Whitey Hagen wearing his “Thanks A Million” – Geneva Cancer Auction 1,000,000 Club coat. He will now have to get a new one as the Geneva Cancer Fundraising events have now passed the 2 MILLION dollar figure.
Star Eagle photo by Kathy Paulson
By KATHY PAULSON
Staff Writer
The weather conditions on Friday kept many people home, but a great number of faithful supporters braved the conditions to attend the second weekend of the 2022 Geneva Cancer Auction, Friday, January, 14 at the Geneva Bar and Grill.
A special board displaying names of those who donated and the cause for their donations was on display again this year. Some of those listed on the board included: a $5,000 donation from Maple Island Park Association; $4,500 from the Geneva Cancer Motorcycle Run; $2,400 raised from the Cancer Golf Outing in August; as well as $1,000 from Bleachers Bar and Grill in Albert Lea. A special thank you was extended to all those who donated, including a great number of those not listed here.
Several boards displayed the number of Geneva Cancer Auction Raffle tickets purchased.
There were also several large green display boards showing how the Geneva Cancer Auction has been helping financially in the Fight Against Cancer for 38 years now. The first Geneva Cancer Auction was held in 1985 and raised $5,500.
At the end of each year’s fundraising events, the total amount raised is added to the display board. That total is then added with the previous donations made to the Eagles Cancer Telethon for a grand total. Due to the pandemic, a 2021 live auction was not held last January, but the money raised from the raffle was added along with the following events: the annual motorcycle run in June; golf outing in August; the Matt Felt Pool Tournament in November; and the Wild Game Feed in December. Several other donations were received from the Steve Quam Memorial and from ABATE, bringing the grand total raised in 2021 to $20,000. With all those donations added, the grand total of funds raised from Geneva Cancer fundraising events since 1985 now totals more than two million dollars (2,010,000).
On to the auction
Jamie Hagen welcomed everyone to the second weekend of the 2022 Geneva Cancer Auction Friday night. He encouraged those in attendance to get a bidding number, and informed everyone that there was again a Geneva Cancer Auction Raffle. And as always there was an assortment of 2022 Geneva Cancer sweatshirts and T-shirts available for purchase .
Jamie then put up for bid a quart of those famous HOT pickles donated by Rodger and Sue Hill in remembrance of Vi. That was followed by a Geneva Cancer Auction “stew package,” which included a bag of potatoes and a bag of onions donated by Roger Shaunce, along with a pound of that great HOPE butter from Victor Mrotz. Next up for bid was a bottle of Pat Goodnatures’ homemade wine. The list goes on and on and on of the many great items donated for this year's auction.
Many of the items donated to the auction each year are in honor or in memory of friends and family, while others are given to help in this fight against cancer. Each and every one of the donations received from the people and businesses here in southern Minnesota area are greatly appreciated. Without each of those donations, the amount of money raised by the Geneva area for cancer research would not be possible.
Lerberg's Fitness Center donated a one month family membership to the fitness center paired with a medium-sized sweatshirt, which was thought would fit someone in the family after one month spent at the fitness center. Needless to say that comment drew a few chuckles.
Fynn Baumann, a good friend of Tom Donnelly, or “Digger” as he was known, shared information about his donation to the auction. Fynn, along with his family, remembered “Digger,” as well as Rodney Farr and Trisha Wayne, who lost their lives last year.
The Baumanns donated several items associated with Digger: a shovel, a World's Tallest Leprechaun T-shirt, Leprechaun socks, a stainless steel travel mug inscribed, ”Until We Meet Again,” a bottle of Jameson liquor and a six pack of Guinness Beer.
The Baumann family said they would match the top bidder up to $500. This donation, given in memory of Digger, “who was just a little Irishman,” Hagen said, was loved by many. It received a high bid of $850.
A young lady, Kristine Bergeron, came to the Geneva Cancer Auction planning to donate some of her hair for “Wigs for Kids.” Bids were presented for five different braids created before the first cut was made. Walking around the bar with a collection tray atop her head, Brenna Hagen gathered $241 for the cut, which raised an additional $290.
This year’s auction also had an assortment of many baked goods and gift certificates, and several assorted groupings of retired Geneva Cancer event T-shirts available for bid.
The long list of donated items is too numerous to list. We wish we could list each and every donation.
The 2022 Geneva Cancer auction continued on Saturday, January 15 at 2 p.m. Whitey Hagen welcomed everyone. “The Geneva Cancer Auction has been one of the best fundraisers that I have been involved in,” Hagen said. “Apples, peaches, pumpkin pie... Whose not ready to holler 'Aye.'”
Hagen then put a quart jar of peach schnapps up for bid.
Next up for auction was a plate of Scotcheroos made and donated by Judy Christensen.
Barb Kuckenbecker again donated an assortment of handmade blankets. A cancer quilt from Roxy Strand, who now lives in Lakeville, was also among items next up for bid.
Geneva Lumber donated a hooded sweatshirt and the top bidder decided to donate the sweatshirt back to the auction. Jamie Hagen, one of Whitey Hagen’s sons, thought they should have a contest to see who could get the highest bid. Jamie was able to claim the honor as he got $10 more for the sweatshirt.
The Saturday auction also included two crystal “Healing Bracelets” had been made and donated by Jenny Gullhoffer. One raised $250 and the other $400.
It was then announced that the Matt Felt Pool Tournament in November raised a total of $1,842.26. Saturday would have been Matt’s birthday, so those gathered sang “Happy Birthday” to Matt before moving on to the next items.
At this point in the auction, Jim Manges asked Tony Sommers to join him for the “Farm” portion of the auction items. The following businesses donated numerous items or credits: Ulland Brothers, LP gas, Pioneer Seed, Golden Harvest Channel, and CFS.
Barb Kuckenbecker made and donated a John Deere blanket.
Tony Foster donated several metal outdoor signs which he made.
At this point in the auction Jamie Hagen announced that a colorful cloth piggy bank would be brought around for cash donations. The pig, which had made an appearance last weekend and the night prior, was later auctioned off for $375.
Several pizzas were auctioned off and soon enjoyed.
A “half a hog” was again donated by the Klemmensen Brothers in memory of Bonnie Klemmensen. Neighbor’s Meats in New Richland, along with Thrivent, donated the cost to process.
The Facebook bidding on the Policeman’s quilted wall hanging and pillows donated by Judy Christensen was auctioned off.
A 65” Samsung Crystal UHD television donated by Sorenson’s Appliance was also put up for bid.
Over the course of this year's Geneva Cancer Auction, a special young lady from our area, Trisha Wayne, was honored and remembered. Several members of Trisha’s family proudly wore special shirts to the auction, which read, “ Trisha Joy – The moment your heart stopped, mine changed forever. October 1, 2021.”
A donation of Pandora jewelry for the auction was given in Trisha’s honor, as well as a collection of her favorite things put together in a basket. The auction also included a handmade end table, and a beautiful vase of flowers, and Remi Wayne donated a photo session in Trisha’s memory as well.
Before the 2022 Geneva Cancer Auction came to a close at 10:30 p.m., the winning tickets for the 2022 Geneva Cancer Auction Raffle were selected. The winners included: $1,000 to the 112 Restaurant in Albert Lea; the $500 went to Bruyton Johnson; $400 went to Harold Bair; $300 to Gary Dahlum; $200 to Todd Kriewell; and $100 to Carmell Fadden.
A special thank you was extended to the many people who gave their support for this special event. It takes a great number of people to continue events like this for 38 years. It takes a village, be it a donor or buyer, auctioneer, clerk, runner, etc. They were all thanked for everything they did to help make this event successful.
On Sunday morning, as her grandfather, 89 year old Whitey Hagen did for 38 years, Brenna Hagen made the trip to Rochester for the Eagle Cancer Telethon to make the presentation on behalf of the local communities who helped make this donation possible. The annual telethon was broadcast on KTTC television. Brenna presented a check in the amount of $145,000 to the 68th Eagles Cancer Telethon.
With that addition it is noted that the GRAND TOTAL of donations presented during to the Eagle Cancer Telethon from our area has now reached $2,155,000. A special thank you is offered to each and everyone who has helped make that possible.
Together we can make the difference.
Footnote: The Geneva Cancer Committee was not able to auction off all the items given for the 2022 Auction, so the committee is planning to hold a “clean up” auction Saturday, April 2. A breakfast is also being planned to take place the following day. Please mark your calendars and keep an eye out for further details.