When one item is snapped up with a single bid of $10,000, you know you're at a high-end live auction. The artwork was the last piece made by Zoe Walker, 10, who died after a battle with cancer the day before Camp Rainbow Gold started on Aug. 3, 2007.
Both Camp Rainbow Gold and Idaho Make-A-Wish Foundation children will benefit in a myriad of ways because of the largesse displayed at the sixth annual Share Your Heart Ball, held Saturday in Sun Valley.
Funds raised at Share Your Heart Ball are a huge part of the success of the camp north of Ketchum for children diagnosed with cancer. Founded in 1984 by Twin Falls doctor Dave McClusky, it was one of the first children's oncology camps in the United States. It has grown from a weeklong free camp to a year-round program that includes a college scholarship as well as a family camp and a sibling camp. The Idaho Make-A-Wish foundation grants approximately 65 wishes each year, and the numbers are increasing, in part due to the funds raised at Share Your Heart. The two organizations split the proceeds from the event.
Elegantly decorated and well-attended, the event at the Limelight Room began with a bang of a silent auction. Masses of fashionable folks milled, kissed, laughed and greeted each other near a giant raw bar in the foyer of the Sun Valley Inn hallway. Party frocks were all the rage; black is back.
Inside the Limelight Room, long-time volunteers and friends of Camp Rainbow Gold, Frank Outhet and Joel Droulard, played acoustic music during cocktail hour. As soon as people were seated, a video tribute to the campers, and especially to Zoe Walker and Brianna Flanders, a current camper, played on several large screens.
"The tribute was a real highlight. Zoe was such a superstar at this event," executive committee Co-Chair Kris Cronin said.
Brianna planned to attend this Share Your Heart but had a setback and had to decline at the last minute.
"She is currently in a fight for her life," executive committee Co-Chair Rob Cronin said.
Brianna's best friends came in her stead dressed in pink boas and pink cowboy hats, and performed several rehearsed dances.
"It was breathtaking," Kris Cronin said. "Honoring someone who is fighting for her life and one who lost her life embodies the purpose of why we're there. With the Castle Rock Fire and the economy and war, I'm overwhelmed by the generosity of the community when there are so many challenges."
Cronin said there were more volunteers this year than before.
"Our committee was with us 24/7. Amazing. There were 85 lined up to help," she said. "It's my favorite night of the year."
Her husband, who is also a co-director of Camp Rainbow Gold, agreed.
"After six years it's truly become a well oiled machine. And of course because of the generosity of the people of the Wood River Valley, it was another huge success."
Among the auction highlights were two double sales. Competing bidders finally knuckled under and both bought A Night to Remember in Memory Park, for a total of $30,000. A Private Zou 75 Fifties Martini Party was also sold twice for a total of $58,000.
"It was very exciting," said Elizabeth Lizberg, childhood and family support manager of the American Cancer Society, including Camp Rainbow Gold. "The generosity of the donors was overwhelming. Just coming out of the fires, and to show up and give at this event. We are thrilled with the amount raised. I'm so honored to be working on this."
Vickie O?Gara receives a hug from the co-chairs of the Share Your Heart Ball, Rob and Kris Cronin. Ed and Vickie O?Gara were among the Gold Sponsors of the event.
