FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 12, 2025
19th Annual Lifesavers Dinner & Auction Raises Over $422,000 for Lifesaving Hospital Equipment
Kenora, ON –– The Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation’s 19th Annual Lifesavers Dinner & Auction was another resounding success, selling out for the third consecutive year and raising $422,160 to fund nine critical pieces of capital medical equipment for the Lake of the Woods District Hospital (LWDH).
Proceeds from the event will directly support:
- Two infant warmers and two air blenders – Maternity Unit
- A point-of-care ultrasound machine and a bladder scanner – Emergency Department
- Piccolo Xpress Chemistry Analyzer, general microscope, motorized microtome, and fluorescence microscope – Laboratory
- A new washer-disinfector in Medical Device Reprocessing Department (MDRD)
Held at the Royal Lake of the Woods Yacht Club, the event celebrated the remarkable generosity and community spirit that have become hallmarks of the Lifesavers tradition. Guests enjoyed a gourmet dinner by Chef Rob Thomas, live entertainment, a spirited live auction led by Auctioneer Bruce Klassen, a new Local Artisan Silent Auction featuring 16 unique pieces, walk-around magic by Evan Morgan, and a photo booth experience provided by 6 Degrees Photobooth. The evening was masterfully emceed by Karen Dunlop, whose warmth and energy kept the night flowing seamlessly.
Dr. Catherine Murray, Diagnostic Imaging Service Lead at LWDH, shared an inspiring update on the massive Diagnostic Imaging enhancements over the past five years, culminating in the latest upgrades made possible by the Beyond the Scan Campaign.
“Events like the Lifesavers Dinner & Auction are truly the heartbeat of our hospital community,” said Cheryl O’Flaherty, President & CEO of LWDH. “The generosity shown here tonight translates directly into better care, faster diagnoses, and improved outcomes for our patients. We are deeply grateful to everyone who makes this event possible.”
This year’s success was made possible thanks to the leadership of Co-Chairs Lisa Paterson and Aynsley Cockshott, the dedication of the Lifesavers Committee, and the support of countless donors and businesses. Special recognition was given to Vault on the Water, as well as to the 32 Lighthouse Families, whose early and foundational contributions have been a beacon for others, helping the Foundation surpass $4 million raised through the Lifesavers event since its inception.
“Your support tonight is more than just a donation, it is a profound investment in the health and well-being of our community,” said Mira Trebilcock, Executive Director of the LWDH Foundation. “Together, we are equipping our doctors and healthcare providers with the tools they need to deliver exceptional care, right here at home.”
The Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to the nearly 170 attendees, donors, and volunteers who made the 2025 Lifesavers Dinner & Auction an evening to remember.
Photo, from left to right:
- Mira Trebilcock, Executive Director, LWDH Foundation
- Chef Rob Thomas
- Kate Paterson, Lifesavers Committee Member
- Lisa Paterson, Lifesaver Committee Co-Chair
- Aynsley Cockshott, Lifesavers Committee Co-Chair
- Nicki Douglas, Lifesavers Committee Member
- Dr. Catherine Murray, Lifesavers Committee Member and featured speaker.
Lifesavers Committee members missing from the photo: Melissa Jean and Kevin Chipman.