SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Some 112 seats were filled and the room overflowed with hundreds of attendees all scoping out the prizes up for grabs, as the NWT Council of Persons with Disabilities Celebrity auction celebrated its 30th anniversary Friday, Nov. 13 at the Explorer Hotel.

This year's special guest was host, author, and funny man Arthur Black, formerly the host of CBC radio's Basic Black. A number of exciting and fun prizes were sold, including a brunch for four with Black at the Explorer Hotel and a performance by the NWT Pipe Band.

The event also hosted a silent auction, featuring clothing, jewelry, income tax preparations and gift certificates. Raffle tickets were drawn throughout the night, all for charity. Great Slave MLA Glen Abernethy's evening sail ride sold for $850, an increase from last year's $600.

"I put it out there and hoped people would enjoy it," said Abernethy, who bid on various items, but found himself out-bid every time.

Yellowknife Centre MLA Robert Hawkins helped auctioneer the live portion of the program again this year. He said he considers it an honour to be apart of the event and looks forward to auctioneering with Gerry LePrieur.

"I give credit to Gerry and Tony Whitford," Hawkins said.

"They taught me what I know and every year I get better."

Gwen Gould, who bought 10 movie passes for a donation of $105, said she enjoyed the atmosphere of the event and will be back next year.

"The live auction was great," Gould said.

"It was put together really well."

Her mother, Josie Gould, was on the Council for Persons with Disabilities for many years, but this was the first time she had attended.

"It's a great way to donate," she said.

First time volunteer Lena Pedersen said she looks forward to coming to the auction every year, as the event is close to her heart.

"It's important for people to get together and support," said Pedersen, who works at the Bosco Homes Territorial Treatment Centre.

"Sometimes we forget them, so it's a good way to remember."

The numbers are not tallied for this year just yet, but last year the council managed to raise $52,773, all of which went to programs and services across the NWT.