Chamber of Commerce prepares for year’s major fundraiser

Saturday October 20th will be auction night in Rupert as the Chamber of Commerce presents its annual dinner and fund raising auction night.

It’s always a much anticipated evening of food, entertainment and the chance to pick up some great prizes or goods through auction. With proceeds destined to help the Chamber continue to provide support services to Prince Rupert's merchant class.

The Daily News had details on the night’s planned events in the Wednesday paper.

Chamber auction tickets an easy sell
By Leanne Ritchie
The Daily News
Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Pages one and three

Businesses large and small are being encouraged to support their chamber during the Prince Rupert and District Chamber of Commerce annual auction Oct. 20.

At the September Chamber of Commerce luncheon, Wendy Prystay, chamber president, explained that the entertaining evening will be the chamber's major fundraiser for the year.

Money raised allows the chamber to continue to promote and improve the business climate for those operating in Prince Rupert.

"This year's auction should be a very exciting evening," she said.

The line-up includes dinner, a live-auction with dynamic auctioneers, silent and 'toonie' auctions and entertainment.

Whether guests come on their own or with a group of friends, everyone who attends is automatically entered into the draw for the Grand Door Prize - two return tickets to Vancouver, sponsored by Hawkair.

The selection of goods and services up for auction this year is extraordinarily varied and consequently, whether people are looking for items for work, home or recreation, or if they are just trying to get in a little early holiday shopping, there will be many items to spark the interest.

On the block are a variety of tours - helicopter, whale and grizzly bear - golf packages, excavating, automotive and marine services, wonderful gift baskets, adult cheer, framed photographs, electronics, a downrigger rod, dinning certificates and much more.

In past year's, tickets have always gone quickly, so people are being encouraged to book early.
The Prince Rupert and District Chamber of Commerce acts as the voice of business at all three levels of government, facilitates business events and offers members the opportunity to promote their businesses and find cost-savings through chamber programs.

"We hope to make this the most successful auction to date," said Prystay.

Anyone who would like tickets or who needs more information can contact Lynne at the Chamber of Commerce at 624-2996.

Meanwhile, the chamber is also looking for volunteers to host the first event associated with the B.C. Chamber of Commerce 2009 Annual General Meeting in Prince Rupert.

At the 2008 AGM in Whistler, the Prince Rupert Chamber will host an evening to invite people to the 2009 event, said Prystay. The 2008 AGM takes place in May.

"We are looking for members to help plan an event to put Prince Rupert on the map," said Prystay.

The chamber announced in June that it has successfully won the bid to host the 2009 BC Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting in Prince Rupert. The annual general meeting regularly attracts more than 400 business leaders from all parts of the province, provincial ministers, and representatives from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.