Spirit of Giving Gala raises thousands

The Medicine Hat Santa Claus Fund held its second annual Spirit of Giving Gala Saturday night — raising thousands for the charity.

The event auctioned off a number of fully-decorated Christmas trees that were put together by various businesses from around the community.

“It was a really magical night,” said Santa Claus Fund executive director Deanna Doerksen. “It was so great to see the community come together and show support of the Santa Claus Fund.

“The continued support means so much to us and it made our second year of this event really special.”

As the night went on and the SCF raised thousands, eyes turned to the Scotiabank tree. The business said it was willing to match any bid up to $15,000 with a donation — and it did.

The Yuill Family Foundation won the tree with a $15,000 bid and then donated the tree back to the auction so it could be sold again.

After all was said and done, the tree brought in $32,000 for the Santa Claus Fund.

As the Christmas season hits, Doerksen says the group is always in need of baby toys for children 0-2 years old and gifts for teens.

The group is also very short on board games, something that is given to every family that receives a hamper.

Doerksen says the group is expecting roughly 400 families to be using its services this year.

NEWS PHOTOS MO CRANKER Above: Jared Pancoast was in charge of the auction Saturday night at the Medicine Hat Lodge during the second annual Spirit of Giving Gala. The event auctioned off decorated trees in support of the Santa Claus Fund.

Right: The Scotiabank tree was auctioned off for $15,000 Saturday night to the Yuill Family Foundation during the Spirit of Giving Gala. Scotiabank matched the $15,000 bid with a $15,000 donation to the SCF. The tree was donated back that night to the SCF and auctioned off again for $2,000.