ATB Financial has raised $3,200 from its third annual silent auction.
It was held at the Sundre Ranch Oct. 18 to Oct. 31.
Branch manager Monica St. Dennis said every year the bank participates in the United Way campaign. She said half the proceeds go to the United Way while the other half is going this year to the Sundre & District Nutrition for Learning Society.
St. Dennis said in past years half of the proceeds went to the United Way while the other half would go to a local organization, usually Greenwood Neighbourhood Place.
“I had a comment from one of our customers last year that said there are a lot of local organizations that could benefit from this so why aren't they in the mix too,” said St. Dennis.
“So this year what we did was we gave individuals who donated items and who purchased items a vote on one of three organizations in Sundre.”
These three organizations were Greenwood Neighbourhood Place, Sundre & District Nutrition for Learning Society and the Sundre band programs. St. Dennis said the Sundre & District Nutrition for Learning Society collected the most votes.
St. Dennis said she is “extremely happy” with how much they raised and where the money is going.
“The businesses are really amazing with this auction, there was such a range of items (donated),” said St. Dennis.
She said these items included anything from jackets to gift cards.
“It grabs my heart at how people rally together.”
St. Dennis said she was pleased to see all these businesses making the effort and wanting to participate.
She said about 35 businesses participated in donating, while only two out of 37 initially invited chose not to become involved.
St. Dennis said in the three consecutive years the bank has organized the silent auction it has raised more than $3,000 each year. The goal for next year is to raise more than $5,000.
"It grabs my heart at how people rally together."Monica St. Dennis, branch manager
