“The advantage to being in the moment, on the scene,” says Oeno Gallery’s Carlyn Moulton, “is that you get the last word.”

“If you just bid online, well, your bid can be trumped.”

Ms. Moulton is explaining that the 30 artworks to be live-auctioned at the Crystal Palace on June 1 for the Memorial Hospital Foundation can be viewed online, and bids can be placed online, including maximum bids. You can even call in a bid on auction night.

But there’s nothing like being on the spot. The live auction will be led by Julie Riches.

Guests will also be able to peruse an accompanying silent auction of another 60 or so works on the night in question while sipping wine and enjoying catering by Kaleidoscope.

“It’s going to be an interesting, entertaining evening,” says Ms. Moulton.

The product of a collaboration between Oeno Gallery, 2gallery, Maison Depoivre, Mad Dog Gallery, and Hatch Gallery, the auction features work from notable local artists, including Andrew Innes, Celia Sage, Graham Metson, Lori Gruer, Bill Stearman, Gilles Miramontes, Hew Elcock, and Rosemary Brown.

Canadian artists Charles Pachter and Margaret Atwood are also in on the action. Mr. Pachter has donated 10 prints as well as one of his iconic Canadian flag paintings, valued at approximately $35,000.

Ms. Atwood has donated a limited edition, handwritten poem, “Crow Funeral,” illustrated with her own distinctive version of the rooks. The print is valued at $1000 and is expected to fetch well over that.

“This is a good opportunity to acquire a really valuable painting, or a collectible work at a more accessible price,” notes Ms. Moulton.

The advantage to being in the moment, on the scene, is that you get the last word. If you just bid online, well, your bid can be trumped.

Carlyn Moulton, Oeno Gallery

“But the goal is not to be looking for bargains!” she says sternly. “The point is to pay as much as possible! And know you’ve done well for the hospital.”

The goal is a $2.6 million Computerized Tomography or CT Scanner for the new hospital. The cost includes not just the equipment, but the infrastructure required to house it.

At the moment, everyone with a head injury who requires a precautionary CT scan must make the bumpy trip up Highway 49 to Belleville’s hospital, holding their injured head in their hands, at all hours of the day and night. Likewise for anyone needing diagnostic imaging.

Shannon Coull, the Hospital Foundation’s Executive Director, notes “patients are transferred to another hospital for a CT scan over 2100 times a year.”

A CT scanner allows doctors to see inside the body. A combination of X-rays and computer images create pictures of organs, bones, and other tissues. A local CT scanner means timely access to critical diagnostic care.

Bid for the Build is at The Crystal Palace on June 1 
Doors open 5pm. Bidding starts at the live auction at 6:30pm
Auctioneer Julie Riches
Tickets at the PECMHF website

Visit www.32auctions.com/bidforthebuild2024 to see the collection and register your early bid.

“This is an extremely important milestone in our County’s history as this will be the first time that this incredibly important service will be provided at our hospital.”

“With support from our community, we are ensuring potentially lifesaving care is here, close to home, when we need it,” said Ms. Coull. 

The scanner already has a $500,000 commitment from Picton’s Norm Ritchie and Monique Postlewaite.  In the fall of 2022, Mr. Ritchie and Ms. Postlewaite approached Ms. Coull, looking to donate. They suggested the importance of a CT scanner for the new hospital.

At that time, though, a CT scanner was not planned for the new build. Ms. Coull alerted Quinte Health, which made a case to the Ministry to approve the diagnostic tool for the Prince Edward County hospital. 

The Bid for the Build event June 1 continues the fundraising. 

The artists have all generously donated their work for the cause, and all proceeds of the evening go to support the acquisition of a CT Scanner. The artworks in the live auction have an estimated total value of about $200,000, while those in the silent are valued at $60,000.

In 2019, Bid for the Build raised a total $118,000 for the hospital. Organizers, who expect a sell-out crowd, are hoping to top that amount.