Chamber Raises $155,000 At Auction

The Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce grossed approximately $155,000 at its 16th annual Awesome Auction on Saturday night.

The 1950s-themed benefit fund-raiser attracted about 700 people, said Wayne Ellenbecker, co-chair of the event. It was held at the Coeur d’Alene Resort.

The chamber expects to net between $110,000 and $115,000 after it pays for the meals and other expenses, Ellenbecker said.

The money is used for education, Junior Miss, legislative lobbying and promoting the city. It also helps to keep chamber dues low.

This year’s auction included 550 items worth some $215,000, Ellenbecker said. About 360 were sold via silent auction, some were raffled and others were sold via live auction.

People got great deals on everything from financial planning services to a car, pool tables to couches.

“It’s not just for big spenders,” Ellenbecker said. “Lots of items go for $5, $10, $20.”

This year’s event included a ‘50s style meal - hamburgers, fries, onion rings and a chocolate dessert made in the shape of a 45 rpm record.

The Coeur d’Alene Chamber Commodores spend approximately four months pulling the auction together. Much of the credit for this year’s event goes to Patti Harris, a local independent mortgage loan broker, who co-chaired with Ellenbecker, he said. , DataTimes