2023 Cedars Auction and Raffle

The 2023 edition of the annual Cedars Auction and Raffle, which was held in the magnificent Le Windsor Ballrooms on December 13, brought together over 650 guests and raised $633,000 – and counting – for the Psychosocial Oncology Program at the MUHC.

The Psychosocial Oncology program offers specialized treatments to help patients deal with the emotional challenges that come with living and coping with cancer. It also offers support to family members, who may suffer as a result of the illness or loss of a loved one.

“There is a lot of distress involved in a cancer diagnosis. Many of our patients and their caregivers experience feelings of sadness, anger, anxiety, guilt, and defeat,” explains Dr. Justin Sanders, Director of the Division of Supportive and Palliative Care at the MUHC, which oversees the Psychosocial Oncology program. “Our team of psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and nurses help them work through these feelings, and they also facilitate access to many community resources that can help them live and cope better,” he adds.

The Cedars Raffle and Auction was an elegant, festive, holiday season soirée. Hosted by local comedian Joe Cacchione and auctioneer extraordinaire Ross Paperman, the event combined an auction, at which dozens of valuable items were auctioned off to the highest bidder, and a raffle, during which cash prizes totalling $50,000, as well as a pair of beautiful Omega watches valued at $ 39,551, were won by lucky ticket holders.

“The event was a huge success, and it raised a record-breaking amount for a program that’s very important to Cedars,” said Cedars Cancer Foundation President and CEO, Jeff J. Shamie. “We’re committed to healing the whole person – not just the disease – and to helping patients and their loved ones at every step of their cancer journey.”

Cedars is very grateful to event co-chairs Stella Vassallo (Groupe MACH) and Chris Karambatsos (KRB Lawyers), and to event committee members Joanne Pizzino and Andrea Soueidan, for putting together an outstanding event.

Cedars also extends a huge thank-you to presenting partners Château d’Ivoire, Prestilux, and Scotiabank, as well as to restaurant partners La Sirène de la Mer, Lagoon Seafood, Rib’N Reef, Petros, Ristorante Stellina, Yoko Luna, Bar George, Gentile Pizza Parlour, Les P'tits Enfants de Felice, Les Délices Lafrenaie, Pâtisserie Mahrousé, Lester’s Deli, and Saputo.

Winning Raffle Ticket Numbers