SUNDRE – The second annual live auction fundraiser for the Greenwood Neighbourhood Place Society brought in nearly $15,000 for the non-profit community service group.
Held on Saturday, May 31 at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #223 in Sundre, the event was attended by 71 people of whom 54 were bidding on almost 100 items, which was comparable with last year, said organizers.
The amount raised was $14,800, said Donny Krahn, GNP’s outgoing executive director.
Auctioneers Tye Werk and Dwight Boychuk, assisted by Penny Dubois, provided their service at no charge.
Among those attending to support the fundraiser were reeve Angela Aalbers, who is also Mountain View County’s representative on the society’s board of directors.
First up for grabs was a golden cowbell that sold for $475 and granted the winner the opportunity to ring the bell once for any one item to win it instantly.
A refurbished and unique child’s bike fashioned to resemble a motorcycle that was stripped and remade by Blaine and Kim Free with some assistance from Ryan Paron and Fred Tyler, went for $200.
There was also a lively but amiable bidding battle between two board members for the Alberta branded silver belt buckle donated by MLA Jason Nixon that ended up raising $400.
“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who came out and gave so generously through their bidding. The community support was amazing,” said Krahn, expressing appreciation for Boychuck’s auctioneering.
“His energy and humour brought so much life to the evening. He’s been a tremendous advisor and supporter of this event,” she said, also recognizing Werk’s contribution as a rookie auctioneer who helped keep the crowd engaged.
Krahn also praised the teamwork of the society’s staff, board as well as volunteers and extended gratitude for their contribution in making the event successful.
All proceeds go to the programs and services provided by Greenwood Neighbourhood Place.
Kim Free, who is also vice-chair of GNP’s volunteer board of directors, said the auction is more than a chance to have some fun bidding on a variety of items and services but also an opportunity for the society to share more about what the non-profit organization offers the community.
“We serve as a hub for connection, support, and information,” she said.
“Whether it’s helping seniors navigate services, running youth programming at The Den, offering volunteer opportunities, or organizing local events and resources, our goal is to strengthen this community.”
Free also introduced the organization’s new executive director, Bree Odd, formerly a program coordinator who now takes the reins following Krahn’s time at the helm.
As well, Free emphasized the importance of fundraising efforts to ensure the society remains able to continue delivering a multitude of services and programs for the community.
“Less than half of our funding comes from government sources. And many of those funds can only be used for specific programs,” she said.
“The funds we raise here directly support the full scope of our work, including the critical behind-the-scenes pieces that keep us going strong.”
