Going once, going twice sold!
Television personality and author Vicki Gabereau called out this phrase numerous times Saturday (Oct. 1) having accepted auctioneer duties at the Diamonds and Pearls gala at the Howe Sound Inn, where 140 individuals donned their best evening wear to enjoy gourmet meals at $75 a plate all for a good cause.
The goal for this years annual Sea to Sky Community Services (SSCS) is to build a downtown Squamish facility to house the organizations numerous social support programs.
Each item on auction was described in vivid detail and Gabereaus fun-loving demeanor had the crowd laughing and bidding simultaneously.
The live auction raised $3,900 and funds raised with silent auction items and ticket sales totalled $18,577.
In previous years, the event was held at Quest University and Totem Hall, but this year the Howe Sound Inn hosted the third annual Diamonds and Pearls Fundraiser in their dining room, and those in attendance said it was the best spot yet.
Gabereau enraptured the crowd with her contagious excitement and funny comments.
You can go and have a half day skiing with gold medallist Asleigh McIvor and some lunch as well, so lets start the bidding at $250, she said.
Shes only 26 years old and as a huge future, unlike some of us here, so lets try $250.
This is a very big deal. People in Italy, lets just say Italy or Switzerland or France, they would sell their first born to be able to ski and rub shoulders with an Olympic gold medalist.
The day with McIvor ended up going for $300.
Ive been at the last two and I think this is definitely the best venue so far, said title sponsor Squamish Savings chair Duncan McPhie. Its so much more intimate.
McPhie won a weekend for two to Las Vegas for he and his wife with a bid of $1,000. They both enjoy travelling and have never been there.
Its just an opportunity to see somewhere new and support a worthwhile cause, he said.
Fine gowns and handsome suits set those who attended the gala apart from the regular crowd at the Brew Pub across the lobby, and Double Shutter Images made everyone feel like a celebrity while taking red carpet photos of the dolled-up couples and friends to commemorate their night of haute fashion.
The Peak radio host Tamara Stanners, who lives in Squamish, said the chance to attend and help host such a worthy and fancy occasion was irresistible.
I think its fantastic, she said.
Its really nice to see all these people that I see everyday in Squamish, at the grocery store or picking their kids up from school, all dressed up supporting an incredible community service that we have.
Its really good to just change up the Squamish vibe a little bit and get fancy, because we dont do it very often.
This was her first year attending and she helped Gabereau co-host.
They asked me last year and I couldnt do it so this year I was really excited to be a part of it, she said.
I have to say I love what Sea to Sky Community Services does and Vicky Gabereau is my hero so its fun to be able to work with her.
However, Stanners wasnt the only fan in the crowd. Other than the Vegas trip, lunch with Gabereau, her husband and an unknown special guest was the most popular item on the auction block.
Local lawyer Douglas Chiasson paid $650 to win the luncheon, which will take place sometime in summer 2011. He said hes a big Sea to Sky Community Services supporter and has always admired Gabereau.
Ive known of her for a long time and shes quite a vivacious individual, he said.
I think it would be an interesting afternoon to have lunch with her and her husband and her special guest she said shes going to invite.
The first act of the evening was local talent Dana Marie, whose enchanting voice turned Johnny Cashs Ring of Fire into a soothing and enchanting delight.
Fabulous local cuisine paired with Howe Sound Brewerys award winning ales and B.C. wines rounded out the evening and Victorias hottest cover band, The Broken Strings.
