For their inaugural year hosting an online auction, Place des Arts’ staff set the fundraising target at $5,000.
It brought in $3,000 more than expected.
Last year, the Maillardville arts venue collected an additional $1,000 after beating its $8,000 goal.
“We’re hoping for the same results this year, to go over the $10,000 mark,” said Casey McCarthy, the centre’s resource development and volunteer co-ordinator who’s organized the online auction from the start.
Since May, McCarthy has been contacting businesses around B.C., asking them to offer goods and services for the campaign that opens Saturday.
And with 2018 being the third year for the online auction, most sponsors already know about the cause and are eager to take part, she said.
For example, VIA Rail is back on board again; however, instead of its regular trip to Jasper, it’s giving travel credit worth $1,500 for any of its train destinations (bids begin at $600).
Two more big-ticket items bidders can place their bets on is the one-night stay in a studio suite at Nita Lake Lodge in Whistler — including breakfast at Aura — valued at $300 or a one-night stay in a one-bedroom suite at Black Rock Oceanfront Resort in Ucluelet, worth $289.
Coquitlam Centre is also back in game, with two $500 mall gift cards, while Peak Dental Arts has a $500 Sonicate toothbrush and home whitening kit.
McCarthy said of the 75 items and packages up for grabs this year, many are geared for families: Canadian Tire in Maillardville has donated a $600 Airwalk Hoverboard 6.5, Climb Base5 has two climb passes and the Village Toy Shop has contributed a Hatchimals prize pack.
Proceeds from the online auction go to subsidize Place des Arts’ arts education and registrations for people in financial need.
“We want to reduce the barrier to arts,” said Joan McCauley, executive director of Place des Arts. “About 21% of Tri-City households are low income so we know there’s a need — especially in our own neighbourhood.”
• Place des Arts’ online auction opens at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 20 and runs until 9 p.m. on Nov. 3. To place a bid, visit 32auctions.com/placedesarts. Bidders, who must be 18 or older, are asked to create an account first. The site will be updated as new items come in.
jcleugh@tricitynews.com
