OUR HONOUREES
OUR AWARD SPONSORS
About Cherry Tabb
Established in 2023, The Cherry Tabb & Herzig Eye Institute Women of Action Business Award recognizes a woman who is an inspirational role model in her workplace, community or industry. Driven by a clarity of purpose, passion and empowerment, the honouree demonstrates her ability as a leader to impact positive change in the community and amongst her peers.
In 1996, Cherry Tabb and Dr. Sheldon Herzig founded the Herzig Eye Institute in Toronto and Ottawa, a centre of excellence focused on providing patients with their best possible vision using advanced technologies and innovations. A past Women of Action award recipient, and a trailblazer with a laser sharp focus, Cherry is a true visionary in the Canadian business and health community.
Under Cherry’s business leadership and Dr. Herzig’s clinical leadership, the award-winning team of physicians at Herzig Eye Institute have performed over 200,000 life-changing procedures for patients from all around the world.
With innovation and philanthropy inherent in Herzig Eye Institute’s DNA, Cherry’s ongoing commitment to Israel Cancer Research Fund will continue to support the ongoing world-class research by ICRF-funded scientists impacting local, national and international communities worldwide. Cherry contributes to a wide range of meaningful charitable causes.
About Vera Finkelstein
Vera Finkelstein was born in Montreal and moved to Toronto in 1979. She completed a B.A. in Political Science and Economics and, in 1974, received a M.Ed. in Guidance and Counseling from McGill University. After moving to Toronto, she earned a Masters of Social Work from the University of Toronto and went on to work at the Reena Foundation and Jewish Family and Child Services.
Vera was married to the late Larry Finkelstein for 65 years. She has two sons and one daughter, a daughter-in-law, a son-in-law, five grandchildren and three Sabra great grandchildren.
ICRF has been an integral part of Vera’s life for 50 years. As a member of the Montreal Chapter since its inception in 1976 and a as founding member of the Toronto Chapter, Vera has been blessed to be part of ICRF’s incredible journey as it has evolved from a fledgling experiment into the amazing international charitable organization and community it has become. Participating as a volunteer and fundraiser for its fundraising and educational events, sitting on various committees, attending Scientific Review Panels and the ICRF International Scientific Council meetings has enriched and given purpose to Vera’s life. A highlight has been to have been part of several ICRF Missions to Israel, especially the most recent one in November, 2025.
Through ICRF, Larry z”l and Vera have been able to lead by example in instilling the value of tzedakah and philanthropy in their children and grandchildren, l’dor v’dor.
Larry z”l and Vera were honoured and humbled to receive an ICRF Lifetime Achievement Award at the Toronto Gala in 2007.
About Wendy Lack
The Wendy Lack Women of Action Scientific Award was established in 2016 to honour the memory of Wendy Lack, a dynamic woman whose life was cut short by breast cancer.
In her professional life, Wendy was an accomplished immigration lawyer who shepherded numerous immigrants through their transition to lives with greater freedom and promise. In her personal life, she was cherished by her family and loved by her wide circle of friends. Despite an initial cancer diagnosis at age 31, Wendy was determined that cancer would not define her life. Following treatment, she enthusiastically returned to her busy schedule and continued at that pace for the next 20 years, with further professional growth, world travels and social engagement, imbued with her characteristic fashion flare and fun-loving style.
About Ronda Green
The Ronda Green Women of Action Award was established in 2019 to honour Ronda’s beautiful memory. Ronda was a loving mother of three and a new grandmother. She loved golf, skiing, traveling, entertaining and playing mahj, but above all she loved spending time with her family and friends.
The love Ronda gave to her husband and children, and new grandson was limitless. Ronda’s family was always at the front of her mind and she did everything to support and care for each member. She was a devoted and compassionate daughter, sister and aunt. She was a caring, dedicated and loyal friend.
Ronda volunteered in the community for multiple organizations, and long before she was diagnosed, she became actively involved with the Nanny Angel Network, a charity that supports the families of mothers with cancer.
