In a world where fundraising often follows a familiar format, something refreshingly different was cooked up in a kitchen in downtown Kelowna. At Lakehouse Kitchens Cooking School, ten teams of local wealth advisors stepped into the unknown, not to talk finances, but to cook. The Wealth Advisors Black Box Cooking Competition, created and led by Cairy Holtby of RBC Dominion Securities, brought people together around shared purpose, friendly competition, and a creative approach to giving back.

With surprise ingredients like flank steak, taro root, radishes, and cherries, teams had just 45 minutes to prepare a dish worthy of the judges’ praise.

While the pressure was real, so was the laughter, encouragement, and connection that filled the room. Cairy’s approach wasn’t just clever, it was strategic. Rather than asking her professional peers directly for support, she invited investment wholesalers and industry specialists to back the event, framing it as a premium opportunity for client connection and brand presence.

The result was a shared experience that offered something valuable to everyone involved:

• Wholesalers gained meaningful face time with advisors.
• Advisors enjoyed a night of laughter, creativity, and collaboration.
• And families in crisis found renewed support at JoeAnna’s House.

This model of community-powered philanthropy reflects something bigger: a growing movement where innovation and generosity collide.

Before the ingredients were even revealed, attendees took part in a Calcutta-style auction, bidding on the teams they believed would win. Half the pot went to the highest bidder of the winning team. The other half went directly to JoeAnna’s House. And in a generous gesture, the winning bidder chose to donate their share back, doubling the impact. That single part of the night raised $6,240. Altogether, the event raised $36,840, enough to fund 413 nights for families who need to stay close to loved ones receiving care at Kelowna General Hospital.

It wasn’t just about raising money. It was about creating an experience that brought people together for something bigger than themselves.”

Cairy Holtby, RBC Dominion Securities

What made this evening remarkable wasn’t just the creativity in the kitchen or the generosity in the room. It was the clarity of purpose behind every detail.

From the structure of the event to the people invited to take part, it was designed to make space for fun and connection. And it gave people a new, meaningful way to show their support. JoeAnna’s House is more than a place to stay, it’s a cause embraced by an entire community, one that stretches far beyond city limits, or even the walls of a kitchen. Thanks to the passionate leaders like Cairy and those who rallied behind her, one inspired evening in a kitchen proved that when purpose leads, everyone wins.