Story last updated at 6/30/2010 - 7:16 pm
KETCHIKAN - The fourth annual SoleStice Shoe Auction on June 19 raised over $40,000 for the Ketchikan General Hospital Foundation. Over 230 people flocked to the sold-out event at the Ted Ferry Civic Center. According to Foundation Director Gretchen Klein, the proceeds will go to the "2010 Gift of Healing" Project, a Minimally Invasive Surgical Suite.
"This fun, fantastic evening with endless shoe-buying opportunities has been generously sponsored for four years by GCI. Many thanks go to this corporate sponsor and to our own local GCI hero, Miguel Torres," said Georgianna Zimmerle, cochair of the SoleStice Event.
Hand-painted clogs, designer handbags, gladiator sandals, boots, and lots of high heels were among the live auction items offered up by auctioneer Terry Smith in 24 lots of shoes, accessories, and artwork. A silent auction offered bidding opportunities on hundreds of pairs of shoes and accessories. Handbags, scarves, and gently used adult shoes and new children's shoes were also available at "The Boutique" managed by artist Diane Naab.
"We had something for everyone," said Sherrie Slick, event cochair, "everything from athletic shoes to evening slippers. Emcees Cathy LeCompte and Miguel Torres kept the evening lively and interesting."
The unsold shoes and accessories will be available for purchase at a later date that will be advertised.
A new twist was added this year called "Fund-A-Need." Kendall Sawa, 2010 Gift of Healing Campaign Chair, and Emcee Miguel Torres called upon audience members to support the "Gift of Healing." Bidders raised their bid cards to donate cash amounts from $5,000 to $10 and within minutes $20,000 was collected from our generous philanthropists.
The KGH Foundation's Gift of Healing project this year is a Minimally Invasive Surgical Suite. The surgical suite will allow surgeons to do procedures by making small incisions through which tiny cameras and other instruments are inserted. Procedures involving a minimal incision help patients experience less trauma and discomfort, plus they have fewer complications and often return more quickly to daily activities. Many inpatients experience a shorter stay in the hospital.
Since 2005, the KGH Foundation has worked to provide state of the art technology and new equipment for the hospital. Contributions from over 800 friends, families and businesses have totaled over $1.5 million.
