A local auction aims to raise $300,000 to help support victims of the recent Beachie Creek and Lionshead wildfires.
The Heart of the Canyon benefit is a fundraising initiative focused on raising awareness and much-needed funds to rebuild Oregon’s playground – the Santiam Canyon.
“After the smoke and ash cleared, the reality of how much devastation there was all up and down the Santiam Canyon was just heartbreaking,” said Steffani Klein, one of the coordinators of The Heart of the Canyon Benefit. “My husband, Mike, decided to donate his fully restored 1972 Ford Bronco to raise money for the Santiam Canyon Wildfire Foundation.”
Klein teamed with Sandi Elwood and the two decided “let’s go auction!” Core team members helping with the event, are Cari Sessums, April Jean and Sue Nichols.
“We have many wonderful volunteers helping as well,” Klein said of the event slated for Jan. 9 at the Valentine Ridge Event Center, nestled between Fern Ridge and Stout Mountain in the Cascade Foothills. The 22-acre estate boasts wide-open views of the Willamette Valley to the Oregon Coastal Range.
“Our event will be hosted in a combination of rustic barns and a heated tent that will allow for plenty of space for all of our planned activities,” Klein said, thanking Sue Nichols and her team for helping to make “our vision come true.”
Of the venue, Stein added, “This will allow us to spread tables out more and make lots of room to move about. We will be handing out masks to all guests to wear and all vendors and volunteers will be wearing a mask as well. Also we’ll have hand sanitizer placed around the event.”
In addition to the Bronco, among the offerings will be a trip to Corona, Mexico and a custom knife by Leon Adams.
“We’re working on raffle baskets,” Klein said. “Be a catalyst of change by donating a prize package or item to be auctioned off. Items must be at a minimum value of $2,000.”
Donors will receive special recognition while the items are raffled and will be mentioned in the printed program. All monetary and physical donations are tax deductible. Visit the Heart of the Canyon Facebook page and Private Message for a form.
The benefit is limited to the first 250 guests. Tickets are $150 per person and include, food, beverages and live music.
“Guests will be treated to an evening of fine dining, cocktails, an all-star lineup of entertainers, dancing, and a live auction,” Klein said.
Appetizers will be provided by Moxieberry; coffee and tea by French Press Coffee & Crepes; cocktails, beer and hard seltzer provided by Snow Peak Brewery and Bearded Bartender; wine by Willamette Valley Vineyards and Wooden Shoe Winery; dinner by Adam’s Ribs Smokehouse and Covered Bridge Café; and dessert by Lovin’ Oven. Ken Cartwright will emcee the event and Kent Kilgore will be the live auctioneer. Featured bands are Never 2 Late and Rock n Roll Cowboys.
Tickets on sale now at www.eventbrite.com/e/the-heart-of-the-canyon-benefit-auction-tickets-127241018311.
“We would like to say a big thank you to the Stayton Area Rotary for stepping up to help us make this a nonprofit event,” Klein said. “All their help is greatly appreciated.”
For additional information on sponsorships or donations, contact Klein at [email protected].
