St. Charles Hospice Christmas auction raises record $100K
The 24th annual St. Charles Hospice Christmas Auction sold out for the first time ever and netted more than $100,000, breaking last year’s record. Proceeds provide charity care to St. Charles Hospice and Transitions patients in Central Oregon.
Community members and local businesses and organizations donated elaborately decorated trees, beautiful quilts and many other items that were auctioned off at the event, this year themed “Vintage Christmas.”
The highest bid of the evening was $10,000 for a single quilt made by Norma Horak, wife of St. Charles Hospice medical director Dr. James Horak, in honor of the work Dr. Michael Knower and St. Charles Hospice staff provide to the community. The highest tree bid was $9,000 for “Reflections of Love” in memory of Sharon Krider, which was generously donated back to the family.
Held on Dec. 5 by St. Charles Hospice, Robberson Ford and St. Charles Foundation, the auction has become a beloved tradition in the community. More than 500 guests packed the Crook County Fairgrounds indoor arena for the heartwarming event, which included dinner, a performance by the Crook County High School Jazz Choir, silent auction, live auction and raffle.
“The generosity on display at this event is truly astounding,” said Lisa Dobey, St. Charles Foundation executive director. “This year, a beautifully donated tree sold for thousands in a heated bidding war only to be donated back by the winner so it could be auctioned off again. The number of dedicated volunteers — around 75 of them — that make this event possible is impressive. It’s all a testament to the depth of caring in this community.”
More than 100 items were donated for the silent auction, raising twice as much as last year. A successful paddle raise added $20,000 to the total. Even emcee Dr. Paul Slater’s socks were up for grabs by the end of the night, bringing in a cool $525 more.
“Cost should never be a reason why a patient is denied hospice care,” said Sharon Strohecker, director of St. Charles Hospice. “For those in our community without insurance, this event provides funds that are life-changing for patients and their families during their most difficult times. We are all grateful for every dollar raised.”
Event Coordinator Shannon Kirkbride said volunteers are crucial to the success of the auction.
“More than 500 volunteer hours go into putting together the auction event,” she said. “I couldn’t do it without such a steadfast, incredible group of people who generously give their time and talents.”
About St. Charles Foundation
As the philanthropic arm of St. Charles Health System, the Foundation works to support and improve health care in Central and Eastern Oregon. Private donations raised by the Foundation allow St. Charles to build new medical facilities, purchase state-of-the-art medical equipment, keep pace with the latest technological advances and deliver exceptional patient care in a healing environment. The Foundation does more than just raise money for bricks and mortar. The organization also raises money to support many programs that benefit low-income and uninsured patients.
