Hello friends –
What an unforgettable night. On behalf of everyone at the Children’s Foundation, thank you for joining us at our 21st Annual Fundraising Gala at Windermere House and for taking part in our first-ever online auction. Whether you were with us in person or cheering from home, your generosity and enthusiasm made this year’s event truly extraordinary.
Together, we raised an incredible $88,180.10 for kids in Muskoka. This is our highest total in Gala history and an increase of more than thirty-six thousand dollars from last year’s record year. That kind of impact happens only when a community comes together with full hearts and a shared commitment to lifting up local children and families.
To everyone who bid, donated, volunteered, sponsored, purchased 50/50 tickets, participated in the live and silent auctions, or simply helped spread the word, thank you. A special note of gratitude goes to Simon Kelly for generously donating back his 50/50 winnings. Your kindness creates real change, and we could not do this work without you.
We also want to highlight that one of the live auction packages, the Elevated All-Inclusive Trip to Mexico or the Dominican Republic, has become available again. The package is valued at $3,500 and includes four nights, five days for two people with all meals, snacks, beverages, gratuities, and hotel taxes covered. The only additional cost is travel. If you are interested in purchasing this trip, please reach out to Dave at dlyons.cfm@gmail.com. Click here to see a detailed information sheet about the trip package.
We are already looking ahead to 2026 and hope you will be part of what is coming next.
Our next major fundraiser will take place on Friday, February 27th, 2026, when we host the Toronto Maple Leaf Alumni Game in partnership with MLSE and the Town of Bracebridge. We are seeking event sponsors, silent auction item donations, and a few enthusiastic players who would like to lace up and take on the Leafs Alumni. If you are interested in sponsoring, donating, or playing, please reach out to us at dlyons.cfm@gmail.com.
SAVE THE DATE: Plans are also underway for Gala 2026. We’ve locked in the date, Saturday, November 14th, with plans to return to the beautiful Windermere House! Tickets sold out in under three weeks this year, and we expect strong interest again next year. Tickets will go on sale in late winter, so keep an eye on your inbox for advance ticket details.
Again, thank you for all of your tremendous support.
Dave Lyons
Executive Director
On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Children’s Foundation of Muskoka
