On Saturday, August 12, 2023, CNIB Lake Joe partnered with friends throughout Muskoka and across Canada to raise over $300K to support the camp and provide transformative experiences for people with sight loss. The CNIB Lake Joe: Cookout with Cuddy event was an extraordinary success thanks to the overwhelming generosity and unwavering support of donors, community partners, staff, and volunteers.
Our presenting sponsor, David Throssell, encapsulates this sentiment perfectly, “I wanted to express my deepest gratitude on behalf of IG Private Wealth Management: Throssell Group for your incredible presence and unwavering solidarity at the Cookout with Cuddy event, which was a remarkable success in benefit of CNIB Lake Joe. Your heartfelt dedication not only amplifies the momentum of positive change but also resonates deeply with CNIB Lake Joe's mission, enriching the lives of those it serves. We are truly honored to stand alongside such wonderful individuals like you, united in our mission to create a lasting impact that truly matters.”
Nearly 500 guests enjoyed a mouth-watering gourmet BBQ feast featuring unique local vendors, a live sunset performance by Canadian music legend Jim Cuddy from Blue Rodeo, tons of fun with silent and live auctions, and the chance to snuggle with some furry friends in the CNIB Guide Dog puppy pit.
“Cookout with Cuddy was one of our very best events! Welcoming everyone back for an onsite event at CNIB Lake Joe was an absolute joy. People had a great time, and we showcased how we’ve enhanced programs and expanded our facility and over the last three years, thanks to the outstanding support of our community,” exclaims Monique Pilkington, Executive Director, CNIB Lake Joe.
CNIB Lake Joe staff and volunteers also provided opportunities for event guests to learn more about living with vision loss and how participants at camp gain independence, build skills and make lifelong memories by engaging in sports and recreation activities.
Jade Ondrik, Senior Counsellor of Leadership & Special Programs at CNIB Lake Joe lives with sight loss and invited guests to play basketball blindfolded. “It’s really important to have sighted people in person at camp so they can try to experience what blind and partially sighted people live with on a daily basis,” she explains. “I thought the blind basketball, soccer and mini golf activities were a great way for people to have fun while getting conversations flowing on what it’s really like to live with vision loss.”
Event emcees Rod Black, Canadian sports commentator and Joan Kelley Walker, philanthropist, model, and television personality kept the energy high, engaging with guests and learning more about why this event matters so much to them. Check out this video starring Joan and many of the event’s special guests.
Thank you to our sponsors!
We want to thank everyone who made the event such a huge success, and to acknowledge the generosity of our supporters who have helped more kids who are blind or partially sighted make new friends and lifelong memories through transformative experiences at CNIB Lake Joe.
Title Sponsor
Presented by IG Private Wealth Management - Throssell Group
Sponsors
Mantella Corporation, Medcan, Salex, Randy Blain Construction, Jayne’s Cottages, Sofina Foods, True North Log Homes
Partners: Art on Stone, Canvas Brewing, Clear Lake Brewing, Don’s Bakery, Field of Greens, Foodland, Founders Original, Henrietta’s Pine Bakery, Jack & Stella, Jessica Vergeer Studios, Legend Spirits, Little Market Muskoka, Manning Canning, Maple Leaf Prime, Muskoka 411, Muskoka Springs, Navigator Visuals, Pie, Silver Stream Farms, Trestle Brewing, Tawse Wine & Spirits, Temagami Outfitting, Walter Craft Caesar
Event Planning Committee volunteers: Tom Cross, Helen Hunt (Chair), Colleen McNamara, Chelsea Penrice, Matt Simonot, and Michelle Planche from Paradigm Events