FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 2, 2023
THE SWEETHEART AUCTION: CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF SUPPORT FOR
NORTHERN NEW MEXICO CANCER PATIENTS
Saturday, February 11, the Santa Fe Convention Center – The Cancer Foundation for New Mexico (CFFNM) will celebrate its 20th year of service to cancer patients in Northern New Mexico at its annual Sweetheart Auction. Over the last two decades, CFFNM has provided more than 10,000 nights of lodging, 5 million miles of travel reimbursement, over 300,000 nutritious meals to patients, and thousands of support group hours ensuring northern New Mexico cancer patients can receive treatment in Santa Fe.
“The Sweetheart Auction is our most important fundraising event of the year,” comments Executive Director Vince Baca, “This magical evening of giving and fun raises over half of CFFNM’s annual budget and exemplifies the generosity of the northern New Mexico community.”
Special highlights for the evening will include a carefully curated silent auction, a spectacular live auction, the drawing for the Dream Vacation Raffle, and an energetic paddle raiser.
In recognition of the 20th anniversary, the event will launch a new initiative: Healing with Heart. Pairing cancer survivors or current patients with artists, the program is an artistic collaboration intended to produce compelling visual images of healing and hope.
The Honor Wall, one of the most moving elements at the Sweetheart Auction will feature a three-dimensional mobile with photos and dedications to honorees. Attendees will have the opportunity to witness the profound impact a cancer journey can have on families, friends, and our community.
The winner of the “Dream Vacation Raffle” will be able to pick a dream trip for two from an offering of six trips, including destinations like Paris, Switzerland, Bali, or tickets to the NCAA Final Four. Plus, the winner receives a $5,000 travel allowance! As an alternative, the winner can choose a $10,000 cash award. Tickets are $100 each, with discounts for multiple tickets. The drawing will take place at the Sweetheart Auction, but the winner does not need to be present to win. Tickets are available at www.sweetheartauction.org.
“Everyone loves the Sweetheart Auction because It’s always a lot of fun,” says Bunny Terry, CFFNM Board President, “but the evening is really about helping our neighbors in northern New Mexico get the treatment they need.” A cancer survivor herself, Bunny knows how important it is to support someone who has just heard the words “You have cancer.” She continues, “This evening represents an opportunity to support each other, and it’s all thanks to the donations from businesses and individuals, to the folks who bid on the items, and to the sponsors.” Enterprise Bank & Trust is our 2023 Premier Sponsor. Co-Presenting Sponsors include Albuquerque Santa Fe Toyota Dealers Association, Anchorum St. Vincent, CHRISTUS St. Vincent Regional Medical Center, McKesson, Nexus Health and X-Ray Associates of New Mexico.
Visit our website (www.sweetheartauction.org) to purchase a ticket, buy a Dream Raffle ticket, view our Healing with Heart initiative, or peruse the live auction packages.
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