Algonquin Outfitters’ online paddle auction raised just shy of $33,000 for a good cause.
Randy Mitson, marketing director at Algonquin Outfitters, was before Huntsville council on Monday evening and thanked all who supported the project, including Teri Souter, the Town’s manager of arts, culture and heritage.
Artists from all walks of life participated in the annual auction and 182 decorated paddles were submitted. The paddles—some adorned with stained glass, some carved, others painted, and one was even decorated with macaroni—were as unique as the artists themselves.
The funds raised from the auction will support the Town of Huntsville’s reserve fund for the future acquisition of public art, Oxtongue Lake for Arts and Culture, the Algonquin Art Centre, Artists in Schools – Haliburton, and the Tom Thomson Gallery in Owen Sound.
The paddles were auctioned online and generated 48,000 visits to the website, said Mitson. He brought two paddles to show council, one by local carver Don McKenzie which raised the most funds and one by Huntsville artist Janine Marson.
Huntsville Mayor Scott Aitchison thanked Mitson. “We know this stuff takes a lot of work and we appreciate all the work that you’ve put into it and what you do not just to add to the charitable coffers of our community but also to the cultural vibrancy of it as well,” he said.
You can find out more about the auction here.
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A terrific success! Thank you!