Tbaytel Art & Design Auction of Hope Raises $27,746
Published Monday, November 23, 2020
The Tbaytel Art & Design Auction of Hope raised $27,746 for the Northern Cancer Fund for Breast Cancer. Pictured are Artist and Teacher at the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board Caterina Tolone (left), with her piece ‘Autumn Winds’, and Kathleen Jones, Tbaytel Vice President - Sales, Marketing & Communication.
New mammography unit at Linda Buchan Centre on its way
The annual Tbaytel Luncheon of Hope couldn’t take place this year, but organizers knew that it was essential to continue fundraising for local access to exceptional breast cancer care. Thanks to a partnership with presenting sponsor Tbaytel, the luncheon morphed into an online auction featuring beautiful artwork, clothing, furniture and professional services, all of which were kindly donated by local artisans and organizations.
At the close of the auction, $27,746 was raised for the Northern Cancer Fund, specifically for breast cancer, thanks to many bidders who enthusiastically participated and bid on 18 different packages. Additionally, generous donors gave directly to the Northern Cancer Fund, with $7,500 of their donations matched by Tbaytel. All money raised will specifically support a new mammography unit in the Linda Buchan Centre that features state-of-the-art tomosynthesis and a stereotactic biopsy unit.
For patients with breast cancer, the reality of the worldwide pandemic has added an even greater and unimaginable layer of stress to an already difficult time. Now, more than ever, breast cancer patients rely on local access to exceptional diagnostic and treatment equipment so they can stay close to home.
“The great work done through the Northern Cancer Fund is vital to the patients and communities it serves. With more than 400 employees who live and work right here in Northwestern Ontario, Tbaytel knows that when we give back to initiatives like the Art and Design Auction of Hope, we are not just helping our community and the incredible work done at the Linda Buchan Centre, but our neighbours, our friends and our families,” said Kathleen Jones, Tbaytel Vice President - Sales, Marketing & Communication.
One piece that engaged bidders right from the start of the auction was ‘Autumn Winds’, created by Caterina Tolone, an Artist and Teacher with the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board. Ultimately it was sold for $2,620, $1,120 over its suggested value! Tolone said, “I’m delighted that this piece received so much attention throughout the auction, along with many other incredible packages that were featured. I’ve always wanted to use my talents and art in some capacity to give back to my community and I’m honoured that this piece was able to do that. My art reflects the pride I have for living in Thunder Bay and to see our community come together to support breast cancer care in this big way makes me even prouder to live and work here.”
While the auction is over, donations to the Northern Cancer Fund are still gratefully accepted anytime at healthsciencesfoundation.ca/cancer or by calling (807) 345-HOPE (4673).