A Night to Remember!
Published Tuesday, June 17, 2025
The first-ever Chase the Case game-show-style auction at the Valhalla Hotel raised over $42,000 for the Northern Cancer Fund supporting breast cancer.
On May 30th, the Valhalla Hotel Ballroom was transformed into the set of a brand new game show. Hosted by the incredible Spencer Hari and the fabulous Katie Nicholls as auctioneer, the first annual Chase the Case, presented by Doane Grant Thornton, raised an amazing $42,072 for breast cancer.
At first, there was some uncertainty about what to expect, especially since this was a brand-new, game-show-style live auction unlike anything anyone had seen before. However, it didn't take long for the atmosphere to shift. The room quickly filled with excitement, laughter, and a sense of nostalgia as attendees eagerly selected their cases — some taking risks and others calling the RBC Banker to ensure they got the prize they wanted. The energy in the room was electric, and it was clear something special was unfolding.
To add to the excitement, the Valhalla Hotel provided a welcoming cocktail reception and exceptional dinner service, adding to the overall experience.
The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation is glad to be able to continue, after so many decades, bringing fresh, fun, and successful fundraising events to Thunder Bay. This is an event that many great local businesses took a chance on — like some of the contestants did with their cases — and together, we succeeded in making a real difference for the women in our area battling the disease.
As Leona Fleming, guest speaker at the event, put it: “They say it takes a village to raise a child, but it also takes a village to treat a cancer patient. All the doctors and nurses, and every one of you supporting these events, bidding on cases, are a part of that village for the future. Perhaps even our own daughters.”
With over $31,000 worth of prizes donated to the event, the support from the community was incredible. There were also some amazing sponsors who helped us Chase the Case, including Doane Grant Thornton, TBT Engineering, RBC, The Valhalla Hotel, Vince and Alex Mirabelli, The Chronicle Journal, Acadia Broadcasting, J.B. Evans, Afonso Creations, WestJet, Marostica Subaru, Prezio Electric, and Kari Chiappetta Consulting.
The Northern Cancer Fund is a local cancer fund where 100% of the money stays in our region — supporting breast cancer support groups, funding life-saving equipment, and ensuring that we have the best possible care close to home.
The event is already set for next year: Thursday, April 16th, 2026, once again at the Valhalla Hotel. Planning is already underway to make the second annual Chase the Case even more exciting, competitive, and fun than the first. Be sure to keep an eye out — you won't want to miss it!
Haley Werbowetski, Events Manager