Tofino’s Wickaninnish Community School has become the proud home of a breathtaking Mark Hobson painting thanks to an anonymous donation from a team of philanthropic fishers.
The Mark Hobson Gallery partnered with the Tofino Saltwater Classic last year and offered the original watercolour painting entitled ‘Rosie Bay: Pettinger Point’ up for the event’s silent auction fundraiser.
The painting is valued at over $10,000 and a group of fishing derby participants, who wish to remain anonymous, put together the winning bid and unanimously agreed to donate it to the school.
The Saltwater Classic was founded by former NHL star Brendan Morrison in 2009 and the popular annual event has raised over $575,000 for local organizations and initiatives since its inception.
“We have been extremely fortunate to have had such tremendous support from the community, donors, volunteers and participants since the inception of the TSC in 2010,” Morrison said.
“This recent gesture epitomizes the spirit of the derby of giving back to the community. The students at the Wickaninnish School will have a remarkable piece of art to admire for years to come.”
This year’s derby is scheduled to run from July 8-10.
andrew.bailey@westerlynews.ca
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