An estimated 350 people attended the open house at the Nippon Institute of Technology Intercultural Campus’ education centre last Saturday, April 9th, donating more than $10,000 to the school’s Japan relief fund.
The majority of funds were raised through a silent auction, in addition to t-shirt sales and several generous donations.
“Saturday’s event exceeded our expectations,” said NIT Director Phil Cann. “Everyone was so generous.”
In addition to the silent auction, guests were entertained by various Japanese cultural activities such as a formal tea ceremony, calligraphy, origami, and a variety of Japanese foods such as sushi were also offered.
Cann extended his sincere thanks to event organizer Jocelyn Thomas, who spent countless hours procuring donations for the silent auction from artists, individuals and businesses in the community, and as far away as Fernie.
“We owe a huge thank you to her for her dedication and personal contributions,” said Cann.
More than 80 goods and services were up for grabs in the silent auction, the majority of which were quickly snapped up.
The remaining items, which include a ride on a glider, various gift certificates, the chance to ride in the fire truck during various community festivals and parades, and an in-home piano concert, will continue to be available for bid until the end of the month at the Historic Court House building, which now houses NIT operations.
The t-shirts which were sold at the open house feature an original design created by one of the school’s students for the event, and the school will be taking orders for additional shirts for the next few weeks until their delivery in mid May.