Canadian Canoe Museum’s Second Annual Lakeside Gala Raises $154,000

The Canadian Canoe Museum raised $154,000 during its second annual Lakeside Gala on Saturday night.

Photo courtesy of the Canadian Canoe Museum.

The Museum raised funds through ticket sales, sponsorships, donations and auction proceeds. An additional $62,000 was raised through in-kind contributions.

“It was a really special evening. There was so much generosity throughout the night. It was a great reflection of the people and organizations who have helped make the Museum what it is today,” said Carolyn Hyslop, executive director. “It was wonderful to see so many people come together for an evening that celebrated the Museum and its place in this community.”

Funds raised support the care of the Museum’s nationally significant collection, exhibitions, educational and cultural programming.

The event saw Museum supporters, community members, artists, makers and business leaders to celebrate the Museum’s work and its people. Janet McCue from Curve Lake First Nation opened the Gala with drumming, welcoming guests to the Museum.

Culinary stations throughout the Museum and Lakefront Campus featured offerings from Cheeky Duck Vineyard, Chemong Lodge, Flying Chestnut Kitchen, Love You, Mean It, MIJA Bakeshop, and Silver Bean Cafe, along with beverages from Little Miss Drinky Poo. Renowned pianist Thompson Egbo-Egbo and award-winning local musician JJ Thompson rounded out the evening with performances.

A highlight of the evening was the expanded live and silent auctions, featuring a curated collection of one-of-a-kind artwork, tripping gear, dining gift cards, custom home decor and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. This year, the auctions moved online, giving guests the opportunity to bid leading up to the event and throughout the evening from their personal devices.

The Museum also launched a Paddles Up campaign in support of its Youth Backcountry Tripping Program. With leadership support from The Lindsay Family Foundation, the museum received six new tripping canoes and twelve paddles to help build a dedicated fleet for the growing program. During the Gala, guests helped raise the funds for two additional canoes, bringing the fleet to eight.

“The Canadian Canoe Museum is an amazing place, and our family strongly believes in the great work they do,” said Don Lindsay. “We’re delighted to support the Backcountry Canoe Tripping Program with six new canoes and help give young people the opportunity to experience the outdoors, build confidence and create lasting memories.”

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