Twenty-six years ago, Whitey Hagen’s brother lost a battle with cancer. Now, in as many years, the auction started in his memory is about to break $1 million, a milestone Hagen never dreamed of reaching.

The idea began with Hagen’s admiration of the Eddie’s Cancer Auction in Albert Lea.

“After my brother died in 1983, Geneva Liquor Store owner Hank Thompson asked me why we couldn’t have one similar in Geneva,” Hagen said.

The idea stuck, and now in its 26th year, the Geneva Cancer Auction has raised more than $935,000 for cancer research.

Hagen admits to never setting goals, but with a milestone in sight realizes sooner or later you have to stick your neck out.

“You can’t set goals for other people. We always try to do as well as we can and take what we get,” he said. “But $1 million is very much in reach and we’ve never been let down before.”

All money raised goes through the Albert Lea Eagles to the Eagles Cancer Telethon based out of Rochester. The money is then distributed to the Mayo Clinic Foundation for Cancer Research, the University of Minnesota and the Hormel Institute.

What: Geneva Cancer Auction

When: 7 p.m. Friday and Jan. 15; 2 p.m. Saturday and Jan. 16

Where: Geneva Bar & Grill

In its first year, the auction tallied a little more than $5,000. Last year, the auction raised a record $76,000.

This year’s theme is “Thanks A Million,” and Hagen assured that balloons are prepared in anticipation of a celebration.

“This year we are hoping to go over a million, and that’s our theme, so come on people get out here” he exclaimed.

Items to be auctioned are donated by both local citizens and businesses. Many people both donate and buy items at the auction.

“They are making a double contribution,” Hagen said.

In a Scandinavian community where everyone has their niche, homemade items frequent the Geneva Cancer Auction. Some have a long-standing tradition within the community.

“We’ve sold Vi’s pickles all 26 years,” Hagen said. “A woman who lost her husband to cancer makes a blanket every year.”

The thing Hagen likes most about the auction is that everyone involved is a volunteer. The only expense is to pay for the auction’s accountant.

“A strong 92 percent of what you donate goes to where it is supposed to.” Hagen said. “That’s about unheard of.”

In recognition of this year’s theme, a commemorative gold-colored coin will be sold for $10. Coins from the past three years will also be sold for anyone looking to complete or start their collection.

Raffle tickets will be sold for a chance to win a 52-inch LCD television and monetary prizes ranging from $100 to $500.

“The auction continues through the generosity of the people and merchants who participate,” Hagen said. “All we can say is thanks a million.”

If you would like to make a monetary donation, mail it to Geneva Bar & Grill, Cancer Auction, PO Box 64, Geneva MN 56035.

To ask Hagen questions, call 256-7552.