The Estevan Kinette Club’s first attempt to have an online auction to support Telemiracle was a success.
A Facebook auction was held from Feb. 9 to 13, with 67 items available.
Kinette Angela Bresciani, who organized the auction, said it went well and raised more than $5,000.
“Our numbers aren’t exact yet, because some people have donated more money than their actual purchase item cost,” said Bresciani.
The amount of money raised exceeded the expectations, as she thought it might generate about $3,000.
The auction had a variety of items from local businesses and individuals alike. The individuals donated some handmade items, cooking and more, while businesses provided merchandise and gift cards.
It meant that there were items for people of all ages, and even gifts for pets.
Bresciani pointed out the Kinettes traditionally will have steak nights as a fundraiser for Telemiracle, but they couldn’t host those events this year due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Those steak nights are typically successful, and The Beef was always a great place to have them.
So they considered other options, and that’s when Bresciani suggested a Facebook auction.
“We are probably planning on doing this again next year,” said Bresciani.
She pieced the initiative in just a week.
“It turned out pretty well for only having a week to plan and organize it. I think with the team of people that I had helping me, that it really turned out well, and with the community helping out with donations.”
Bresciani said other fundraisers will be happening in the community before Telemiracle.
This year’s Telemiracle will happen on Feb. 27 and 28. It’s going to be a week earlier than normal, but it will still start at 9 p.m. on a Saturday night and wrap up at 5 p.m. on a Sunday afternoon.
Proceeds from Telemiracle will be used to meet the needs of Saskatchewan people.
