Raffle and Abracadabra Auction

The annual Cedars Cancer Institute Raffle and Abracadabra Auction has become a giving tradition for thousands of supporters who look forward to the exciting event and their chance to be champions for cancer care at the MUHC. The November 27th, 2007 version was no exception.

With over 2700 raffle tickets sold and an attendance of 800, the elegant Le Windsor sparkled with the festive spirit of the season. Guests were treated to the delectable delights of Traiteur Bon Appetit in a splendid atmosphere meticulously fashioned by decorator Janice Auger and her team. Galerie 1225’s Amel Chamandy and the Wine Auction committee assembled over 70 bottles of rare and collector wines to bid on—and bid they did. Celebrity hosts Caroline Rhea and CJAD’s Andrew Carter and auctioneer Ross Paperman kept the giving spirit at a fever pitch during the thrilling Abracadabra Live Action. Top bidders procured some extraordinary items that included: a dream one-hour skate with Montreal Canadiens Captain Saku Koivu; a unique flight to anywhere in the world on a Bombardier simulator; a luxurious vacation home stay in Dominican Republic; an iZoom scooter and, in keeping with the wine theme of the evening, one of only 99 collector wine bottles produced by Wayne Gretzky Estates.

Fifteen lucky raffle winners took home a total $50,000 in cash prizes. Mrs. Louise O’Neil was awarded with the top prize of the night: an Oyster Perpetual Day-Date Rolex watch valued at $33,000 graciously donated by Château d’Ivoire. But the real champion of the evening was the MUHC Molecular Pathology Laboratory, which will receive state of the art equipment to significantly improve cancer diagnosis. It will also support cancer care across the MUHC by enhancing the ability to respond to demands for new molecular tests for our cancer patients.

As this event grows in popularity and funds raised, one can only imagine what Cedars at the MUHC has in store for its 2008 event! Stay tuned for details.