President and CEO of The Ottawa Cancer Foundation Deborah Lehmann and Layne the Auctionista celebrating as the donations keep coming in during the live auction at the Ottawa Cancer Foundation Aurora Ball, The Westin, November 23rd, 2025. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.
Event Date: 11/22/2025 Organizer: The Ottawa Cancer Foundation
The Ottawa Cancer Foundation’s Aurora Ball delivered a powerful evening of celebration and community impact on Saturday, Nov. 22 at The Westin Ottawa, marking 30 years of progress in local cancer care. Guests gathered for an inspirational program that blended philanthropy, recognition, and high-energy entertainment – raising over $350,000 in the process!
The night’s momentum peaked during the Fund-a-Need Auction, where Layne the Auctionista energized the room. Attendees responded generously, underscoring the community’s ongoing commitment to accessible, compassionate care and support for cancer patients and their families.
Another highlight was the presentation of the Aurora Impact Awards honouring individuals whose dedication has strengthened cancer services and transformed lives. Winners included: Dan Greenberg and Barbara Crook, the McBrine family, Basil Khalil, Ed Hansen, Duane Francis, Scott Whitteker, Phillippe Laplante, and the late Rabbi Reuven Bulka. Smashing entertainment was delivered by Fighting Spirit and The Strumbellas!
The Ottawa Cancer Foundation’s executive team (R-L Anika Boulanger, Tricia Ross, Glenna Courneya, Deborah Lehmann, Sue Merrill, and Allen LeBlanc) in the VIP lounge at the Ottawa Cancer Foundation’s Aurora Ball, The Westin, Nov. 22, 2025. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.Singer-songwriter Elle Sherlock performed at the Ottawa Cancer Foundation’s Aurora Ball, The Westin, Nov. 22, 2025. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.MCs Melissa Lamb and Stefan Keyes starting the evening at the Ottawa Cancer Foundation’s Aurora Ball, The Westin, Nov. 22, 2025. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.Layne the Auctionista and Allen LeBlanc share a moment on stage at the Ottawa Cancer Foundation’s Aurora Ball, The Westin, Nov. 22, 2025. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.Ottawa Cancer Foundation clients Marie Goden and Patti Duncan were given flowers and thanked for sharing personal stories during the Ottawa Cancer Foundation’s Aurora Ball, The Westin, Nov. 22, 2025. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.Bram Bregman (Danbe Foundation) accepted an Aurora Impact Award for Dan Greenberg and Barbara Crook at the Ottawa Cancer Foundation’s Aurora Ball, The Westin, Nov. 22, 2025. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.Duane Francis (Duane Francis Wealth Creation) received an Aurora Impact Award at the Ottawa Cancer Foundation’s Aurora Ball, The Westin, Nov. 22, 2025. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.Ed Hansen (Tec Canada) received an Aurora Impact Award at the Ottawa Cancer Foundation’s Aurora Ball, The Westin, Nov. 22, 2025. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.Harry Prizant accepted an Aurora Impact Award in memory of Rabbi Reuven Bulka at the Ottawa Cancer Foundation’s Aurora Ball, The Westin, Nov. 22, 2025. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.Fighting Spirit brought the energy as the opening act at the Ottawa Cancer Foundation’s Aurora Ball, The Westin, Nov. 22, 2025. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.The Strumbellas took the stage to continue the party into the night at the Ottawa Cancer Foundation’s Aurora Ball, The Westin, November 22, 2025. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.
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