The pink flags that waved during last weekend in Blooming Prairie, a tribute to those who have battled cancer, may have been taken down on Monday, but the money raised at this year’s Blooming Prairie Cancer Auction is higher than it’s ever been.

“I’m thinking it’s over $65,000, which would be a new record for us, I believe,” said Cheri Krejci, one of the organizers for the event. She said she did not have an exact figure, but that this year raised more than last year.

This year marked the 18th year the Blooming Prairie Cancer Group has held the auction, which took place Sept. 7-8. Participants were able to bid on hundreds of donated items, with the proceeds being donated to cancer research.

“Our auction both nights were great,” Krejci said. “We had great crowds and a lot of items. Both nights were better than last year.”

Krejci also expressed gratitude for all of those involved in this year’s auction.

“I would like to give a gigantic thank you to those who came to the events, who donated to the events, and the extra volunteers that helped our group,” she said. “We obviously couldn’t do it without their help. We were very pleased.”

The Blooming Prairie Cancer Group will be hosting other future events to raise money for cancer research:

• Nov. 15: Turkey Bingo, 7 p.m. at Pizza Cellar in Blooming Prairie

• Jan. 5: Coyotes for Cancer, time and location to be determined

• Jan. 20: Pancake Breakfast and Silent Auction, 9 a.m. at Pizza Cellar in Blooming Prairie

• April 6: Designer Purse Bingo, time to be determined at the Blooming Prairie Servicemen’s Club.