Treasure Island raises $50K for Orleans Community Health

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Running the Reverse Raffle fundraiser at Treasure Island were, from left, Tammy Pritchard, Becca Schoolcraft and Jorgie Lang.

LYNDONVILLE – Saturday night’s 31st annual Treasure Island fundraiser in support of Orleans Community Health raised an estimated $50,000, according to Megan Johnson, chair of the event and director of Orleans Community Health Foundation.

White Birch Golf Course hosted the event, which featured online betting a day before and during the event, a buffet meal, open bar, live auction and exciting opportunities to win prizes.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who made this year’s Treasure Island such a success – our sponsors, auction donors, volunteers and every guest who joined us,” said Johnson. “Thanks to your generosity, our auction alone raised nearly $25,000, and the event as a whole brought in close to $50,000 to support vital needs across all of Orleans Community Health. Every dollar helps strengthen local healthcare and ensures that our community continues to receive the best possible care, right here at home.”

Wes Pickreign acknowledges a bidder in the live auction at Treasure Island Saturday night.

Wes Pickreign again served as master of ceremonies and auctioneer for the event, something he said he has been doing for a long time. He asked the audience how many of them had used the services at Medina Memorial Hospital and explained the advantages of having such a facility right here at home.

“I’ve been there two times and the attention I received was phenomenal,” Pickreign said.

Seven high-end items were donated for the live auction, with the highest bid being $2,550 for two tickets to the Buffalo Bills home opener next year in the new stadium. The package, donated by William and Jacquelyn Bixler, was valued at $1,200.

Other live auction items were a Buffalo Sabres VIP fan experience valued at $825. It was donated by the OCH Pharmacy Department and Buffalo Sabres and sold for a bid of $550.

Matthew Kennedy was in charge of the Pirate’s Pillage live auction item, a regular feature at Treasure Island.

A one-week stay in Myrtle Beach, donated by the Bixlers, was valued at $750 and was awarded to three bidders for $550 each.

A one-year membership to Shelridge Country Club, donated by the club, was valued at $1,400 and sold for $1,300.

Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman and her husband John donated  a Buffalo Broadway Experience: Wicked Night on the Town, valued at $730. It brought a bid of $450.

Another high bid was $2,000 for a Four-Night Getaway to Lakefront Cape Cod, donated by Dr. Jeffrey and Ellen Schratz. The bid was the actual value of the prize.

Chuck and Nicole Geraci of Cheektowaga came to their first Treasure Island Saturday night. Here, they checked out the numbers left in the Reverse Raffle event.

The final item was a Here Comes Santa Claus lottery board with $500 in cash and $100 worth of scratch-off tickets, donated by Kathy Vicknair in memory of her husband Vic. Vic was a longtime member of the Treasure Island committee and was the DJ and sound man. He worked hard to raise funds for the hospital, Kathy said. The prize, valued at $600, sold for $750.

Some attendees were first-timers, while many others were repeat supporters of the event. One couple attending for the first time was Chuck and Nicole Garcia of Cheektowaga.

“I work for Seaway Insurance, so we wanted to come,” Nicole said. “It is very nice.”

Leah Brunner and her husband Matthew check out one of the items up for bids at Treasure Island. Leah, the nurse practitioner at the Albion’s Walk-in Clinic, said this is the first time they have attended the event.

Leah Brunner, the nurse practitioner at the Albion Walk-in Clinic, and her husband Matthew were also first-time attendees.

“It’s been super fun,” Leah said.

Her husband added, “It’s been a blast.”

Seaway Insurance Associates was the Sunset Presenting sponsor of the event.

Other sponsors included Great Lakes Surgical Association, Lucky Cork sponsor; Baxter, Junior Wilson Sportsmen’s Club and Ontario Shores Federal Credit Union, Palm Tree sponsors; and Cooper Funeral Home, Eastown Plaza, Hellner Development Company, Takeform and WNY Energy, Coconut sponsors.

Megan Johnson, director of Orleans Community Health Foundation, and Lori Condo, assistant controller at Orleans Community Health, get ready to accept payment from bidders at the conclusion of Treasure Island Saturday night.

Jeanne Crane, center, chats with Richard Williams, his daughter Kate Brauen, his wife Mary Williams and Kate’s husband Trevor Brauen at Treasure Island Saturday night at White Birch Golf Course. The fundraiser was the 31st annual event to support Orleans Community Health.

Carol and Dean Bellack of Medina watch bids on their smart phones during the 31st annual Treasure Island Saturday night. An estimated $50,000 was raised by the event.