GRAAFF-REINET NEWS — A very successful and enjoyable evening was held by all at the recent fundraiser in aid of the Camdeboo Hospice.

Every item on the Silent Auction was sold, raising the amount of just over R4 300, and the beautiful artworks donated by the very talented local community members were all sold and raised almost R18 000.

One of the more novel auction items was the “Barrow of Bottles”, which comprised a wheelbarrow filled with donated bottles. These ranged from sauces and chutneys to cooldrinks and alcoholic beverages, so the winner certainly enjoyed a mixed selection of goodies!

As an extra bonus, there was a secret item as part of this prize lot. The notification of the nature of the prize was sealed in an envelope which was then also placed in a bottle in the barrow. Neither the auctioneer nor the winner knew what the main prize was – in fact only the donor and the organiser knew about it. The secret item proved to be a slaughtered sheep -an exceptionally generous prize which will surely help the winners at Christmas time.

An additional amount of R3 400 was raised by this part of the auction.

Together with ticket sales and assorted financial donations, the income amounted to nearly R42 000. As a result of the generosity of local business, the expenses were minimal, mostly for the printing of tickets and posters and some stationery for the décor items, so a clear profit of close to R40 000 was raised.

Corporate Fundraiser and event co-ordinator Colleen Buckle, on behalf of the board and beneficiaries, would like to thank all those who donated goods for the auction, as well as the helpers on the day.

The evening would also not have been a success without the enthusiastic people who bought tickets, and their support was also greatly appreciated.

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