LOCKER STOCKERS  Courageous Hearts board members showcase a hint of the valuable goodies that lie in the lockers on Saturday, April 19th.Photo submitted

LOCKER STOCKERS Courageous Hearts board members showcase a hint of the valuable goodies that lie in the lockers on Saturday, April 19th.Photo submitted

By Dan Walton

Pioneer Staff

The valleys newest not-for-profit group is making a powerful start, as Courageous Hearts will be hosting a Storage Wars-style auction as its debut event.

In partnership with Real Storage in Windermere, Courageous Hearts will be hosting the event on Saturday, April 19th, before a silent auction and dance later that night.

The auction takes place at 1 p.m. at Real Storage in Windermere. The fundraiser will feature five storage units loaded with valuables that have been donated by local sponsors. In a fashion similar to the reality television program, Real Storage will be selling all of the units contents to the highest bidder. There will be a short window for bidders to browse the goods inside each unit, but the shutters will be closed during the bidding. Tex Lortscher will be donating his time as the auctioneer, and opening bids will start at $250.

There will be a sprinkling of higher priced items to bring on the bidding, said Kim Baker, Courageous Hearts board member and manager of Real Storage.

COURAGEOUS CREW - Courageous Hearts board members (left to right) Kim Baker, Tiffany Gulbe, Cori Gadomski and France Andestad (missing is Heather Pryndik) are spearheading a new fundraising society in the Columbia Valley that allows individuals to pay it forward by helping people in the community.  Photo submitted

COURAGEOUS CREW – Courageous Hearts board members (left to right) Kim Baker, Tiffany Gulbe, Cori Gadomski and France Andestad (missing is Heather Pryndik) are spearheading a new fundraising society in the Columbia Valley that allows individuals to pay it forward by helping people in the community. Photo submitted

The silent auction and dance will commence at 7 p.m. at the Copper Point Resort in Invermere, and will feature music from DJ Will C Productions. The evening will also include guest speakers, food, and raffle prizes.

Courageous Hearts was recently launched with the vision of empowering brave hearts. The group aims to support a community loop model, similar to the philosophy of paying it forward. The first primary recipient of Courageous Hearts will be Syndicate Boardshop co-owner Jer Donald, who is recovering in hospital after surviving an avalanche in March.

At least 50 per cent of the money generated from this event will be going to help Jer Donald with the costs associated with his rehabilitation. Ms. Baker said.

Everybody is welcome to attend the Real Storage Wars auction, but attendance at the silent auction and dance will require a $40 advance ticket, which can be purchased at Syndicate Board Shop, Tiffanys Thredz, and the Valley Fitness Centre.