The Kenosee Lake Kitchen Party has received a surprise $20,000 donation that will help secure its popular children’s and teen programs for the next five years.
Founder and executive director Michelle Amy said the gift came unexpectedly from donor David Hongisto. “David contacted me out of the blue, and you could have knocked me over with a feather. It was such a beautiful surprise,” she said.
For Hongisto, the decision to give back came from personal experience. “My first direct experience with the KLKP was a year ago, and was, very pleasantly, quite life-changing for me,” he said in an email. “While the music instruction was great, as expected, I was particularly struck by the joy and enthusiasm of every person at the camp.”
Hongisto recalled that he had mentioned to Amy there should be more kids at the camp. After reflecting on the experience through the fall, he decided to help make that happen. “I know that endeavours like KLKP are on a constant drive to fund and provide their programs,” he said.
When the gift was announced during a morning meeting at the camp, with his permission, the reaction from the community made a lasting impression. “The thank-yous and hugs from kids, parents and grandparents during the rest of the week very nearly crushed me,” Hongisto said. “When I left on Friday I am sure I had the clearest tear ducts in the country.”
The festival, run by Kitchen Party Music Inc., is a multi-generational music and cultural camp in Saskatchewan that prides itself on inclusivity. Amy said they rely heavily on community support, grants, and donations. “With a donation like that, that actually assures us some longevity for those programs, it creates some forward planning momentum and the ability to secure things going forward.”
No one is turned away for financial reasons. “We will not turn anyone away because of financing,” Amy explained. “We work with families one-on-one… we believe them, and we search for sponsors and donors.”
This year’s children’s camp has hosted 35 kids each week, offering specialized programming led by music educators and Indigenous artists.
“The donation allows us to not be concerned each year about whether we’re going to be able to offer that program,” Amy said.
While Hongisto’s gift is the largest this year, Amy noted many others have also pitched in, from participants adding $50 or $100 during registration, raising $3,400, to sponsors such as Performance Realty, Knights of Columbus, Moose Mountain Lions Club, Carlyle Lions Club, and Michael’s Coffee Shop.
The camp blends prairie traditions with East Coast, French, and Indigenous cultural experiences, as well as newer additions like a “School of Rock.”
“We’re a kitchen party because every single culture in the world, shares a gathering that includes music, dance, fellowship, food, and storytelling,” Amy said.
The season will wrap up with two major concerts and a Thursday night dance that Amy described as “probably the best dance anyone would ever come to,” featuring both prairie dances and a high-energy rock set.
“We’re a product of the belief of many people,” Amy said. “And we’re very, very grateful for where we live.”
The $20,000 gift from David Hongisto is more than just a financial boost, it’s a reflection of the heart and community spirit that defines the Kenosee Lake Kitchen Party. Rooted in music, culture, and connection, the festival thrives because of people who believe in its mission to welcome everyone, preserve traditions, and inspire the next generation. With this support, the music will play on for years to come.