NORWICH – More than 150 community leaders from area nonprofits and businesses alike attended one of the largest annual fundraisers in support of Hospice & Palliative Care of Chenango County, Thursday evening.

The annual benefit dinner saw marked success, according to the nonprofit's Development & Outreach Coordinator Kendall Drexler.

“Attendance at this year's dinner was the best we have seen in a number of years, as an organization we're very thankful to all who took the time to participate.”

Not your average “benefit dinner,” the event implemented a variety of creative unique tactics to generate more cash for the cause. A cocktail-hour silent auction was accompanied by table side live auction action complete with well-versed local auctioneer Jerry LeClair – who clearly knew how to work bidders against one another.

“The live auction is definitely the most exciting part of the night, it gets participants engaged and stirred up some friendly competition amongst donors,” said Drexler.

Drexler indicated that all “items” were placed up for bid were donated from several area businesses, but not all were physical in nature.