Country Classic Auction spurs funds for hospital centre

The Country Classic Auction presented by Wellington West Capital rode into the Western Fair Agriplex on Nov. 7. One thousand auction goers snapped up auction items, netting London Health Sciences Foundation about $325,000 for Medicine Services at London Health Sciences Centre.

Medicine Services chose to focus the proceeds towards equipping the Centre for Clinical Investigation and Therapeutics. The CCIT will provide a facility and resources for clinicians and researchers to develop and test new medicines.

"The CCIT will revolutionize medical care and will positively affect every program in the hospital," says Neil Johnson, the integrated vice president, Medicine Services. "With its potential to help patients across the hospital and beyond, the CCIT was a logical choice."

In addition to the auction proceeds, it was announced that a $1 million donation gathered from the Department of Medicine physicians was designated towards the CCIT.

"On behalf of the physicians, we are pleased to have made this commitment to support the Centre for Clinical Investigation and Therapeutics," says Chief of Medicine Dr. David Hollomby.

Lawson Health Research Institute also designated $765,000 towards the development of the state-of-the-art facility located in the Lindros Legacy Research building at University Hospital.

"The support of the CCIT is a perfect example of how donor funds are utilized," said LHSF President and CEO Dan Ross. "Donor funds provide specialized equipment, research, education and enhanced patient care that would not otherwise receive funding."

Chris Harding from country music station BX93 joined auctioneer Gordie MacKenzie on stage for the evening’s live auction while celebrity spotters including Police Chief Murray Faulkner, MP Ed Holder and MPP Deb Matthews roamed the floor. They encouraged audience bids on items like a golf and dinner package hosted by hockey superstar Eric Lindros, which fetched $13,000. Other live auction items including unique trips, sports packages, home renos and guitars signed by the Tragically Hip, Blue Rodeo and Tom Cochrane all garnered a great deal of interest.

"With the popularity of new features and innovations introduced this year, people will need to get their tickets early next year to be guaranteed a seat," says event chair Susan Carlyle.

The silent auction was energized by a new electronic bidding process where people could check on their bids and raise them right from their tables on the Agriplex floor – without revisiting the display tables. A NASCAR simulator, a live game show, great food and dancing topped off the evening.

"The foundation is very grateful for the public’s generosity shown at events like the Country Classic Auction," says LHSF Chair George Kerhoulas. "From events, to lotteries, to individual donations, their support is critical to helping sustain the care, research and education provided at LHSC."