The bids came thick and fast at Maitland Regional Saleyards on Monday morning when Oscar the Relay for Life Steer went under the hammer.
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Oscar was auctioned for $6440, half of which went to Cessnock Relay For Life team The Odd Squad, with the other half of the proceeds going to lucky raffle winner Allan McNamara.
Oscar was donated by The Odd Squad team members Geoff and Linda Payne, of Quorrobolong's Barraba Santa Gertrudis Stud.
Auctioneer Rod McDonald dropped the hammer at $14 per kilogram for the 460kg steer, fetching a price around four times higher than the going rate.
The Odd Squad has held a steer auction raffle annually since 2016, and Oscar's sale brings their fundraising tally to over $20,000 in four years for Cessnock Relay for Life.
Mr Payne said he got involved when he saw the effects cancer treatment had on people within the community, and it was his way of giving back to such a great cause.
He thanked the community for their support of their unique fundraising idea, especially Bowe and Lidbury Stock and Station, who generously auction the steer with no fees.
Cancer Council community relations coordinator Clint Ekert said he was again blown away at the support shown during some very tough conditions for our farmers.
"To see people dig so deep year after year during some pretty tough drought conditions really goes to show the effect cancer has in our community," Mr Ekert said.
"Not only the buyer and ticket purchasers, but also Geoff and Linda providing the steer year after year, it is really heart warming to see."
Meanwhile, Mr Ekert said the committee stands by its decision to postpone the Relay to November 10, even after last weekend's rainfall wasn't as heavy as predicted.
"We have a large number of cancer patients attend Relay, and a cold wet and windy day for them can lead to serious consequences," he said.
Cessnock Relay for Life is on Sunday, November 10 from 10am to 8.30pm. Register your team today at cancercouncil.org.au/cessnockrelay.
