July 2013 - Auctioneers` Association of Alberta
Transcription
July 2013 - Auctioneers` Association of Alberta
VOLUME 79 NUMBER 2 JULY 2013 2013 EXECUTIVE Back Row (L-R): Darrell Johnston, Frederick Bodnarus, Pete Conway Dwayne Dunkle, Darrell Domes, Bill Henke, Dale Menzak Front Row (L-R): Gerald Zimmerman, Don Montgomery, Lorraine Klepper, John Perlich, John Arnold Missing: Wade Michener OFFICE ADDRESS: R.R. #1, Red Deer, Alberta T4N 5E1 Phone: (403) 340-2070 Fax: (403) 340-2019 Website: www.albertaauctioneers.com Editor: Lorraine Klepper Index Message from the President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Executive & Past Presidents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Learning the Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 From the Archives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 - 7 AA of Alberta Convention. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 10 In Memoriam of Arthur Clausen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Have Gavel, Will Travel - Flood Relief Auction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 B.C. Corner - Aron Fehr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 B.C. Corner - The Liquidator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 - 15 Edmonton Charity Raises $350,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 - 17 Luxury Home Sells at Fundraiser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 - 20 IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO ALL MEMBERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 ***PLEASE NOTE*** IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO ALL MEMBERS - PAGE 20 - HAROLD RAVEN GENERAL MANAGER BERNI SMITHMAN SALES REPRESENTATIVE Bay #1, 4768 Riverside Dr. Red Deer, Alber ta T4N 2N7 Phone: (403) 342-2000 Fax: (403) 347-9290 –1– Letter From The President Hello Everyone Hope you're all having a great year. Although I know that farm sales have been sporadic at best and livestock sales disappointing at times. I guess we have to keep things in perspective. The recent devastating floods in High River, Calgary and area have been very very difficult, if not life shattering for a lot of good people. The resilience and perseverance that is being displayed at this time from those communities affected and those folks who have come to their aid is absolutely remarkable and an inspiration to all. Looking ahead to the convention. The convention committees are hard at work and we have been hearing about some very interesting educational seminars and round tables along with top entertainers along with fun events scheduled. Both the Tyro and the Canadian All Around Auctioneers competitions are being planned. These conventions just seem to get better & better. If you have never been to a convention or maybe haven't been able to attend for a while, please make plans to attend. John Perlich, President –2– 2013 Executive PRESIDENT VICE-PRESIDENT PAST-PRESIDENT SECRETARY-TREASURER DIRECTORS COMMITTEE AMVIC & Automotive Canadian Liason Education Global Auctions Media Membership Legislative Surety Tyro Investment & Finance Web Page: 2014 Convention Auction Competition John Perlich, Lethbridge . . . . . . . . . . . . (403) 331-9911 Don Montgomery, Blackfalds . . . . . . . . (403) 350-0523 Robert Lind, Buck Creek . . . . . . . . . . . (780) 542-0123 Lorraine Klepper, Red Deer . . . . . . . . . (403) 340-2070 John Arnold Lethbridge . . . . . . . . . . . . (403) 382-3832 Frederick Bodnarus, Saskatoon . . . . . . (306) 975-9054 Pete Conway, Innisfree . . . . . . . . . . . . . (780) 592-2360 Darrell Domes, Calgary. . . . . . . . . . . . . (403) 276-3375 Dwayne Dunkle, Castor . . . . . . . . . . . . (403) 740-6251 Darrell Johnston, Red Deer . . . . . . . . . . (403) 352-3675 Dale Menzak, Vegreville . . . . . . . . . . . . (780) 632-9851 Wade Michener, Calgary. . . . . . . . . . . . (403) 333-7355 Don Montgomery, Blackfalds . . . . . . . . (403) 350-0523 John Perlich, Lethbridge . . . . . . . . . . . . (403) 331-9911 Gerald Zimmerman, Wetaskiwin . . . . . (780) 361-7437 TERM EXPIRY DATE 2016 2016 2016 2014 2015 2015 2016 2014 2015 2016 2014 Wade Michener Don Montgomery Don Montgomery & Dale Menzak Darrell Domes John Perlich & Dwayne Dunkle Pete Conway John Arnold, Robert Lind Ron Sekura Frederick Bodnarus John Arnold, Ron Sekura, Brad Neal Darrell Domes Darrell Johnston & Dwayne Dunkle, Don Montgomery Ron Victor, John Perlich PAST PRESIDENTS 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 Robert Lind Robert Lind Brad Neal Brad Neal Wayne Orsten Wayne Orsten Ron Victor Ron Victor Colin Spencer Colin Spencer Dave Sharp Dave Sharp Ron Sekura Ron Sekura Elgar Paras Elgar Paras Linda Baggaley Linda Baggaley Larry Graham Larry Graham Delton Wolff 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978 1977 1976 1975 1974 1973 1972 1971 1970 Delton Wolff Catherine Clausen Wes Spencer Wes Spencer Frank Hall Ron Sim Frank McInenly Bob Balog Jim Schlenker Norm Moore Keith Erdmann Bob Smithens Scott Hunter Karl Zajes Joe Perlich Bud Haynes Les Handley Larry Irvine John Allen John Allen Roy Campbell –3– 1969 1968 1967 1966 1965 1964 1963 1962 1960 1959 1958 1957 1956 1955 1953 1952 1948 1947 1946 1942 1935 Tony Perlich Mike Lawrence Garfield Ogilvie Don H. Hutton Earl Galvin Walter Kitt Vern Scown Vern Scown Earl Lanyon Keith Sim Frank Gwartney J.C. Robertson Ted Newby Ted Newby Alec Sim Don Ball Archie Boyce C.S. Smith Joseph H. Reed Clarence Damron Arthur Mitchell Learning The Business Don Montgomery’s Grandsons 5 year old Derek & 7 year old Carter watch on as Grandpa is selling at his Equipment sale in April. TS Ted Stefiuk Insurance Services Ted Stefiuk RHU CFP CLU B. Sc. Pharm • Disability Income • • Critical Illness Insurance • • Life Insurance • • Group Insurance • • Segregated Funds • 11420 - 142 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5M 1V1 Bus.: (780) 429-4580 - Fax: (780) 702-0770 email: [email protected] - Toll Free: 1-866-529-4580 –4– “YOU CAN FOOL - - -” - Originally published Sept 1974 in The Auctioneer. Every so often we have a complaint from a customer who has been to an auction sale, or one who has had an auctioneer sell merchandise for him. As might be expected, sometimes such complaints are unjustified, but sometimes the customer is right, and the auctioneer has erred. For example, one consignor complained that the auctioneer refused his complaint that he was selling the heavy farm machinery too early in the day (before lunch) and the farmer knew of the neighbours wishing to bid on the tractor, combine, etc. and they hadn't arrived yet, as usually sales in that area it was customary to put up this kind of item around two o'clock. The auctioneer told him he had nothing to say about it and proceeded to sell all the machinery, some at what the owner felt went ridiculously cheap. Late in the afternoon the auctioneer, as it was told to us, was down to the knick-knacks, buyers were leaving, but he persisted to the very end before he opened the bidding on the land and buildings. By this time some would-be buyers who had flown to the sale to bid on the land had been forced to leave to catch their flight back home. The land barely sold, at the farmer's upset price. Another complaint a while ago was that the auctioneer kept raising the bid, when the buyer knew he was the only one? “You can't fool all of the people all of the time”. Some buyers are every bit as familiar with auction sales as just about every auctioneer. After all, they attend and buy at sales by many auctioneers. It takes a very smart alec auctioneer to think he is fooling them, and possible the auctioneer is only fooling himself. The regulations do not say in so many words that the auctioneer or the seller can not bid, BUT the regulations do say: The auctioneer shall “render the best possible sale service to his clients and employers AND ALL PERSONS IN ATTENDANCE AT THE AUCTION.” Another covers misrepresentation and might be applicable, if the buyer has in fact placed a bid which is reasonable. Any auction sale is considered “unreserved” unless the buyers have clearly informed otherwise, and this implies that the auctioneer or owner will not be placing bids against the buyer. The alternative is that in his announced conditions, the auctioneer reserves the right to refuse a facetious (ridiculously low) bid but he would be better advised to say so if he wishes to exercise this reservation (continued on pg. 6) –5– Interesting Articles from our Archives (continued from pg. 5) than to too obviously go into a “ladder” charade with a knowledgeable buyer. Another complaint, just today, an auctioneer got a household and real estate auction, but did not write up any agreement or contract. After the sale was over, he included in his expenses both advertising and additional labour, which had not been mentioned. Actually he didn't overcharge, but he probably got the sale on the basis of his too low commission rate, but wound up charging the lady as much as any other auctioneer would have for such a sale. From our experience most of these examples show only sloppy handling, inexperience, a lack of consideration, and only rarely a real intent to be dishonest. But also over the years, the auctioneers doing their business along these lines usually just get fewer and fewer sales, and simply drop out of the auction business. It's no wonder. However, in the meantime every time they do a sale along such questionable lines, they do damage not only to themselves, but to all of the other auctioneers trying to conduct sales which not only will be a credit to themselves, but will enhance and build up the popularity of auction selling. A GOOD AUCTION SALE, WHATEVER THE KIND, HELPS EVERY AUCTIONEER AND EVERY OTHER SALE. A BAD AUCTION DETRACTS FROM ALL AUCTION SALES. Politicians may be able to live with their mistakes, for a while… not auctioneers. What About Today? - Originally published Nov 1965 in The Auctioneer. Auction selling has been popular for so many thousands of years, no because simply that people enjoy attending an auction. Auction selling down many centuries has proven to be the most efficient way to sell merchandise. Possibly auctioneers have the highest reputation for honesty and integrity or any occupation or class of tradesmen or brokers everywhere in the world. People consign to and trust auctioneers with everything from what they clean out of the basement or attic to the most treasure heirlooms and antiques, and even to the most valuable objects d'art, such as world famous paintings. You could say, the only dishonest auctioneer is the one who has just quit. At least, we hope he has quit, and he has, whether he realized it at the moment of being dishonest. An auctioneer's word is as good as his Bond, and in Alberta of course every auctioneer is bonded. It is a matter of record that in this province where the members of our Association are bonded through their own association. THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A CLAIM of even One Dollar against a member auctioneer's bond. (continued on pg. 7) –6– Interesting Articles from our Archives (continued from pg. 6) Quite appropriately it is called a Fidelity Bond. The dictionary says Fidelity = faithful, adherence to obligation or duty, honest, loyalty, reliability. Alberta auctioneers through fidelity have built for themselves a reputation and an association unrivalled anywhere. Or you could call it PROGRESS. It could only be achieved by working together. Opportunity. - Originally published Jan 1966 in The Auctioneer. Auction selling of household contents are very common, but in our part of the country, it is not too often you hear of selling the HOUSE. Auction selling of real estate, particularly of homes, is a growing field in some other places. There could be a considerable opportunity for the auction selling of residential property in our major city areas developing. What with ridiculously low down payments, up to 30 year mortgages, and even a government Winter Works subsidy of $500. on brand new houses, it is getting increasingly difficult to make a sale of older homes (even those only 5 or 10 years old) as most potential buyers do not have the amount of cash asked as a down payment. People who have homes to sell can no longer look around and find scores of eager purchasers, in the face of (almost) no down payment new houses they can get from the busy contractor. Those with older homes to sell, sooner or later, will have to face up to two facts, firstly that DEPRECIATION is back, after being non-existent for many years. Secondly, that a lot of city property is listed with the Real Estate people. It may take months to find a buyer. In the face of this, quite a few might be willing and eager to learn that they could sell their house and lot by auction - and get it sold NOW! We suggest for this type of auction to develop the auctioneer may have to provide some form of mortgage arrangement; develop 'multiple' sales (listing several to be sold at one sale) allowing time for prospective buyers to inspect the properties to be sold; and then holding the sale in a central and suitable location. It does not appear much of a business can be set up selling homes individually and right at each one. Selling quite a number at one sale would allow costs and commissions to be kept lower and fully competitive. To develop this type of business, someone is going to have to do a lot of hard work - it is not going to come to someone just sitting and waiting. But with houses as with everything, auction will set and hold a “going price” which will be just what the property is worth to seller and buyer. –7– AUCTIONEERS... Computerize your Auction using the TopBid Auction Management System from Bruce County Software TopBid is used by over 300 Auctioneers across Canada & U.S. Runs on standard W98/ME/XP./2000 computers. Single and Multi-user versions available. Reports Instant Invoices Consignor Reports Cash Balance Sale Summary A/R Print Cheques Clerking On-Line Clerking Wireless Terminals Customer History Customer List Mailing Labels Customer Grouping Inventory Management Catalogue Clerking Catalogue Printing Commission Rates Percentage Variable Rate Flat Rate Sliding Scale Individual Item Taxes PST Remittance GST Remittance Support Start-up Assistance Free Tech. Support Over 50 Alberta Auctioneers now use TopBid to manage their Auctions! TopBid is 100% Canadian For more information call Toll Free (888) 454-5299 Website: www.topbid.ca –8– AUCTIONEER’S ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA TH 80 ANNUAL CONVENTION JANUARY 30, 31, FEBRUARY 1, 2014 HELD AT The Black Knight Inn 2929 50 Ave, Red Deer, AB Book these dates and plan to attend. All Information will be available in next Magazine. –9– Auctioneers Association of Alberta 80th Annual Convention Jan 30, 31 & Feb 1, 2014 at the Black Knight Inn 2929 50 Ave, Red Deer, AB Friday Night’s Entertainment Popovich Family “Cowboy Comedy Show” The SaddleSore’s “Cowboy Comedy Show” features Richard and Debrah Popovich and is perfect for anyone who appreciates good clean humour. The show includes loads of western humour and famous songs, a few comedy impersonations and an occasional rock and roll tidbit to keep everyone on their toes. Combined with humour and nonsense, you’ll hear classics like The Auctioneer, I’ve Been Ev’rywhere, A Boy Named Sue, Tumbling Tumbleweeds, plus Deborah’s rendition of Patsy Montana’s Famous yodelling song “Cowboy’s Sweetheart” and many more. Richard Popovich of the “Cowboy Comedy Show” Richard and Deborah have been entertaining Western Canadian audiences with their own unique brand of humour and music for more than a quarter century. That combined with over 24 years of being featured entertainment on the famous “Alberta Prairie” Tourist Train, there isn’t a community in Alberta that isn’t familiar with Richard’s with, charismatic personality and outstanding mustache! Saturday Night’s Entertainment Tim Hus - Canadian country/folk singer. Tim Hus and his Travelin' Band, which includes bull fiddler Riley Tubbs, Billy MacInnis on lead guitar and fiddle, and occasionally Tim Hus on his 2012 Summer Tour. Pat Phillips on drums, have toured from coast to coast performing their true Canadian music. His music is coined as "Canadiana Cowboy Music" and tells tales of the Historic West and those who formed it. Tim has shared the stage with many other great talents such as Canadian legend Stompin' Tom Connors, Ian Tyson and Gary Fjellgaard and worked with Corb Lund on the song "Hurtin' Albertan". He has worked as a carpenter’s helper, framer, warehouse hand, forklift driver, van driver, treeplanter, brewery worker, beer truck driver, fruit picker, fisherman, pine cone picker, sawhand, cabinet maker, well driller, painter, courier, assembly line worker, salmon farmer, furniture mover, labourer, and a maintenance man. – 10 – In Memory Of Arthur J. Clausen August 6, 1935 - April 30, 2013 Arthur Clausen was Secretary/Treasurer and a moving force in the organization of the Auctioneers Association of Canada. He devoted countless hours tot he promotion of the Association and the auction profession. His wife, Catherine, was a former president of the Auctioneers Association of Alberta. The life journey of Arthur J. Clausen ended in his 78th year on Tuesday April 30, 2013. He and Catherine had accepted and dealt with the complex medical issues of pulmonary fibrosis. Together they faced life’s challenges during their 55 year marriage. They loved and protected each other in all possible manners. Arthur was born and raised in a farming family in Drumheller. A strong work ethic was established at a young age and he remained a very principled person his entire life. He was a very well known Edmonton antique and fine art auctioneer throughout the past four decades. He had a combination of integrity and professionalism with simple humility that resulted in respect in his chosen and varied careers. He was chief surveyor with Parks Canada, draftsman, architectural designer, a school teacher of Industrial Arts, an importer and dealer of antiques. The antique auction business was his area of passion and expertise. He researched and studied until his final hours; learning was his lifelong attitude. His first and most important commitment was always his family. He and Cathie were blessed to be parents and grandparents. Kirstin, Michael and Steven knew their father to be a proud, honourable and generous man. Perfectly genuine in his guidance and unconditional love for them. The friendship and compassion shown him by loyal good friends and colleagues during his illness was so greatly valued, and was a source of encouragement to live the time he had to the fullest. – 11 – “HAVE GAVEL, WILL TRAVEL” Flood Relief Auction The Auctioneer’s Association of Alberta and its’ membership will help as many communities, service groups as possible to raise funds for this cause. Can your group, company, service club, or community association arrange a venue (indoor or outdoor) and canvas your community for quality donations? * All proceeds to be directed to the Relief Effort of your choosing, by your group. – 12 – B.C. Corner Prepared by Wild Bill Henke Aron Fehr - Rythum Auctions Prespatou, BC (North of Fort St. John) I am proud to be an auctioneer and enjoy people. I would like to let you know that I really enjoy enjoying talking with Wild Bill Henke who has given me advice and knowledge over the last four years. Rhythum Auctions conduct farm, consignment, and charity auctions throughout the year. I contract out my services to other auction firms in Northern B.C. and Alberta. I also retain Kevin Busche to assist in my sales and has been a great influence in my career. I have a lovely wife Gertrude who assists me in all my sales and we have five girls and one boy. Hopefully they will also become part of my auction team. I am a member of the AA of Alberta (BC Chapter) and enjoy my experiences working with other auctioneers. It is a learning process but I am optimistic that auctioneering will become a successful venture. If you ever get to the Far North of B.C., just give me a call as I like to visit with other auctioneers. For more information, contact: RICK WATTIE - Auctioneer/Instructor Phone: (780) 453-6964 Fax: (780) 447-7307 Toll Free: 1-888-453-6964 Email: [email protected] – 13 – B.C. Corner - Profile and Story by Wild Bill Henke The Liquidator - Jeff Schwarz Everyone has a story to tell in relationship with their journey in becoming a “success”. Schwarz was working in construction as a carpenter in his early career. As a sideline to earn extra money he would buy and sell tools, furniture, antiques and what ever inventory he could buy and make a buck. Jeff had the instinct to make deals and the knowledge to “barter”. In the nineties he would consign inventory with various auction firms. Jeff was a self starter and to obtain merchandise he would go to garage sales, check newspaper ads, flea markets and attend auction sales. Schwarz’s talents did not go unnoticed as auction firms began to contract with him to be a ringman. Jeff had a passion to become an auctioneer. He observed the various auctioneers he worked with and their bid calling skills. It was soon that Schrawz became a self taught auctioneer and did auctions for auction firms and charities. During these years, Jeff had a yen that his future had other potential. The opportunity to supply stock to the auction industry, retail and wholesale firms was a need that he envisioned. The ever aggressive Schwarz soon established an import and export firm that dealt with manufacturers throughout the world that had product to supply his clients. He made trips to various trade shows in China, Germany, Great Britain and the list goes on. His firm became the largest mattress component distributor in the world. His talent as a buyer and seller of inventory was becoming a known legend and his liquidation skills we impressive. His uncanny ability to “flip deals” and make a profit are a Schwarz specialty. In 2011, an opportunity came his way to become The Liquidator on a TV series. It is a reality show that relates to the TV audience the work of a liquidator in how his business is done. Schwarz shows his vast knowledge in making deals and at the same time having his clients agree to his terms. The liquidator series has been renewed for another year. It was the fastest renewal amongst reality shows. Its popularity has exceeded expectations expectations and Schwarz in the main reason. The auction profession is part of future plans that Jeff envisions. The Liquidator approach on certain inventory requires an auctioneer and of course his firm is available to render these services to other clients. Over twenty years ago Jeff never realized where his future would be. Many observers were negative and had a list of remarks which included “no can do”, “too aggressive”, “never an auctioneer”, “big talk” and on and on. Schwarz has been an example of how a former carpenter can achieve success in the “business community” without a college or university education. His ability, desire and determination were his education. It is gratifying that there are people like Schwarz that have a personality (continued on pg. 14) – 14 – and character that are different but inspiring. Jeff will continue his journey and in time will decide when and where it will cease. I’ve known Schwarz for over twenty years and besides being a shrewd wheeler dealer he is a most giving person and has assisted many, many charities. To know Schwarz and have him in the auction family in BC has been a treat. The AA of Alberta (BC Chapter) are pleased to have you once again as a member,. Wild Bill. Are Your Appraisal Reports up to Standard? CPPA™ The mark of excellence for personal property appraisal standards. Join over 450 Auctioneers and Appraisers from across Canada in the CANADIAN PERSONAL PROPERTY APPRAISERS GROUP Membership is your link to our diverse network of knowledge and expertise. FOR UPCOMING COURSE DATES CALL 1-800-891-0516 Limited enrolment. Call today to reserve or for more information, or visit our web site at www.cppag.com Canada’s largest personal property appraisal organization. – 15 – Lees: Edmonton Charity auction needs just seconds to raise $350,000 By Nick Lees, Edmonton Journal - April 21, 2013 EDMONTON - The fastest $350,000 ever raised at an Edmonton charity auction happened Saturday night at Sorrentino's Garlic Stomp at the Shaw Conference Centre. Time needed: 60 seconds. Donors: 35 gala guests who each raised their hands when asked to donate $10,000. “I'm still numb from the experience,” said event organizer Stella Rago, The restaurateur, who owns the Sorrentino's chain with husband Carmelo, added: “We live in a very generous community. When people heard what was needed, getting the job done just made sense.” It was Janet Riopel, Compassion House Foundation president, who told the sellout crowd of 600 people, each of whom had paid $300 to attend, that $500,000 was needed to complete the extension of the home-away-from-home for out-of-town women being treated for breast cancer. “We are expanding rooms from six to fourteen,” she said. “Many of the women we help are in the fight of their lives. They bond with one another. There are tears. But there is also laughter.” What happened next was a golden mment in the career of radio host, MC and auctioneer Danny Hooper. (continued on pg. 17) – 16 – (continued from pg. 16) “Let's raise $250,000 in one minute,” he said. “We need 25 people to put up their hands and donate $10,000 each.” When 35 people raised their hands, it might have taken 90 seconds for him to have run around the room counting. Adding to the funds with auction bids were heart surgeon Dr. Dennis Modry and Bruno Mastroprimiano, who each paid $22,000 to drive a 650-horsepower Ferrari for five days while leading the good life in Italy. Bill and Grace Knight of B&B Demolition paid $22,000 to name an entrance to Compassion House. Auto dealer Jim Jiwani spent $10,000 on a dinner for 50 and Jim Brown, president of Sherrick Management Ltd., paid $9,000 for a cooking class for 20 led by iconic Italian chef Carlo Zarri. “We were comfortably over the $500,000 needed,” said Rago. Total Oiler confidence Craig MacTavish, the Edmonton Oilers' new general manager, showed complete confidence in his team on the weekend when $1,500 was bid at a charity auction for VIP seats for Wednesday's game against the Chicago Blackhawks. “If we lose, I'll refund the money,” said MacTavish, to much applause. MacTavish, honorary chair of the Pilgrims Hospice Society's Walk in My Shoes dinner and auction, said it was Father Mike McCaffrey who suggested he become involved. “Death is not an easy topic to talk about and most of us avoid it when we can,” he said. “Yet it is truly part of life and something that must be faced, whether it is our own or the deaths of our loved ones.” Richard Wong, Pilgrims Hospice Society board chair, said the hospice is the only free-standing facility of its kind in the city and helps free up acute-care wards. “Patients enjoy the homelike atmosphere before leaving this world,” he said. “Our vision is to move from a day respite facility to a residential hospice over the next three years.” Auction highlights where Danny Hooper was also the auctioneer: A cooking demonstration, tablescaping lessons and a meal for eight with fine wine donated by Marianne Brown of The Butler Did It, sold for $5,250. A pig-and-bison Polynesian barbecue with live entertainment for 50 people, donated by Nova Builders, was sold twice for $7,500. The event raised more than $100,000, excluding a $75,000 cheque presented by Culture Minister Heather Klimchuck on behalf of the Alberta government. – 17 – – 18 – Luxury Home Sells at Fundraiser By Jim Judd - Kelowna Correspondent - Story 94422, June 30, 2013. Canadian based company The Garage Sale Luxury Auction House is pleased to announce the successful sale of Nautica Vista, a private luxury lakeside mansion located in the exclusive Sheerwater development in Kelowna. With the lake as their backdrop, nine bidders competed during a live auction to own the property. Nautica Vista, one of the Okanagan’s most spectacular homes, sold on Tuesday June 25 by unreserved auction for $4.7 million; making it one of the highest selling homes in the Okanagan in the past 5 years. The auction was handled in cooperation with the Coldwell Banker Jane Hoffman Group. The Garage Sale Luxury Auction House’s global marketing campaign generated over 11,464 website visitors from around the world, including 6,160 in June alone. Canada, led by BC, Alberta and Ontario, accounted for the majority of the traffic, followed closely by the United States with California and New York leading the way. There were a total of 66 serious inquiries, 73 showings and nine registered bidders. Unfortunately, the recent flood disaster in Calgary impacted the final outcome, causing four registered bidders to drop out of the auction. Executive director, Alex Lambert had this to say about the impact: “Although the garage sale did consider a delay of the sale due to the natural disaster, once we evaluated the impact the decision was made to go ahead given we still had a healthy contingent of bidders, and a desire to stick to the auction date as planned.” In addition to selling Nautica Vista, a west coast contemporary lakeside mansion, TGS also scored big with its charity auction, raising over $48,000 (continued on pg. 20) – 19 – for the KGH Foundation and over $18,000 for The Canadian Red Cross to help flood relief victims in Alberta. Comedic emcee Danny Hooper had the crowd in stiches with his unique personality and off-beat sense of humour. A total of 10 lots hit the auction block for charity, which included a Luxury Mexican getaway donated by MNP, a private fishing package to Stuart Island donated by Dave Ritchie of Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, and an NHL package donated by Shea Weber and Titan Sports Management. The highest selling charity item of the day was the private aviation and Barrett-Jackson VIP experience package, which was donated by AirSprint Private Aviation and Barrett-Jackson and sold for $18,500. Proceeds from the sale of this item have been donated to The Canadian Red Cross in an effort to provide support for flood relief victims in Calgary. Info - Chuck Christensen was the auctioneer who sold this house. Christensen is a member of the Auctioneers Association of Alberta – 20 – Enjoy your Summer