Sean Rooney and his late son Dominic are seen in a file photo. Dominic passed away in 2015 from leukemia but his name and legacy live on through Dominic Strong, which raises money for children's health initiatives.--FILE PHOTO
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The 10th annual “DominicStrong” online auction goes up today, the latest in efforts by a local couple who have now raised more than $300,000 for Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Hatters Sean and Trish Rooney have held the auction, game nights and other events since 2015 to honour their son Dominic, who passed away at age two from a form of leukemia.
That first year, a family friend put things together on short notice, but now Sean reports that the fall auction consumes a large amount of time each year and takes up a large portion of the couple’s basement for storage.
This year, 124 items are up for bid, and all proceeds forwarded to children’s health endeavours..
“It’s by far the most items we’ve ever had, but that’s half the battle, the other side is we’ve got to sell them and get bidders,” Rooney told the News on Thursday.
The online auction consists of a gallery posted on the “Dominic Strong” Facebook group, with bids registered in comments beneath the specific item.
Action takes place beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday and ends at the same time Sunday. At that point Rooney will contact high-bidders to make arrangements for payment and delivery.
Showcase items this year include a barbecue, elaborate corn hole boards,= and a pack of four tickets to the Game Con Canada event in Edmonton next spring.
Along with other items, such as a large number of board games, there are a large number of gift certificates to local restaurants, salons and other businesses.
“I’ve always described it as either pre-Christmas shopping, or, (for gift certificates) if you’re going to be shopping at these businesses anyway, it’s a way to do that and put the money to a good cause,” he said.
