MILLTOWN — Approximately 150 people turned out to support the IWK on Apr. 19 while enjoying a turkey dinner at Saint Patrick’s Hall in Milltown. The 14th Annual IWK Dinner and Auction was coordinated by the IWK Charlotte County Committee, which Jennifer Johnston chairs.
In her welcome, Johnston acknowledged that the work “for the kids” would not have been possible without the support of her husband, family, the committee members, auction sponsors, and attendees, who were encouraged to “bid high and win big for the kids.”
Auction items ranged from bundled gift certificates to local eateries and accommodations as well as venues in Saint John, Fredericton, Campobello Island, and Woodstock. There were guy-themed baskets and pamper baskets for the gals. Some items even came with a gnome reflecting the basket’s theme.
The close ties with neighboring Calais, Me., was evident not only by the many gift certificates donated by businesses just over the river but also in the bidding when an American’s number shot up and auctioneer Brian Cornish jokingly asked if the bid was “in U.S. dollars.”
Two card draws and a 50/50 draw generated additional funds for the IWK. Johnston said “the value of the donations tonight is $25,000, and over the past 24 years as Chair of the Charlotte County IWK Committee, our group has donated over $400,000 to the IWK because the community supports every event.”
When asked, “Why do you do it?” Johnston answered, “Take a look at the far end of the hall. Giving of myself to help the children at IWK is a profound privilege.” The large monitor showcased several of the IWK children and their stories who were just some of the kids Johnston referenced throughout the evening.
Approximately $15,000 was raised from the dinner, auction, 50/50 draw, and two card draws throughout the evening. Johnston and the team are looking ahead to the next event, the IWK Kids Carnival on May 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Garcelon Civic Center. Following that is the St. Stephen’s Chocolate Festival, as they host the IWK Choctail Hour in August, and later in the year the 3rd Annual Christmas in Our Town.
Submitted by Lynda Duplissea.