Through snow, sleet or hail -- rain would be no challenge at all -- the Cystic Fibrosis Fun Night, a family affair, will always prevail. For the fifth year in a row, I had the honour of being asked to be the auctioneer at this event where, in spite of the snow, the vast majority of the close to 300 people who bought tickets turned up and had a great time raising much needed funds for Cystic Fibrosis research.

I first got involved with the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in 1980 and later created, produced and hosted a National Cystic Fibrosis Radiothon from 1982 to 1991. As a result of the Radiothon, I have met CF supporters and Kinsmen and Kinettes in close to 100 communities from coast to coast. None surpasses our chapter here in the Mid Island region.

My friend Gill Campbell, a super Rotarian, helped get the Fun Night Committee established in the early years. She says the success of the event is due to a core group of very dedicated and exceptionally capable women who, she claims, are much more capable and effective than they even dare think they are. Heart-led commitment, patience, and persistence will lead to success every time.

The original concept for the Fun Night, including the Funny Money Casino, was the brainchild of Gail Pawlchuck. The women on this year’s organizing committee include: Deb Tuck, Dawn Bilton, Mary Ann Vander Putten, Joan Peachey, Cheryl Sandford, Madeline Lockstead, Joyce Tuck, Wendy Mark, and Vicki Green.

The heart of the group consists of the Tuck family. Deb and Doug Tuck’s seventeen year old son, Evan, is a CF patient and his family has jumped in big time to support the CF research effort. That includes his mother, his grandmother, and his two aunts. But that’s not all the family involvement. As Evan’s grandfather, Tom, says the men jump in whenever they are asked -- or did he say told? -- to do something. Just a little humour there folks.

Each year I attend a number of dinner auctions similar to the CF Fun Night but this one definitely has a different feel. There is a powerful sense of family and friends coming together, family and friends who greet strangers with open arms. You would feel very comfortable there so I’m happy to suggest that you make it a “must catch” event next year and at $25 a ticket including an exceptional dinner, it’s definitely the best deal in town.

Speaking about dinner, it was catered by Heaven Scent Catering, a company that has also become a major Gold sponsor of the event. Bamfield’s Crown Charters are another major sponsor. They donated a two night/two day fishing adventure that raised $1,450 during the live auction. The Simmons Queen Size mattress, a regular auction item, went for a steal this year at less than half price. Other major sponsors included: Canfore Cutting and Carving (a Tuck relative), and Walbern Management Inc of Nanoose (a CF patient).

When you see the way the entire Tuck family pull together to make the local Chapter as well as this Fun Night such a success, it’s no wonder that Deb and Doug received the Breath of Life Award last year. This is most prestigious award offered by the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and I know they accepted on behalf of their entire family and well as themselves.

When I first got involved helping kids with CF, the median survival age for CF patients was 17 or 18. Today it’s in the mid/late thirties. That success is due in large part to people across the country who organize events like our local Cystic Fibrosis Fun Night. I hope to see you at next year’s event.