Headpins fans got a treat Wednesday night when the band's drummer Bernie Aubin picked up pair of drumsticks to drive the beat behind a couple of songs, at the celebrity auction at the Duke of Dublin Old Irish pub in Abbotsford.

Aubin also donated signed drumsticks and other items for the event.

The auction was held to raise funds for the family of Clare Shelswell, a five-old-year kindergarten student from Godson Elementary who was killed during a family vacation in Washington last month. Her stepfather has been charged with first-degree murder.

The event shocked locals, including Allison Taekema, whose daughter attended school with Clare.

"I can't imagine that happening, it's just so horrible," she said. Taekema, her partner Sean Brown, and musician Darrin Nikolas, organized the fundraiser and called in favours from friends (Aubin is Taekema's dad) in the entertainment industry.

As a result, the auction included signed CDs and other music memorabilia goodies from several artists such as Nora Jones, Diana Krall, Elvis Costello and Nazareth.

Local businesses, such as Long & McQuade and Kings Music also contributed items, as did the Canucks and the B.C. Lions. Musician Steve Hillis provided the live entertainment.

"It went really well," said Nikolas, with supporters picking up choice memorabilia. "There are a few items left, and we'll find some way to put them up for bid."

Clare's death stunned the Abbotsford community, which has tried ways to help Clare's mother, Sarah Wilson. The Mountain Park Community Church, which the family attends, has set up a trust fund for Sarah and her remaining young daughter.

All funds raised at the celebrity auction will go to that trust fund.

During the evening, a woman from Mountain Park Community Church had a message from Sarah Wilson to those at the pub fundraiser.

"We'd like to thank everyone gathered here for your big heart," was the message.

"Clare was a rainbow of joy in our lives and she will be greatly missed. To all who donated, items and time, (some pub staff worked free for the event), we thank you from our hearts."

Brown said the concern for Sarah and her daughter goes far beyond Abbotsford - he gets messages from people in New York wanting to help.

- See photos from the evening at www.protruckr.com and also details on where to bid for leftover auction items.