I am forever astonished at the generosity of the people and businesses in this valley.  In my efforts to collect items and/or gift certificates to auction at the Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Life Kick Off Party tomorrow evening at Copper Point Golf Course, one of the people I called on was Rune Barck from Kootenay Paving.

Once I identified myself, and asked him if he would consider donating something for the cause, he immediately said, “Sure, how about a $2,500 paving package?” I was overwhelmed. I actually had shivers run up and down my arms.

And Rune’s is just one of many, many businesses to contribute. Elizabeth at Te Papa Nui has generously given us a circa1880 oak bookcase/cabinet from Scotland, valued at $600. Both of these items, as well as a few more will be auctioned by the valley’s favourite auctioneer Tex Lortscher. The list of items on the silent auction is long and extensive, including golf green vouchers, lots of retail items, and a wonderful selection of gift certificates for dinner, treatments, services and shopping.  There is also a number of art pieces from local artists up for bid.

And let’s not forget the children’s auction geared towards the little ones. They will have an opportunity to buy a ticket and put it in the draw for the item(s) they want.

You also have the opportunity to buy a raffle ticket and take your chances on winning an original 70”x80” quilt made in brown, rust, and green, or you could win one of two ice-fishing shacks.  The original plan was to make the draw for one of the ice-fishing shacks at the Kick Off, but due to the delay in getting the licence number, we have not sold enough tickets yet. As a result, both of the ice shacks will be awarded at the Relay on June 11.

Both the quilt and one of the ice shacks will be on display at Copper Point. Tickets are $10 each or three for $20.  If you can’t make it to Kick Off, pick up a ticket or two at the College of the Rockies, The Book Bar, The Valley Echo, RONA North Star Hardware, Invermere Home Hardware, Skookum Inn or either of the Mountainside Markets, in Radium or Fairmont.

And for those of you not comfortable using the Internet, you will be able to make a donation, or register for Relay that evening.  If you already have a team, and have collected money, you can hand it in as well.

As well, anyone wishing to purchase a luminary, can do so at the Kick Off party. Luminaries are candles that are placed in special bags with the names of cancer survivors and loved ones who have lost their battle with this devastating disease. They are placed along the Relay track. It is an inspirational and unforgettable experience that motivates everyone to continue the fight.

A special invitation is extended to all cancer survivors in the valley, however you do not have to be a Relay participant or a cancer survivor to attend the Kick Off party. We invite the entire community to come, visit with friends and help us raise money for a very worthwhile cause.

Help us beat the awesome amount of over $76,000 that we raised last year. Let’s blow that figure right out of the water!

This evening would not be possible without the incredibly generous support of Brian Schaal and his wonderful staff at Copper Point. Year in and year out, this business continues to give back to the community.

Join us at Copper Point Golf Course tomorrow, Thursday, April 14 at 6:30 p.m. and enjoy an evening of fundraising, companionship and hors d’oeuvres compliments of The View at Copper Point.