Just as bids were ramping up among the 150 guests at the Annual Talent Cancer Auction, the power went out at Moose Hall.
Across downtown Prince Rupert, 1,030 BC Hydro customers went without power from 8:30 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. due to a substation fault on Dec. 5.
At the Hall, the lights went out, but the auction went on and bids continued on items lit by camera and candle.
Sharon Stromdahl, who has been one of the main hosts of the event for 25-plus years, said the charity auction went really well “despite all the trials of tribulations that we certainly had with the power.”
READ MORE: Late night power outage affects 1030 Prince Rupert customers
Most of the items were crafted locally, or by the patrons themselves, and the prized quilt by Lizette Croft was revealed near the end of the night. The quilt depicted a scene from Cow Bay, and came with two pillows. The bidding ended at $5,000 for the stitched work of art.
| Lizette Croft's prized quilt went for $5,000 at the Annual Talent Cancer Auction on Dec. 6. (Shannon Lough / The Northern View) |
Last year, Croft’s quilt went for a remarkable $12,000.
READ MORE: Quilt auctioned off for $12,000 at cancer fundraiser
This year’s event raised more than $38,000 for home and community cancer services and to support physicians who require certain equipment in Prince Rupert.
“They’re looking for a bed for palliative care for patients choosing to have their last days at home, and we’re going to be buying the warmer for the cancer unit,” Stromdahl said.
The Talent Cancer Auction is a private event. There are six tables run by a couple hostesses, who are responsible for filling the seats, so there are opportunities to be invited. Attendees bring food for the table and something to donate to the auction. This isn’t the type of event where people hope to score a bargain. Every dollar counts. The items the cancer unit needs are fairly expensive and this auction is one of the biggest fundraisers to support advancing care in the community.
Dr. Marius Pienaar spoke to the room full of women, and the three male auctioneers, to kick off the event. He thanked everyone for their generosity. One of the most recent items purchased was a dermoscopy used to examine skin lesions and diagnose melanoma.
“We have such a generous community and the people who come out really support and belive in our community and it’s a pleasure to give back,” Stromdahl said.
shannon.lough@thenorthernview.com
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