A photo safari in Botswana, a Montana luxury getaway and Markus Naslund autographed Canucks jersey are among the goods up for grabs at the silver anniversary for Treasures of Christmas.
This Saturday’s fundraiser to support operations and programs at Crossroads hospice in Port Moody will see six big prizes up for grabs — with a total value of at least $30,000 — in the live auction.
And a one-carat white gold diamond bracelet — custom made for Treasures of Christmas — will also be on the block as well as dozens of gifts supplied by Tri-City businesses for the silent auction.
“We have some very generous sponsors,” said special events co-ordinator Shelly Pennington of the Crossroads Hospice Society, a charity that has provided care to the terminally ill since 1988 as well as grief and bereavement services to residents in the Tri-Cities and New Westminster.
Pennington said there’ll be a lot more glitz for the 25th annual gala plus some surprise entertainers. Already lined up to perform are DJ Storm and Ken Able of Big City Soul.
As well, included with each ticket, arriving guests will be greeted with a martini for the reception and they will toast the anniversary with a glass of champagne; a buffet dinner will be served by Hard Rock Casino chefs while each table shares a bottle of red and wine wines.
Meanwhile, as per tradition, organizers will auction off four decorated Christmas trees, with the winner receiving a tax receipt.
This year, the “Giving Trees” will go to Canuck Place, a children’s hospice in Vancouver; Hawthorne Seniors Care Community, a Port Coquitlam residence on Hawthorne Avenue; Pets-Matter, a foster care society for owners in need; and a Tri-City family referred by Tri-Cities Transitions.
In 2017, one Christmas tree went for $12,000.
“We want our Giving Trees to go to families,” Pennington said, adding, “This is a time to give back, and we take a lot of pride and time into making sure people get the help they need during the Christmas season.”
• For tickets to Treasures of Christmas on Nov. 24 at the Hard Rock Casino Vancouver (2080 United Blvd., Coquitlam) at $125 or $1,250 a table, call 604-945-0606 or visit treasuresofchristmas.ca/tickets. The event is sponsored in part by The Tri-City News.
