Auction raises almost $50,000
signs - A fundraising auction was held at Foothills Auctioneers on Aug. 7 for Roland and Janet Sippola, who lost their barn in a tornado on July 12. Here, Roland Sippola, at left, expresses his gratitude to everyone for all their support, while auctioneer Rob Bergevin looks on.
By Rob Vogt, Local Press Writer
The community gathered in Stavely last week for a fundraising auction to help one of their own.
Foothills Auctioneers hosted a benefit auction for Roland and Janet Sippola on Friday, Aug. 7 at the auction market in Stavely that raised more than $50,000.
The Sippolas lost their barn, 21 kilometres west of Nanton, to a tornado back on July 12.
Rob Bergevin, owner and auctioneer, told those in attendance that he had to tell Roland they were having this fundraiser, and he wasn’t asking for permission.
The response has been tremendous.
“The community that we live in is an unbelievable community,” Bergevin said. “They’ve rallied around the Sippola family.”
Before the bidding began, the event had already raised between $23,000 and $24,000.
“I can’t believe the support that’s come in,” Bergevin said. “It’s a privilege to be part of our community.”
Roland was at the microphone beside Bergevin, impressed by all the support.
“Thank you very much,” he said. “It means a lot.”