Over $4500 raised for local Indigenous organizations
The 11th annual Promise Auction took place this year between February 28 and March 4. It featured a week-long silent auction of promises offered by U of T Law community members, and a virtual trivia night held on March 2. The Promise Auction was spearheaded by Jane Fallis-Cooper (2L), Stephanie Rei (2L JD/MBA), and Hannah Bourgeois (3L).
“We were impressed by the success of last year’s trivia event [and] we heard that students missed the original auction format, as it facilitated interesting connections and community-building,” said Fallis-Cooper, Rei, and Bourgeois. “We decided to run both events so there would be something for everyone: students, staff, and alumni alike.”
The silent auction took place on 32auctions.com and featured 39 promises. All week long, students were encouraged to bid on promises including an hour with Luna the puppy, a trip to the Royal Ontario Museum with Professor Yasmin Dawood, and a traditional Belgian dinner with Professor Trudo Lemmens. Fan-favourite promises such as Associate Dean Christopher Essert’s pizza crawl and Professor Jim Phillips’ Toronto bike tour made an appearance as well.
“I think it’s been at least eight years that I’ve been doing this,” commented Prof. Phillips. “It’s a good cause. And I can’t offer anything else. Cooking lessons? You wouldn’t want that. […] A lecture on legal history? I thought the purpose was to raise money. But I can cycle; I do it a lot and I know all the bike paths and how to get to them.”
The virtual trivia night was open to students, staff, faculty, and alumni. It was hosted by former Jeopardy champion Professor Anthony Niblett. Elder-in-Residence Constance Simmonds shared opening and closing remarks.
Material Gurlz, comprising of Clare Murray (1L) and Ashley Chana (1L), came in first place. Party Machine, consisting of Sarah Smith, Ryan MacIsaac (JD 2012), Emily Sheppard (4L JD/MSW), and Charles Hatt (JD 2012), trailed in second. Non-trivial Bodily Harm, originally tied with Tortellinis for third place, eked ahead after winning the tie-breaker. Andrew Easto (3L), Jackson Spencer (3L), and Karlie Nordstrom (3L) competed as Non-trivial Bodily Harm while Alisha Krishna (2L), Christopher Main (2L), Emily Rand (1L), and Harry Myles (2L) made up Tortellinis.
“The trivia was fun,” commented Myles on behalf of Tortellinis. “We really enjoy trivia and thought last year’s event was great, so we decided to participate again. It’s a great cause and Prof. Niblett was looking as fine as ever.”
Promise Auction raised a total of $4655, with $1501 coming from the silent auction and $3164 from the trivia night. Proceeds went to Aboriginal Legal Services, the Native Women’s Resource Centre of Toronto, the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, the Centre for Indigenous Theatre, and the Indigenous Residential School Survivors’ Society.
“We appreciate the support of everyone who attended the trivia night or donated and bid on the promises,” said Fallis-Cooper, Rei, and Bourgeois. “Extra special thanks to [Manager of Indigenous Initiatives] Julie Ann Shepard, Elder Constance, and Prof. Niblett for all of their help, as well as our terrific volunteers: Arifah Razack (1L), Claire Abbott (1L), Duncan Crabtree (1L), Emily Rand (1L), Rhea Murti (1L), and Sahibnoor Singh (LLM).”
Editor’s Note: Ultra Vires volunteered a “super-flattering article” for the silent auction.
