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40 Under 40

Julie Cooke

Lakeridge Health Foundation
Oshawa, ON

Why is a 40 under 40 winner

  1. She is a co-founder of Launchpad, Durham Region’s first charitable young leaders committee. Within its first year, the committee raised over $17,000 and to date has raised over $34,000.
  2. Julie is also a co-creator of NightShift, North America’s first and only medical simulation challenge for the public. The event incorporates the best of experiential fundraising and physician engagement.
  3. At Lakeridge Health Foundation, she created and implemented a small business plan that combines sponsorship, physician engagement, and community engagement.
  4. At Toronto East General Hospital Foundation, she was part of the founding team that created the concept for the “Laughter is the Best Medicine” gala featuring Jerry Seinfeld, which grossed over $3 million its inaugural year.

Q & A

  1. How did you get into health care philanthropy?

    I was hired to coordinate events and sponsorship for a major gala benefiting my community hospital. I felt especially passionate about this particular hospital, as it was my hospital, I could walk to it from my home and my children were born there. Even more special, the gala was paying tribute to the late Steve Stravo who had been the chairman of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (my previous “for-profit” employer) and the Foundation president was impressed that I had not only met Mr. Stavro and his family, that I was knowledgeable about his remarkable community contributions. Eventually, I took on some major gift prospects and managed some important relationships, which sparked my interest in development as a long term career.

  2. Why did you choose to make health care philanthropy your career?

    I had the strong desire to put my professional experience and skill set to meaningful use. I felt a deep connection to my community and especially my community hospital. I wanted to do my part to ensure the best possible health care, not only for my family - but for my community.

  3. What has been the #1 factor in your career success so far?

    The number one factor to the success in my career so far is definitely strong and supportive leadership. I’ve had wonderful leaders who allowed me to chase my dreams and do I what I love most.

  4. What is your greatest passion and why?

    Doing my part to raise smart, compassionate children who are inspired make their community a better place to live, work and play.

  5. What are your future aspirations?

    6. To continue to grow in my role and make a positive impact on my community.

Julie Cooke

Fun Fact:

I am a sports mom, and a lover of all things coconut.