The live auction at the Chinese New Year Celebration on Saturday night at the Heritage Hall created a heated bidding war between the mayors of Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge.

"The bidding war between Mayor Daykin and myself for the gift certificate to Star Five Catering was all in fun to help add a little entertainment and raise funds for a great cause," said Pitt Meadows Mayor Deb Walters, who eventually won the war when emcee Fred Armstrong cut them off at $200.

Maple Ridge Mayor Ernie Daykin also had a good time bantering back and forth.

"The good-natured bidding war was fun, and I know it is an example of the good relationship between Deb and I, and also both councils," said Daykin.

"It was all for a super cause. I lost the bid, but the food bank won. Plus it was fun driving the bid up," he added.

"[Fred] can certainly wring the dollars out of folks for a good cause. His ability to mix his personal knowledge of the bidders with humour and the appropriate amount of guilt during the auction results in the maximum amount of money being realized for the cause," said Daykin.

About $8,000 was raised for the Friends In Need Food Bank at the 12th annual Chinese New Year Celebration.

"The turnout to event was outstanding. Both communities' support of the dinner and the food bank is a testimony to how much our communities care for those who have less than many of us," said Daykin.

"This is actually the first year that Judy and I have been able to attend. It will not be the last, though," he said.

Daykin noted that his favourite part of the evening was the explanation of the Chinese New Year and the dancing by Angel Entertainment Lion Dancers.

"The explanation about the Year of the Dragon and the performance was great. The more we understand about each other's cultures the more accepting we become," said Daykin. "It was great to see the young kids who were involved in the performances. They looked like they were really having fun," he added.

Ineke Beokhorst, director of Friends In Need, also enjoyed the entertainment.

"I like to see everyone happy. And the hall looked great," she said.

"We had 160 people and raised about $8,000. More than last year and that is fantastic for the food bank," said Beokhorst.

Walters said the food bank is an important service.

"There are many families in our community who depend on the food bank to help feed their families. Everyone who attended gave to the Friends in Need Food Bank and helped make a positive difference in someone's life," noted Walters.

"I can't stress enough the importance of helping our neighbours. As the old saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child, and with the funds raised, many kids will be fed."

smclaren@mrtimes.com