28th annual two-weekend event to begin Friday, wrap up Jan. 14
By KATHY PAULSEN
Staff Writer
Christmas and New Year’s have passed, and the little town of Geneva once again plans to open its doors wide to provide for the annual Geneva Cancer Auction.
Long known for the kindness and generosity that radiates from this little town and its surrounding neighbors since the first cancer auction in 1985, this event continues to grow and give to help others.
Many events are scheduled throughout the year to bring in donations to fight the cancer battle, and the annual Cancer Auction has become an unforgettable event.
Twenty-seven years is a long time to think about causes and cures, as well as the loss of loved ones, but the message still comes through loud and clear: help find a cure for cancer.
The people of our area do their best to benefit those we love by sharing their love and generosity by supporting this annual event.
This year, the Geneva Cancer Auction will once again be held at Geneva Bar & Grill beginning on Friday, January 6 at 7 p.m., and resuming again at 2 p.m. on Saturday. The auction will continue the following weekend, January 13, at 7 p.m. and the 14th, at 2 p.m.
It is hoped people will once again open their hearts and put on their thinking caps, so as to find or create an outstanding collection of items for the auction. The Geneva Cancer Auction has a reputation of providing many treasures and some delicious homemade goodies for people to bid on and hopefully take home with them to enjoy.
It takes a village and many, many people who donate of their time and talents as organizers, solicitors, auctioneers, clerks, helpers and contributors to make this fundraising activity a success.
Frontier Communications once again plans to have Minnesota Vikings celebrities in attendance the second weekend of the cancer auction. "Bench Warmer Bob," Bob Lurtsema, and "Viktor" the mascot, and possibly two of the Vikings cheerleaders, will attend the Geneva Cancer Auction on Friday, January 13th at about 6 p.m.
Last year was a banner year as everyone enjoyed the autographs, picture taking, hand-shaking and seeing the cheerleaders surprised at all the commotion while enjoying every minute of it.
The organizers continue to say, "Thank You,” and, "Thanks A Million," to everyone who donates, purchases, attends and supports the many fundraising events that are held throughout the year to help find a cure.
Many of our area people, businesses and organizations donate to the Memory Board, Whitey’s Cash Tray, or purchase gold commemorative coins, Geneva Cancer Auction sweatshirts, T-shirts and caps, or tickets to the Geneva Cancer raffle, which includes a 51" Plasma HDTV with Blu-Ray player, and five cash prizes totaling $1,500.
Last year, a total of $81,000 was delivered on behalf of the many people from our area who continue to give to the local fundraising events of the annual Eagles Cancer Telethon in Rochester.
Reaching the $1 millon mark back 2010 was a milestone for the Geneva Cancer Auctions, but it was not the end; it was more like a new beginning to set a goal for a second million. The Geneva Cancer Auction is the big deal, but only a part of the various other activities that people continue to donate and support to help find a cure for cancer.
Other fundraising events are organized and supported by the great people of our area including the Geneva Golf Outing, Wild Game Feed, Locks of Love, Roger Knudson Poker Tournament, Matt Felt Pool Tournament and many more events too numerous to mention.
There is always room for more to take part in the wonderful hospitality of this great city with a heart.