THUNDER BAY – On Friday, the 25th annual Bachelors of Hope charity auction was held at the Valhalla Inn.
Ten bachelors, who are all active members of the community and professional firefighters, came together to make a difference by raising money for the Northern Cancer Fund.
“In our 24 years, we have raised $1.3 million,” said Elaine Graydon, events manager with Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation.
“This year we’re very happy to have the firemen. They’re very enthusiastic and they have raised a lot of money for the foundation.
“It’s a success as long as we have 252 ladies in the room supporting breast cancer,” Graydon said.
“Women come here with the people in mind that lost their battles,” she said.
“We have a table of women that have a picture of their friend who lost their battle”
They attended to make sure that they don’t lose another one of their friends, she said.
Jean Francois, a bachelor, raised $4,500, the most out of all the firemen.
Each bachelor represented a luxury prize package that was auctioned off by Kevin Cernjl, a former bachelor and business owner.
The audience experienced a gourmet dinner and lots of entertainment.
The bachelors performed a choreographed dance for the crowd to watch and cheer along to.
Spencer Hari was the emcee of the evening. Hari is a local performer and theatre enthusiast who is always willing to lend his talents to the Foundation.
The event featured a bling blitz where one person won a $1,600 pair of diamond earrings.
A travel blitz followed, which offered a flight for two anywhere Air Canada flies.
Robert Wilson, a local firefighter, said on behalf of all the bachelors, they are doing this for a good cause.
“Cancer research is always a great place to put money towards,” Wilson said. “It’s going to help everybody.”
During the dance everyone was cheering the bachelors on and having a great time, Wilson said.
“It was a different experience, it’s not what we're used to.”
“We’re used to going in and helping people.”
The event raised $77,000 for the Northern Cancer Fund, which raises money to help ensure breast cancer patients have access to the best treatment possible, close to home.
To donate to the Northern Cancer Fund you can visit their website.
