Red hot auction

ACNBA Executive Director Jennifer Furtney bids on silent auction items during the 4th Annual Red Ribbon Auction.

The AIDS Committee of North Bay and Area hosted a very successful 4th annual ‘Red Ribbon Auction’ Saturday.

Event Co-chair Dennis Chippa indicated that while it was still too early to release a final tally amount raised for the event, he expects to meet last year’s numbers if not surpass them.

“We were happy with the turnout. We sold over a 120 tickets. That’s 20 – 30 more than last year with a lot more people out. We’re thrilled,” he states.

“We’re always thrilled with any kind of a turn out, but tonight was a really great evening for us.”

Bidding paddles were flying high as Fox radio morning man, Mitch Belanger, auctioned off a number of large ticket items that included; Ottawa Senators tickets, autographed NHL jerseys, dinner with Mayor Vic, a tour of Queen’s Park with MPP Monique Smith, and a spring yard clean by the ACNBA staff.

The room filled with laughter as the final live auction item was offered up. Tana Simpkins went toe to toe with MP Anthony Rota battling for the coveted guest spot on Fox radio's morning show. In the end Simpkins was fast and outbid Rota winning the right to role out of bed at 4:00 a.m. to help Mitch and Nancy get the city’s day started on the right foot.

As well as vying for the live auction items, guests circled tables bidding on silent auction items and purchasing penny sale tickets.

Chippa, the agency’s HIV/AIDS Education Coordinator says all proceeds from the evening remains in the community.

“The funds raised go directly to our clients. Some of the money will go to our Youth Education initiatives as well but the bulk will go directly to our clients,” he explains.

“For things like nutritional supplements, things like cans of ensure, vitamins, sometimes we have to dip into our ‘Tender Assistance Fund’ to help out with travel, things like that.”

He adds that the funds raised truly help the agency make a difficult situation just a little bit easier for people living with HIV/AIDS.