SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - The NWT Council for Persons with Disabilities' 30th annual celebrity auction is set to take place this Nov. 13, said auction organizer Barb Kardash.

Robert Hawkins auctions off firefighter Max Auger, Paul Grismer and Jared Wiebe during the 28th annual celebrity auction for the NWT Council for Persons with Disabilities on November 17, 2007. - NNSL file photo

The first auction was organized about a year after the council had gotten off the ground as a way to fundraise. It "was quite small, but it was all local celebrities auctioned off and they donated their services," said Kardash.

Since that time the event has evolved into "one of the largest fundraising events in Yellowknife" said Michelle Gillis, executive director of the council. Last year the event raised $52,773.

She said the auction, "ensures we remain in operation as we are a charitable organization.

"The monies raised will go towards essential programming and services for our clients all across the NWT."

Over the years a number of notable Canadians have taken part in the auction, including children's entertainer Fred Penner. One of this year's celebrity guests is CBC radio's Arthur Black, who was the host of the national show Basic Black. He has also authored a number of books, and hosted the Life network TV shows Weird Homes and Weird Wheels.

Kardash predicts Black will "add a lot of colour to the event."

Local celebrities for this year's auction include musicians Mary Caroline, the Harmony Sisters and the Aurora Fiddlers. Some of the items up for grabs are a brunch for four with Mr. Black himself courtesy of the Explorer Hotel, a Cape Dorset Print complete with custom framing courtesy of Northern Images, and an evening sailboat cruise on Great Slave Lake with MLA Glen Abernethy.

"I have been donating for a number of years a three to four-hour cruise on Great Slave Lake, " said Abernethy. "I have been involved with the NWT Council for Persons with Disabilities for a number of years."

He added that he was one of the first people to be on the organizing committee for the Ability Cup which, like the auction, has been a very successful event for the council.

"The celebrity auction is a great event, people in this town are so willing and generous to give freely of their time and money," the MLA said.

Some of the more unique items donated for auction include free immunizations for your pet at Great Slave Animal Hospital, custom freshwater pearl jewellery by Yellowknife artist Donna Latremouille, or gift t certificates to keep your vehicle running smoothly from Autotech and Kingland Ford.

This year's auctioneers include Gerry Leprieur and Yellowknife Centre MLA Robert Hawkins. Canadian North and the Explorer hotel are sponsoring the event and all graphic design work is being donated by local artist Janet Pacey. The event takes place at the Explorer Hotel on Nov. 13. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the auction starts at 7 p.m.