Auctioneer Darren Lutz calls out the bidding at Dayz Off Pub in this December 2019 file photo. The 2021 auction is scheduled for Thursday evening at Dayz Off Pub.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
lthomson@medicinehatnews.com
The Santa Claus Fund Charity Auction has put almost anything up for bid over the past 29 years – including a kitchen sink – and are now expected to reach a milestone fundraising total this week.
Lorraine Schmaltz, auction co-ordinator, is busy getting donations. She says they could potentially surpass a total of $1 million for the SCF, donated collectively over the 30 years she and Darren Lutz have been organizing the auction.
“It’s heartwarming, it’s very heartwarming,” Schmaltz said. “In the past 29 years we have brought the community together to donate items and joined together in a room. We’ve celebrated Christmas for the kids, and done some shopping.
“This is such a unique auction. Sometimes it isn’t always the biggest thing that brings the most, it’s just the thought.”
The auction will be held on Thursday starting at 7 p.m. at Dayz Off Pub.
“The QR code will be required, it is mandatory,” said Schmaltz.
If a large group is planning on coming, Schmaltz would suggest giving Dayz Off Pub a call to make a reservation.
“We will have all the items set up for display that afternoon if people want to come in for viewing anytime after 3 p.m., they can take a look at all the items,” Schmaltz said.
All items are donated by local businesses and other individuals and groups. Schmaltz said she is still accepting donations and all items in the auction must be new.
“The Calgary Stampeders have always been supporters of the auction, so they donated four tickets to a Roughrider game in 2022,” said Schmaltz. “We have gift baskets which are really fun. MacKenzie Drugs has been one of our supporters for 30 years. They put together a family gift basket; there’s games and stuff, everything for the family.”
Schmaltz says they have some huge teddy bears up for auction. In past years, there has been everything from diamond rings to baking to clothing.
“We have sold a kitchen sink, we have sold a piece of toilet paper,” Schmaltz laughed. “We have even sold pizza; somebody ordered a pizza and sold it.”
Schmaltz went on to describe a unique item in this years’ auction.
“The Medicine Hat Kinsmen Club has donated a Christmas tree and it’s all decorated already and the theme is Lego. All the ornaments, the tree skirt, everything is Lego. I believe there’s over 50 boxes of Lego that go with the tree!”
Even if Hatter’s are unable attend the auction, they are encouraged to make a donation to the Santa Claus Fund through Dayz Off Pub. Cash and cheque are both accepted.
“The Santa Claus Fund is extremely grateful to event organizers Lorraine and Darren and also to attendees who have been instrumental in raising funds for our organization for the past 30 years,” said Deanna Doerksen, executive director of the Medicine Hat News Santa Claus Fund. “Thousands of children have experienced the magic of Christmas due to their efforts.”
Schmaltz says organizing the auction is really important to her.
“This is something that’s just dear to my heart; making sure that children have Christmas,” said Schmaltz. “It’s just one day of magic for children. My slogan has always been we have to remember it’s for the kids.”
Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story erroneously referred to Darren Lutz as the husband of Lorraine Schmaltz.
