Rankin Inlet (Oct 06/04) - The Kataujaq Society is struggling for funding this year, but the board of directors can breathe a little easier now that the final numbers for their major fundraiser are in.

The 6th Annual Kataujaq Charity Auction in Rankin Inlet attracted about 75 people this year, almost double last year's number.

The increased interest translates into $13,000 raised by auctioning off almost 40 items.

The crowd in the Leo Ussak gymnasium waved auction paddles in the air for most of the afternoon on Sept. 25.

Auctioneer Kerri Angidlik offered everything from a Jordin Tootoo bobblehead doll to airline tickets from all four airlines servicing the hamlet.

Executive director Evelyn Thordarson was happy with the turnout, especially after last year's scheduling difficulties. The fifth annual event was cancelled twice before being held during a blizzard.

The board decided to change the date this year, moving the popular event from December to September.

"We didn't want to run into the blizzard situation," said Thordarson.

The $13,000 is slated to ease operating costs for the Kataujaq Day Care. The day care had to raise its fees this year due to rising costs.

The non-profit organization depends on territorial government funding, which is falling short of late, according to Thordarson.

"We need to have this auction to keep our head afloat in the day care," she said.

The day care applied for a bingo slot this year as well, which will likely be held in December.

This is the first time they've had to hold one to increase the amount of money coming through the door.

"That should pull us through," said Thordarson.

The day care has an annual operating budget of $200,000, mainly from the Government of Nunavut.

Increased advertising

Thordarson credits incr-eased advertising and big ticket items, such as airline tickets to the increase in turn-out.

Two tickets on the auction block for anywhere Canadian North flies attracted the biggest bid of the night at $2,828.