Tata's Party brings in nearly $20,000

WALLACE — The 15th annual TaTa’s Party Extravaganza took place Oct. 10 at the Wallace Elks Lodge, bringing together supporters from across the Valley for an evening of auctions, games, food and fundraising to help residents battling cancer. 

According to organizer Aubrey Stovern, volunteers barely had time to catch their breath as donations kept arriving until the auction began. 

Guests spent the evening browsing nearly 40 silent auction items and previewing more than 30 live auction offerings. Local businesses, organizations and individuals donated every item up for bid to support the cause. 

"It’s a true 'by the community, for the community' event," Stovern said. 

A new attraction, the Bottoms Up Booze Pull, quickly became a hit, giving participants the chance to walk away with wine, beer or spirits. Meanwhile, the ever-popular Coffee Cart gained momentum throughout the evening and sold out within a few hours. Cupcakes offered by donation disappeared just as quickly, with boxes emptied before the social hour ended. 

When it came time for the live auction, longtime auctioneer Darren Arave kept the energy high, encouraging spirited bidding as attendees competed for their favorite items. 

“Because of these efforts, the event raised $19,400,” Stovern exclaimed. 

The proceeds benefit the Shoshone Cancer Resource Center in Kellogg, which assists cancer patients and their families throughout the Silver Valley. The center offers gas vouchers, prescription assistance and access to Debby's Grant, a program designed to help with larger cancer-related expenses. 

This year's sponsors included Dave Smith Motors, Rossi & Kellogg Insurance, Miki Albrecht & Friends, Hecla Mining, Bank CDA, Zanetti Bros., Boulder Creek Tech, Peak Mechanical, Mountain West Bank, Innovative Builders LLC and New Phase Body Therapies & Tami Atkins. 

TaTa's Party has come a long way since its beginnings. Fifteen years ago, the event was little more than a simple wine night among friends inspired by a local woman's breast cancer diagnosis. Over the years, it has evolved into a community-wide effort featuring live and silent auctions, decorated bras and specialty raffles and games, all benefiting local cancer patients through the Shoshone Cancer Resource Center.  

Now a Silver Valley tradition, the event draws supporters who understand that cancer treatment often comes with costs beyond medical bills. Funds raised through TaTa's Party help residents cover expenses such as travel to appointments, prescriptions and other needs that arise during treatment. 

For organizers, however, the event is about more than the money raised. 

From businesses donating merchandise and services to volunteers organizing auction tables and attendees opening their wallets for a good cause, the evening reminded everyone how the Silver Valley rallies around its own. 

The TaTa's Party crew thanked everyone who donated, sponsored and attended this year's event. 

The Shoshone Cancer Resource Center is located at 204 Oregon St., Suite J, in Kellogg. Silver Valley residents can access its services by calling 208-784-1475 or emailing [email protected].