They may be fierce rivals on the hustings, but civic politicians of all stripes were on the same team supporting community and high school football on Saturday night at the 12th annual Hyack Football Tailgate Auction.
By teaming up with community and business leaders, the political candidates helped to raise over $20,000 for NWSS Hyack Football and the Royal City Hyack Football Club.
More than 160 people sat down to dinner at La Perla Ballroom, including incumbent Mayor Wayne Wright, challenger Jonathan Cote and more than a dozen other council and school board hopefuls.
Together with parents, volunteers, NWSS educators and business leaders, the politicians bid on more than 100 live and silent auction items. Guests also enjoyed a Best of New West reception, featuring appetizers by River Market merchants and wines by local winery Pacific Breeze.
The fabulous Los Castores Mariachi band set the tone of the night with their lively music, while emcee Bob Marjanovich, from Team 1040, and auctioneer Josh Neilsen, from ADESA, got the crowd into a festive spirit.
Mary-Beth Philip, a member of the Royal City Hyack Football Club executive, won two of six raffle prizes, taking home a plush down jacket from Flash Geo Down Clothing and a cruise donated by Odenza Marketing Group.
As well, one of the key auction's volunteers, Rachel Champagne, bid and won the trip to Maui that was donated by Brent Atkinson and Westland Insurance.
The event was hosted by River Market, the presenting sponsor, and The Recordwas the media sponsor for the event.
“Thanks to everyone who came out to support the Hyacks,” said Farhan Lalji, senior varsity AAA Hyack head coach and TSN sportscaster. “Through their help and support we will ensure another year of success on the grid-iron and in the classroom.”
For more information about the Hyacls, including the NWWS varsity team, which plays Belmont at Westhills Stadium on Vancouver Island Friday, Oct. 24, visit www.hyackfootball.com.
