Phantom affair for Cancer Network

Cancer Network of Sanders County (CNSC) switched up their fall fundraiser this year, holding the event at the Elks Lodge in Thompson Falls. About 100 attendees enjoyed a prime rib dinner and a Phantom of the Opera themed event with variety of fundraising activities.

"This is completely amazing," CNSC President Shelly Bertrand said during Saturday's fundraiser. "I could never ask for a better turnout for one of our fundraisers." Bertrand introduced her fellow board members and noted that since CNSC was formed in 2001, more than $90,000 has been given out to Sanders County residents undergoing cancer treatments. Just in 2023 alone, CNSC has given nearly $84,000.

Gary Revier served as auctioneer for the evening. As people won bids on items, he asked them to share the name of a cancer patient who they were bidding in honor or memory of.

Auction items ranged from a "movie nights for a year" donation from the Rex Community Theater that went for $250 to 400 gallons of propare from Energy Partners that garnered a high bid of $875. There were paintings and quilts and spa baskets, and enough variety of items for just about everyone to join the bidding.

Revier, of Plains, kept the crowd entertained and bidding for nearly an hour. "Every dollar that is donated tonight stays in Sanders County," he said. "It's a great cause.

Many items went for mroe than $100. John Clark, a past president of CNSC, donated a Harley-Davidsen motorcycle that he bought in 2008 with only 12 miles on it. Since then he has ridden it throughout the country, and donated the bike to the organization in honor of his daughter. Revier ended up buying the motorcycle for $3,500.

The event included a 50/50 raffle, which raised more than $400. The winning ticket belonged to CNSC board member Charyl Wachob, who donated her half back to the organization. CNSC also drew the winners of their raffle, which raised $13,170.

The band Spa City SOund of Hot Springs played a variety of lively tunes for the crowd before and after the event.

"We so much appreciated everything everyone donated tonight," Bertrand said as the event came to a close.