million Tomorrow Campaign, which is building three centres of Jewish life that will serve all residents of the Greater Toronto area.  Chaired by Gerry Schwartz and Larry Tanenbaum, the project is the largest non-profit infrastructure development in Canada.  The groundbreaking of Sherman Campus took place in October, 2007 and the first phase of construction was completed in September, 2009. The groundbreaking of the 50 acre Joseph and Wolf Lebovic Jewish Community Campus in Vaughan took place in May, 2005. In the downtown core, the Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre completed its renovation in November, 2004, and The Wolfond Centre for Jewish Campus Life opened in February, 2004. 

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Media Contact:
Sally Szuster, Public and Media Relations
UJA Federation of Greater Toronto
Phone: 416.840-2988/Cell: 647-280-6017 sszuster@ujafed.org www.jewishtoronto.com

David Cynamon
David Cynamon became a business leader at a young age and by the age of 24, was the CEO of the TSE-listed HAV-INFO Computers.

In 1995, he acquired controlling interest in a tiny one plant operation called KIK Corporation and turned it into North America’s largest manufacturer of retailer and national brand consumer products in the household, personal care and over the counter drug categories. KIK has been recognized twice as one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies and in 2002, David led the company through one of the years largest and most successful Income Fund public offerings forming KCP Income Fund. In 2001, David was recognized as one of Canada’s Top 40 under 40 by the Globe and Mail’s Report on Business and in 2002, he was awarded the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award for the Canadian Manufacturing sector. In May 2007, David led the sale of KCP to New York Based Caxton-Iseman.

An avid sportsman who has completed 4 triathlons, David is also co-owner of the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts, as well as co-owner of one of Canada’s top banquet facilities, the Liberty Grand.

David and his wife Stacey, are leaders in Toronto’s philanthropic community, supporting Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children, Mount Sinai Hospital, UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, Edmonton Jewish Foundation, the Gerry & Nancy Pencer Brain Trust, Upper Canadan College and camps for underprivileged children, arts organizations, the CNIB camp at Lake Joseph and programs for Israeli youth.

David and Stacey have three children Jesse, Josh and Geri Cynamon.

Howard Sokolowski
Howard Sokolowski is the CEO of Metropia Urban Landscapes, a national real estate company devoted to urban development and renewal.  He is also the co-owner of the Canadian Football League’s Toronto Argonauts.

As the former Chief Executive Officer of Tribute Communities, Mr. Sokolowski earned a stellar reputation as one of the largest homebuilders in Canada: building over 25,000 homes across Ontario. While at Tribute, Mr. Sokolowski received countless home building awards including those from J.D. Powers and Associates, the Ontario Home Builders Association, and the Greater Toronto Home Builders Association.

Howard Sokolowski is also a philanthropist and an active member of his community. 

He is currently a director of the Art Gallery of Ontario, and a member of the Foundation Board of Mount Sinai Hospital and York University.  He is a past chair of the United Jewish Appeal’s annual campaign, raising $60 million in one year, a record at the time.  Mr. Sokolowski has also been a major benefactor to: the Rouge Valley Health System, the Ontario Institute of Technology, Soulpepper Theatre, the McMichael Gallery, the National Ballet School, the Canadian Centre for diversity, Holy Blossom Temple, Upper Canada College, B’nai Brith Canada, the Bloor JCC, the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research, the Canadian Military Families Fund, York University, and Mount Sinai Hospital.

He is married to Senator Linda Frum and together they have five children -Josh, Ben, Sam, Barbara and Ellie.

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