While numbers were down at the annual “Spirit of Christmas” silent auction here Sunday night because of the winter storm, organizers still were pleased with the outcome.
“Things went well,” said organizer Linda Hamilton. “Attendance was certainly down because of the weather, I’m sure, but we made $13,000.
“Amazing, isn’t it?” she added.
The money will be divided between the local branch of the Canadian Cancer Society and the Fort Frances Community Chest, which raises money to help local families facing medical bills.
While the total was down from previous years, Hamilton said it was indicative of the number of items up for bid. “The number of contributors was down a bit, but that’s OK,” she noted.
Marjorie Smeeth said she comes to the “Spirit of Christmas” every year with her sister, Gladys Kerr, but added she comes to admire the items rather than donate them.
“I’m not very talented. I just like to buy,” she laughed.
Donna Kowalchuk and Mary Lynne Bondett also are faithful supporters of the annual event. “We come every year. We wouldn’t miss it,” Kowalchuk said.
Most years they also like to donate handcrafted items, she added, but “this year we didn’t get our act together.”
Barb Marr said this was only her second time to the silent auction, but there was a good reason for that. “I spent way too much money the last time I came,” she laughed. “I had to take a year off.”
Sharon Preston brought a snowman basket on behalf of Rainy River District elementary teachers.
Preston said it was unfortunate the number of people coming out was down due to the snow, but added, “It looks like there’s an enthusiastic crowd here tonight.”
Hamilton estimated 190 people came to look at the handcrafted items donated by various residents and bid on them. About a dozen three-foot Christmas trees were decorated by volunteers and then auctioned off.
People also enjoyed coffee and treats—and the social, festive atmosphere. “It’s a nice kick-off for Christmas,” remarked Hamilton.
This year’s theme was “Through the Eyes of a Child,” and some items up for bid included children’s and doll’s clothes, and some toys. Other items included table centrepieces, knit scarves, and a bass-shaped mailbox.
The items that drew the highest bids were a set of needlework pictures that went for more than $200.
A queen-sized quilt, donated by the Tuesday Quilters, was won by Liz Jack of Emo. “We sold out the tickets on the quilt and the raffles went really well,” Hamilton said.
“So we did fine. I’m happy with it, especially with what the weather was like.”
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
