On August 15, 2026, Lake Joe Live: Muskoka Kitchen Party, presented by IG Wealth Management Throssell Group, raised more than $300,000 to help send 120 children who are blind or have low vision to CNIB Lake Joe.
The evening was a smashing success with headliner Alan Doyle, founding member of the Canadian folk rock band Great Big Sea, bringing guests to their feet; speaker Molly Burke inspiring the crowd with her remarks (read more about her in this edition), and featured chef Ted Reader serving up unforgettable flavours.
Chayse Zehr first came to Lake Joe as a guest and is now a staff member. His journey is one of many examples of how camp programs can transform the lives of youth with sight loss.
“It [Lake Joe] made me change my mindset from ‘Why me?’ to ‘Why not me?’” he said.
At the event, Chayse introduced guests to adapted versions of summer games, including cornhole and shuffleboard.
Lake Joe Live: Muskoka Kitchen Party was a night to remember, and a community effort from start to finish. Behind the music, food and festivities were sponsors, donors, partners and volunteers who gave generously to help make it all happen.
With thanks to our sponsors
We’re grateful to the following sponsors for supporting this celebration
and the opportunities it helps create at CNIB Lake Joe:
Presenting Sponsor: IG Private Wealth Management: Throssell Group
Culinary Sponsor: Evolve ETFs
Activation Sponsors: Jack Creasy Design, Skyline Electrical, Sofina Foundation, Susan Creasy Financial Inc., Tasco Appliances
Community Sponsors: All Seas Fisheries, Jayne’s Luxury Rentals, Muskoka Brewery
In-kind: Boston Pizza (Parry Sound),Decomomo, Muskoka 411, Parry Sound Municipal Airport,
Live and silent auction donors who added to the excitement with their generous contributions.
We also want to recognize our volunteer event committee, Jack Creasy, Greg Hammond, Helen Hunt, Sylvia Mantella and Graeme Secord, for the time, ideas and care they brought to making the night possible. More than 100 community volunteers joined them, rolling up their sleeves to help bring the event to life.
We can’t wait to do it again! Save the date for next year’s Lake Joe Live: Saturday, August 14, 2027.
