SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - A "gentlemen's night out" raised $27,000 for the Stanton Territorial Hospital Foundation earlier this month, to go towards services, programs and equipment for men's health.

Kevin Lang from Trinity Helicopters reviews bids at the silent auction at The Black Affair, a men's health fundraiser held on Oct. 12 at the Champagne Room. The event managed to raise $27,000 for the Stanton Territorial Hospital Foundation. - photo courtesy of Nigel Fearon

Bill Kellett, president of Kellett Communications, said the event called "The Black Affair" held on Oct. 12 at the Champagne Room was to bring awareness to prostate and testicular cancer.

"It doesn't get talked about at all up here," said Kellett.

And what doesn't get talked about, doesn't get fundraised for, while there are many events for women's and children's health issues, he added.

"Those are good causes and we support those causes, but this is an untouched subject," said Kellett.

"We were chewing on the idea that, 'wouldn't it be fun to do for guys up north?'"

Linda Bussey, executive director of the Stanton Territorial Hospital Foundation, agreed it's not often you see an event like this.

"Rarely we see men's fundraiser focused on men's health," said Bussey.

Kellett got in touch with local businesses such as Trinity Helicopters and the Investors Group.

"It's a good thing to raise awareness for," said Sean MacGillivray with the Investors Group. "There's not a whole lot of awareness for prostate cancer and things of that nature."

From then more businesses got involved.

"They thought it was a good idea and we steamrolled with it," said Kellett. "It was amazing how people came together."

The event included a blind scotch tasting and a silent auction of "gentlemen's favourite things," such as meat, fishing gear and Oilers tickers donated by local businesses.

Bussey was amazed with the amount of money the event managed to raise.

"I couldn't believe that it was organized by a small group of men," said Bussey. "Once again it shows the power of the community and shows their commitment to the hospital and their commitment to better health."

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