The 630 CHED Santas Anonymous on-air auction was back for its 26th year on Thursday and had raised $27,450 after it wrapped up at 7 p.m.
“We are absolutely thrilled with the outcome of the 630 CHED on-air auction,” said Janine Foote, 630 CHED Santas Anonymous’ marketing and communications manager.
“Thank you to everyone who called in today to bid, as well as the incredible local companies who give their time and resources to raise money to help put smiles on children’s faces on Christmas morning.”
The auction, which ran through four of 630 CHED’s shows, allowed Santas to make sure each of the over 22,000 kids the charity helps will get a complete gift package on delivery day.
“We count on the auction to help fill the gap for hard to buy for age groups, like boys age nine to 12,” Foote said.
“It also helps us purchase batteries, books and all the supplies needed to package toys and get them into the hands of children in the community.”
There were five packages available to be bid on during the on-air auction this year.
The day kicked off on 630 CHED Mornings with Chelsea Bird and Shaye Ganam with a food truck party for 50 people from Curbside Catering. 630 CHED listener Reid won that package with a $3,250 bid.
From 10 a.m. – 11 a.m., during the Ryan Jespersen Show, listeners were able to bid on a VIP preview of the Butchery by RGE RD. This package included cocktails and happy hour for 25 people, followed by a family-style butcher-shop dinner. Jason will be throwing quite the party after submitting his winning bid of $9,500!
630 CHED Afternoons with J’lyn Nye had two packages available for bidding.
The first was available during the 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. hour and was billed as the ultimate dinner party for 10. Guest-hosted by celebrity chefs Emily Richards and Julie Van Rosendaal, this unforgettable meal experience will also include signed cookbooks for each guest in attendance. After a last-minute bidding war, Jean will be taking her family for dinner after winning the prize with a bid of $6,700!
Then, during the 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. hour, listeners were able to bid on the VIP experience at the Jasper Beer and Spirits Festival. Mark will be enjoying a weekend in Jasper after submitting a winning bid of $3,000.
Finally, the sports-lovers package with Grant Fuhr became available during Inside Sports with Reid Wilkins. Between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., listeners bid on the package that includes golfing with Grant Fuhr, two lower-bowl tickets to an Oilers game and a Rexall Place arena seat signed by Fuhr and Paul Coffey. The winner of the prize submitted a $5,000 bid.
“We’re so proud to host this auction every year,” 630 CHED program director Syd Smith said. “Year after year, we are amazed at the generosity shown by Edmontonians and beyond.”
For the first time, the week leading up to the on-air auction featured an online auction as well.
“The online component will allow even more people to take part and raise funds to make Christmas special for children in Edmonton,” Foote said before the online auction launched.
The online auction closed with the on-air auction at 7 p.m. on Thursday night.
Over 60 items were available to be bid on through the new online auction.
“We have beautiful handmade items by local artisans, gift certificates for local business like Greta Bar and Snow Valley, as well as electronics, autographed memorabilia and even a visit from Santa for up to 10 kids,” Foote said.
Volunteers at Santas Depot were busy working to make sure all the packages were ready to go by delivery day on Dec. 14.
The charity is still looking for donations for boys from nine to 12 years old and also for batteries. Each toy that requires batteries is given two extra sets so kids can play with the toy
long after the display batteries die.
There are still opportunities for volunteering ahead of delivery day. Anyone interested can visit the Santas website to register.
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