Daron Letts
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Nov 25/05) - The annual Celebrity Auction at the Explorer Hotel raised thousands of dollars last Friday night for the Council of Persons with Disabilities.

Auctioneer George Tuccaro accepts bids for a sail boat trip aboard the Yola during the 2006 Ability Cup Regatta, donated by Janet and George Diveky. - Daron Letts/NNSL photo

Early estimates put the total at about $45,000, said executive director Cecily Hewitt.

The Council will have a clearer picture of the amount raised next week.

"We were very pleased with the generosity of people in this city," Hewitt said. "It looked to me like we had the most people we had in years. We felt that it was a really marvellous success."

Vancouver stand-up comic Jimmy "Bagpipes" Johnston emceed the event while auctioneers George Tuccaro and Gerry LePrieur handled the bidding.

The Leslie Bader Band, the NWT Pipe Band and the Paapina Brass Quintet performed at the event, as well.

The auction block featured big ticket items, such as eight flights donated by Canadian North, and smaller items such as a palm reading donated by Erica Tesar.

The silent auction included a number of fine art works, such as a carving by artist John Sabourin, original paintings, prints and caribou tuftings.

The council still accepts donations at the office or by phone.