Art and Community Generosity Unite at the Successful Northeast Area Make-A-Wish Auction
- Steve Jurrens
- Nov 10
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The 33rd Annual Northeast Area Make-A-Wish Dinner and Auction continued its success with spirited bidding on high-value items and a highly anticipated performance by speed painter David Garibaldi.
CEO Sue Salter welcomed guests…
Watertown’s event organizer DeDe Gilbertson also spoke to the crowd…
Following a meal and highly successful fundraising games, the live auction, led by Owen/Berg Auctioneers, raised significant funds to grant wishes for critically ill children.
The latter half of the live auction featured unique, handcrafted items, reflecting the community’s artistic and outdoor interests:
· Hunting Tribute Wooden Sculpture: A beautiful, handcrafted solid oak and black walnut sculpture depicting a hunter and his dog, created and donated by artist Ed Halbert. Halbert, who worked on the piece from early September until the day of the event, told the emotional story behind the dog model. The custom artwork generated competitive bidding, selling for $7,250.
· Magic in Your Backyard Playhouse: The final package, a custom-built playhouse from South 40 Specialties, drew intense interest from attendees. The package offered the winning bidder a personalized, custom-curated playhouse with a choice of themes (Dream Cottage, Adventure Garage, or The Retreat), furniture, custom artwork, and a $2,500 Visa gift card for finishing touches. The unique, high-value item sold for $13,000.
The night culminated with an exceptional performance by celebrated speed painter David Garibaldi, brought to the event by Jodi and Scott Driscoll of Watertown Ford.
Jodi Driscoll introduced Garibaldi, noting his work with charities nationwide, which has helped raise over $10 million. Driscoll’s sponsored his appearance to kick off their 25th year in the Watertown community and to give back to Make-A-Wish, an organization they hold "close to their hearts…"
Garibaldi was scheduled to perform live on stage, painting three different pieces during a high-energy show. Following the performance, the unique artwork was set to be auctioned off, with the high bidder receiving their choice of the three paintings. The proceeds from the art auction were directed to Make-A-Wish.
The success of the 33rd annual event was reinforced by the sale of items like the Pappy Van Winkle bourbon, a Stampede Hockey package, and the Devil’s Tower Golf package. Plus, the three paintings sold for over $60,000.
The overall atmosphere was one of celebration, generosity, and strong support for children facing critical illnesses.
The final total is still being tallied, but Gilbertson told Northeast Radio SD News that she can say “with much confidence that it was another record-breaking year, and I am already looking at ways to make next year just as incredible for our kids in the Northeast Region!”
