The 36th annual Fred Hutch Holiday Gala last week found those at the black-tie gala in a giving mood. The event raised a whopping $6.1 million for research and patient family programs at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

Though the live auction only had 15 items – many one-of-a-kind experiences – the bids kept the Hutch’s reputation intact as the top fundraiser in the area.

Two that stood out included dinner in Los Angeles with actor Kevin Nealon, who began his career with “Saturday Night Live” and earned a Golden Globe for “Weeds.” Nealon will host the event with his actress wife, Susan Yeagley, whose credits include “Almost Famous,” and “Parks & Recreation.”

Also at that party will be their friend, actress Bonnie Hunt, known for her talk show and numerous movies including, “Cheaper by the Dozen,” “Cars” and of course, “Jerry Maguire.”

Another live auction surprise was an exclusive 10-day excursion to Africa that includes a tour of the Uganda Cancer Institute. This care facility is a 24 pediatric bed center, where 2-to-3 young patients often have to share a bed. The trip raised a total of $123,000 with three separate patrons bidding $41,000 each.

When Dr. Mark Roth from Fred Hutch’s Basic Sciences Division made the “ask” during the “Help the Hutch” portion of the program, you could almost feel the energy from those in attendance. The Hutch’s version of “Raise the Paddle” brought in $5.3 million to continue the fight to eliminate cancer.

Rose Dennis writes about events in Bellevue and the Greater Seattle area. She lives in Bellevue.