THUNDER BAY – Ryan McDonnell was willing to make himself available for the highest bidder for a good cause.
McDonnell, who by day is a teacher at Sir Winston Churchill Collegiate and Vocational Institute, was one of a handful of men being auctioned off at the 18th annual Bachelors of Hope Auction, held Thursday night at the Victoria Inn.
“This is a terrific event that has a great legacy of doing amazing things for our community. It’s one of the opportunities where we can give back, where all the money stays here but it’s also a really creative and fun thing to be involved in,” he said.
In the first 17 years of the event’s history it has raised more than $1 million for the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre’s Northern Cancer Fund with the money supporting breast cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment and research equipment.
That track record made it a no-brainer to take part, McDonnell said.
“I think cancer is one of the things that affects all of us. None of us have to think very hard before we can think of someone who we know and love who has been affected by cancer,” he said.
“It tugs at all of our heartstrings and I think people are incredibly generous and incredibly compassionate when they hear about people with cancer and they do what they can to support them and make a difference.”
The night started off with an emotional testimonial from breast cancer survivor Gail Brescia, who was diagnosed a little more than a year ago.
Bachelor coordinator Rochelle Fiorito said that puts into perspective why everybody is there.
“A lot of people have been touched by breast cancer either themselves or a family member or friend. It’s really good to know everybody gathers today for that cause and all the money stays in the community,” she said.
More than 300 women filled the ballroom for the gourmet dinner and the opportunity to bid on the bachelors and the prize package tied to them, with each package including lunch, dinner and an excursion.
The highest bidder has the option of going on a date with the bachelor or taking family, friends or their significant other.
