Inspiring Stories

Celebrating your philanthropy

Many of us are familiar with the expression ‘the people make the place’ and nowhere is this truer than at ROM. The Museum would not be a world-class cultural institution without the generous support of so many individuals, families and corporations. Here are just a few stories of ROM volunteers and donors who have gone above and beyond.     

 

For Michelle Yuen Man Lee, there were many compelling reasons to make a gift of life insurance to ROM, such as supporting critical initiatives and providing significant tax benefits. But most importantly, it was a meaningful way to honour her late husband, Nelson, and has made her visits to the Museum even more special today.

Clint Tham loves making watches and his son, Dax, loves dinosaurs. Now the duo are combining their interests to create-of-a-kind dino-themed watches to be sold auctioned off in support of another favourite of theirs – ROM.

Avid art collector and lifelong learner Philip Cheong’s relationship with ROM began as a graduate researcher in the Bishop White Committee Library of East Asia and has continued to grow ever since. By donating a portion of his personal collection of Chinese export porcelain to the Museum, in addition to generous financial support, he is ensuring East Asian arts and culture will continue to thrive at ROM for generations to come.

The ROM community is deeply saddened by the death of Joseph Tanenbaum, our dear friend, one of Canada’s leading and most civic-minded philanthropists. Joey served ROM with inspiring commitment and passion over three decades, as an engaged volunteer and superb donor supporting the growth and development of the Museum. ROM salutes and mourns our remarkable friend and champion, Joey Tanenbaum.

Jayshree Khimasia has a tremendous passion for South Asian art and culture. A gift-in-kind donation in her estate plan will enhance ROM’s collections and ensure it will continue to be a source of wonder and inspiration for generations to come.

The late Harold Robert Stankaitis spent a lifetime collecting neoclassical European art. By entrusting his collection to ROM in his will, he ensured that future will have the opportunity to share his passion.

During a remarkable career that spanned three decades, Doris Dohrenwend played an essential role in building ROM’s East Asian collections. Through a generous gift in her estate, her contributions will continue far beyond her lifetime.

Friends since high school, Mikal Radford and Muriel Lalka’s relationship has only grown stronger with time – and so has their connection to ROM. In addition to being Royal Patron Circle members, the couple have included a gift in their will that will support learning and discovery at the Museum for generations to come.

ROM is deeply saddened by the recent passing of Hyacinth Gloria Chen. Ms. Chen was a truly incredible woman who leaves behind a tremendous legacy, both as successful businesswoman and a dedicated mother and grandmother who instilled the greatest values and principles in her family. 

James Thompson is the son of legendary ROM volunteer Joan Thompson and living proof the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Through his work on the Bishop White Committee and a generous gift in his Will, he too is contributing to the future of the Museum – while also honouring his mother’s inspiring legacy.