'24 Hours of Schweitzer' tickets still available

SANDPOINT - Tickets for the "24 Hours of Schweitzer" auction and awards dinner are still available, with more than 125 auction items and prizes on tap for one of the leading cystinosis fundraisers in the country.

The dinner and auction, which start at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, March 31 in Schweitzer's Caribou Room, are held in honor of 5-year-old Hank Sturgis of Sandpoint, who has the rare, fatal disease cystinosis that affects only 500 people nationwide.

The auction dinner is open to the public and takes place following the all-day, all-night ski event that begins on Friday, March 30.

This year's theme is "Hank's Heroes: Mission Possible," which recognizes Hank's love of super heroes and participants' efforts to help find a cure for the devastating disease.

"Since the event first started four years ago, significant progress has been made in the relentless quest for a cure. We are getting closer each day, thanks to the remarkable dedication and contributions of our many friends and supporters from Sandpoint, Spokane and around the region," said Brian Sturgis, Hank's dad and one of the event organizers.

Participants are encouraged to dress in super-hero costume at the event finish, and fireworks will be set off throughout the night.

More than 100 live and silent auction items and 25 raffle items are expected, including lunch with Ben Stein, a weeklong stay at the Oregon Coast beach house and a Denver Broncos jersey signed by Tim Tebow.

The dinner will feature New York-themed food and special kids' cuisine.

Tickets are $45 and available at www.24hoursforhank.org. The after-party, featuring live music by Robot Love, will be held from 8:30 p.m. to midnight in Schweitzer's Taps Lounge.