Pickleball Powers Local Health Care With $5,100 Donation

A spirited afternoon of pickleball turned into a powerful act of generosity this Labour Day weekend, as the Richardson Pickleball Event raised $5,100 in support of the Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) Foundation’s We See You Campaign.

Hosted on Saturday of the holiday weekend, the event brought together friends and supporters for fun on the court, all while rallying around a cause close to home.

Special thanks go to Corey Osborne, Pickleball Coach with Raw Pickleball, who generously donated his time to help make the day a success. His leadership and enthusiasm on the court inspired both new and seasoned players, and his contribution helped boost the funds raised.

“We are so grateful to the Richardson family and their friends for turning a passion for sport into meaningful impact for our hospital,” says Nicole Kraftscik, CEO, GBGH Foundation. “Events like this remind us how powerful community can be when we come together for excellent care, close to home.”

Proceeds from the event will directly support the We See You Campaign, helping GBGH invest in acute mental health care as well as critical equipment and technology that ensures every patient feels seen, supported, and cared for.

2025 Power of Giving Live Auction

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Power of Giving: 2025
Live Auction Packages

Place your Live Auction bids in-person at Power of Giving on Saturday, September 13th!

1. WyeVale JugCity Ice Cream for 2 — for an entire season!

Donated by: Wyevale Jug City

Value: $120 Starting Bid: $50

Jug City is THE landmark of Wyevale, Ontario. People travel from near and far just for their famous soft serve ice cream, because it’s that good!

Valid for 2 ice creams EVERY WEEK for the entire season! That’s 12 weeks, May to October. Choose from vanilla, chocolate or twist flavours. Bring a friend, or enjoy both weekly treats all to yourself!

2. Premium Wines Package

Donated by: Rob Snyder & Suzanne Strongman, Mike Thor, Martin Marshall, Marie Holloway, Nicole & Martin Kraftscik

Value: $920 Starting Bid: $450

Who doesn’t love wine? In particular, wines that you can’t get right now! We’ve put together an exquisite case of 12 premium wines and spirits just for you.

1. Chateau Paradis 2015 Saint-Emilion Grand Cru
2. Pasquale Mai Dire Mai Amarone Della Valpolicella 2013
3. Cecchi Coevo Toscana GT 2015
4. Stags’ Leap Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
5. Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc
6. Masi Costasera Amarone Classico 2009
7. Pio Cesare Barolo 2021
8. Mason + Groux Petit Verdot 2023
9. The Matriarch Pinot Noir (Unfiltered) 2023
10. Mason + Husband Rose 2024
11. Mason + Husband Viognier 2023
12. Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne

3. Live Artist Painting

Donated by: Denise Morrison

Value: $3,200 Starting Bid: $1,500

We’re delighted to have Denise Morrison join us this evening as our event’s live artist! Denise has painted a beautiful Georgian Bay Landscape, highlighting the iconic symbol of our area: a windswept pine.

With weeks spent leading up to this moment spent on layers and layers of paint and textures, her heart and soul is reflected in this amazing piece of work in support of such a great cause.

Painting is a gallery wrapped acrylic on Canvas, 36’x36’.

4. 1 Week in Sayulita, Mexico for 8 People

Donated by: Cam & Courtney Smellie, and Julie Hartman & Paul Larmand

Value: $7,000 Starting Bid: $3,500

Enjoy a 7 nights stay in Sayulita, Mexico for 8 guests (or 4 couples)! With two 2-Bedroom, 1-Bath units located one above the other, this is your perfect group getaway destination.

Located in Sayulita’s serene south end, each unit features its own pool, full kitchen, spacious bathroom, and high-speed mesh Wi-Fi. The casitas are designed with comfort, privacy, and modern Mexican décor in mind, offering the ideal spot to relax and enjoy paradise!

Must be used before December 31st, 2026 and may not be used during dates ranging from December 20th – January 5th. Nights must be used consecutively.

5. Toronto Maple Leaf Tickets (4) Gold + Hotel Stay

Donated by: Rick & Cindy Balaz, and The Fairmont Royal York Toronto

Value: $3,200 Starting Bid: $1,500

See the Toronto Maple Leafs in action this season! 4 Gold tickets, Section 121, Row 15. Valid for your game of choice. After the game, cozy in for the night at the luxurious Fairmont Royal York Toronto with 2 hotel rooms for a 1-night stay.

Game to be mutually agreed upon between winner and owner. Not for a playoff game. Hotel stay valid until September 30, 2026.

Past Events