Auction Adds Pizazz To Cpc Fund-Raiser

When Cancer Patient Care launched its annual winetasting fundraiser four years ago, the best word to describe the event was “relaxing.” A few local wines, some pleasant conversation … and a modest amount of money raised.

“But people like a little excitement,” says Sheryl Stave, the nonprofit agency’s executive director. “They want something more interactive - something with pizazz.”

Translation: They want auctions! Last year’s combination winetaster and auction generated so much enthusiasm that Cancer Patient Care has expanded the live-bidding portion of the event. This year’s fundraiser takes place Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Glover Mansion Banquet Hall, 321 W. Eighth. Dress is comeas-you-are casual, and free parking is available in the adjacent medical building parking lot off Ninth Avenue.Finger foods, desserts and a variety of Caterina wines are included in the $18 admission price ($35 for couples).

Donated items range from autographed baseballs and celebrity photos to homemade pies. But what Stave says really distinguishes her agency’s auction are the regional artists who provide unique works for sale. This year’s participants include familiar names - Harold Balazs, Ken Spiering, David Govedare and Mel McCuddin - along with more than two dozen others, such as painter MariAnne Figgins, nature photographer Charlie Gurche, fabric artist Louise Kodis and potter Eva Talacho. Money raised will help provide medical equipment, services, clothing and financial assistance for area cancer patients who have exhausted their resources.

“Cancer is so widespread,” observes CPC director Stave, “it cuts across every barrier: age, race, religion and socioeconomic groups. The only thing all our clients have in common is that they don’t have the money to pay for the care they need.” For more information about Friday’s auction, contact Cancer Patient Care at 456-0446.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo