CARLYLE - The Carlyle Sports Arena was the place to be on April 12, as 540 people gathered for the Carlyle District Lions Club's annual Banquet and Live Auction.
This is the Lions Club's biggest fundraiser of the year, and it was well received.
Weir’s Catering provided a buffet-style meal that included their popular salads and desserts. Danny Hooper then took the stage and began the live auction.
Hooper is from Edmonton and is an internationally-recognized auctioneer. He has raised over $500 million for fundraisers in his 50-year career. He brings a world of talent and kept the crowd engaged in the auction with his wit and keeping everyone bidding.
They brought in some new ideas for the auction this year like the purse snatcher.
Five purses were donated by King’s Department Store and Tantie Lottie Designs. One purse held $1,000 while the other four had a $50 gift card donated by Billesberger Law Firm. It had people bidding in hopes to receive the purse that held the top prize.
Also offered this year were the wild cards. This allowed guests to bring items to be auctioned off during the night.
They had an additional auction item from Saskatoon actor Kim Coates – an autographed Sons of Anarchy vest and picture. This item was in partnership with Blaze Dunn, who is this year’s Champion Child for the Jim Pattison Children's Hospital Foundation.
This piece alone brought in $5,000 which goes directly to the foundation.
When all the items were sold, DJ Johnny Rivex started playing music.
Event chairman Tim Sedor said the place was brilliant and the energy carried on throughout the evening.
“Many people were dancing harder then they thought they could,” said Sedor.
Rivex’s kept people on the dance floor with his wide range of music.
Sedor said this was the best year yet and they are pleased with raising over $70,000.
“Most importantly we raised more than ever so now we can give back to our community groups who support us with ticket sales every year,” said Sedor.
“It was an amazing night,” he said. “And we thank all those who helped pull this off.”
