Cancer network fundraiser draws big crowd, big checks
This year’s Cancer Network of Sanders County’s (CNSC) Phantom Fundraiser participation far exceeded expectations.
Expecting to sell 80 dinner tickets to the public for the fundraiser, CNSC saw ticket sales skyrocket to 110.
Sherryl Wachob, Vice President of CNSC, said, “The (Thompson Falls) Elk’s building was packed. More tables needed to be added to accommodate those attending and the cook needed to purchase and prepare more food.”
She continued, “This year’s event exceeded our expectations, as far as attendance.”
Cancer Network of Sanders County was first organized in 2001 offers assistance to Sanders County residents undergoing cancer treatment. They offer financial assistance and support for finding lodging and transportation if the person is a resident of Sanders County.
The evening started with live music supplied by the Spa City Sound Band from Hot Springs. Playing a mixture of country and rock n roll, band members loosened up the crowd and their wallets for what was to be a highly successful live auction.
Thirty-five items were donated for the live auctions that raised$10,525. The most expensive item sold at auction was a 2008 Harley Davidson Road Glide motorcycle, which sold for $3,500. The silent auction had 27 items and collected around $950. The amount was still being tabulated at press time. Ticket sales for the 50/50 prize collected an additional $600.
All raffle prizes including the $5,000 cash, the 1/2 beef, the 22/250 rifle, and the cancer quilt, all went to Sanders County residents. There were 80 donors this year who contributed to the success of this year’s fundraiser.
Wachob said, “Our donors this year were wonderful. So many businesses and individuals donated to fill the baskets with items (or provide cash donations for the purchase of basket items) for silent or live auctions. Overall, CNSC is incredibly pleased with the Phantom Fundraiser. This year, with the uptake in applications for funds to our residents, we were on a mission to fill the nonprofit account with funds. Thanks to many generous donors this year, we were able to do so. As the year comes to a close, we could possibly give one hundred gifts this year, for a total of $90,000.”
To date, CNSC has paid out over $74,000 to those suffering from cancer in the area. CNSC accepts donations year-round at CNSC, P.O. Box 1311, Plains, MT 59859.
