On February 8, 2025, the Cancer Foundation for New Mexico (CFFNM) will celebrate over 20 years of service to cancer patients in Northern New Mexico at its 20th annual Sweetheart Auction at the Santa Fe Convention Center. Over the last two decades, CFFNM has provided more than 10,000 nights of lodging, 5 million miles of travel reimbursement, over 300,000 nutritious meals to patients, and thousands of support group hours ensuring Northern New Mexico cancer patients can receive treatment in Santa Fe.
“The Sweetheart Auction is our most important fundraising event of the year,” comments Executive Director Vince Baca, “This magical evening of giving and fun raises over half of CFFNM’s annual budget and exemplifies the generosity of the Northern New Mexico community.”
The evening promises to be memorable, with numerous activities such as an expertly selected silent auction, an exciting live auction, and the much-anticipated Dream Vacation Raffle drawing. Adding to the thrill will be a lively paddle raiser. This year, the organizers have expanded their offerings to include an online auction, ensuring that even if individuals cannot attend the event in person, they can still participate in the bidding excitement.
What’s Happening at the Sweetheart Auction
In recognition of the 22nd anniversary, the event will continue the Healing with Heart program which pairs cancer survivors or current patients with artists. The program is an artistic collaboration intended to produce compelling visual images of healing and hope.
The Honor Wall, one of the most moving elements at the Sweetheart Auction, will feature a three-dimensional mobile with photos and dedications to honorees. Attendees will have the opportunity to witness the profound impact a cancer journey can have on families, friends, and our community.
The winner of the Dream Vacation Raffle will be able to pick a dream trip for two from an offering of six trips, including destinations like Almafi, Dublin, Fiji, and Greece.
Plus, the winner receives a $5,000 travel allowance to make this trip even more memorable! Use it to upgrade your accommodations, cover travel expenses, or enjoy excursions and fine dining at your destination.
As an alternative, the winner can choose a $10,000 cash award. Tickets are $100 each, with discounts for multiple tickets. The drawing will take place at the Sweetheart Auction, but the winner does not need to be present to win. Tickets are available at sweetheartauction.org.
“Everyone loves the Sweetheart Auction because it’s always a lot of fun,” says Bunny Terry, CFFNM board president, “but the evening is really about helping our neighbors in Northern New Mexico get the treatment they need.” A cancer survivor herself, Bunny knows how important it is to support someone who has just heard the words “You have cancer.” She continues, “This evening represents an opportunity to support each other, and it’s all thanks to the donations from businesses and individuals, to the folks who bid on the items, and to the sponsors.”
Enterprise Bank & Trust is the 2025 Premier Sponsor. Co-presenting sponsors include Hutton Broadcasting, Albuquerque Santa Fe Toyota Dealers Association, Anchorum St. Vincent, CHRISTUS St. Vincent Regional Medical Center, Nexus Health, and X-Ray Associates of New Mexico.
Visit the website to purchase Sweetheart Auction tickets, buy a Dream Vacation Raffle ticket, view the Healing with Heart program, or peruse the live auction packages. Doors open at 5 p.m.; parking is available at Santa Fe Community Convention Center Municipal Garage. Volunteer and sponsorship opportunities are available.
This article was posted by Jesse Williams