Most of Becky Clemens’ family lives in Minnesota.

So it makes sense that the Orcas Islander would participate in the cancer research fundraiser held in Lyle, Minn. every year, even if meant buying raffle tickets by phone and bidding on auction items remotely.

After years of supporting the cause, Clemens got a big surprise last month: she won a 2010 “Touring Ultra Classic Electra Glide” Harley Davidson in the raffle.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Clemens said. “They televise their telethon … and we had watched it for a while and then went to a movie. My phone kept vibrating and I had a message that it would be ‘worth my while to call right away.’ They try to call the winners live, so I missed my moment of fame. But it’s okay, my sister made enough noise for all of us.”

Clemens, who works at Orcas Island Physical Therapy as a receptionist, also won several furniture items in the silent auction. The fundraiser is a huge event for the small Minnesota town. Many participants win auction items and then donate them back several times over. This year, a jar of locally made jam went for $750.

Clemens has good reason to support cancer research: one of her sisters (she has five) was diagnosed in September with breast cancer, and her brother-in-law passed away from the disease several years ago.

“My sister and her husband are very active in the annual fundraiser, holding haunted barns and other events,” she said. “They’ve been the conduit for the family to get more involved … over the last 10 years, the fundraiser has brought in $1 million. It’s humbling to see all these people who have been affected by cancer.”

Valued at around $22,000, the vibrant blue Harley is a beauty, but it’s “too much bike” for her. Clemens and her boyfriend, Kevan Rayne, plan to sell the motorcycle, which is still in Minnesota. They already have a handful of buyers interested in taking home the bike. The couple plans to buy a new garage door, fix their gutters, and travel to Hawaii with proceeds from the sale.

“The bike is way too big,” she said. “Maybe at a different time in my life, but not now.”