Eatonia fundraiser raises $66,458.71 in single evening

By Joan Janzen

Raising $66,458.71 in one evening is a momentous achievement, which is what took place at Eatonia's 2026 Celebrity Sports Dinner and Auction on April 11. A total of 192 guests attended the incredible fundraiser, which was planned by the Eatonia and District Recreation Board.

Eatonia and District Recreation Board raised $66,458.71 at the 2026 Celebrity Sports Dinner and Auction on April 11. Double amputee Warren MacDonald shared his mountain climbing adventures, a fitting message as the community reached a momentous fundraising victory. PHOTO SUBMITTED

Morgen Dietz, Rec Board representative for the planning committee, said funds from the event are going towards maintaining and upgrading Eatonia's arena and swimming pool.

Gold, silver, bronze and cash sponsors came on board, along with a lengthy list of team members, volunteers and generous donations, all combining to make the event a tremendous success.

Sam Somerville was the auctioneer, and syndicated radio host and podcaster Andrew Beckler served as the MC for the evening. Author and public speaker Warren MacDonald shared his amazing story and perspective on life.

Almost thirty years ago, Warren became trapped under a boulder while mountain climbing. As a result, both his legs were amputated at mid-thigh, but that didn't stop him from climbing another mountain ten months later using a modified wheelchair. In 2003 he became the first double above-knee amputee to reach the summit of Africa's tallest peak.

Warren's mission is to change the way his listeners see the world and their place in it. It was a fitting message for the gathering at Eatonia's fundraiser, who accomplished their own notable achievement of raising $66,458.71 in a single evening.