Third annual cake auction fundraiser to be held Dec. 8

Dozens of delectable cakes will be up for bid during an upcoming fundraiser that will benefit Marshview Middle School's new band program and the local Tree of Hope campaign.

The annual cake auction at Scotia Bank in Sackville will be held next Tuesday morning (Dec. 8) starting at 8 a.m., and organizers are putting out a challenge to members of local businesses, clubs and other groups to pool together their funds and purchase a cake for these two worthy causes.

Organizer Debbie Champagne said she hopes to see many people get involved this year, from office workers to book club members who could each throw in five or 10 bucks, to support this 'grassroots' effort.

"Then they know they've done a great thing," said Champagne. "The money goes to things right here in the community, to people we know."

Last year's auction raised $4,300, an amount that was matched by the Scotia Bank, bringing the total to $8,600.

Champagne said the money is split 50/50 with Marshview's band, which is in need of new instruments and music, and the Tree of Hope, which supports cancer patients in the area.

The Tree of Hope campaign is an annual event of the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont Hospital Foundation which furthers the development of the region's oncology centre, improves quality of care for patients staying at the Mgr. Henri-Cormier Lodge and enhances cancer research efforts of the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute (ACRI).

"100 per cent of the money raised for the Tree of Hope stays right here in the region," said Champagne, who noted that this year's funds are being earmarked for the lodge, the research institute, an endoscopic ultrasound, and an orthovoltag machine for skin cancer radiation.

Staff at both Scotia Bank and Marshview Middle School bake and decorate the mouth-watering masterpieces for the fundraiser, which are auctioneered by local businessman Andy Marr.

Champagne said there will be a variety of cakes to choose from to satisfy anyone's taste buds.

"They're all beautiful cakes."

For more information, call Debbie Champagne at 536-0701