One of the many Rotary Club prizes available for purchase at the annual Rotary Auction beginning April 9 is this johnboat donated by Skipper’s Boatiqu
“Right now, things are going very well. Several Rotarians have already turned in items for the auction and we have commitments for the donation of several larger items from members of the community,” said Rotary Auction Chairman John Ruffli.
Among the large items available for bidding live at the Lakeland Jamboree or via telephone are a johnboat and trailer provided by Skippers Boatique of Canton, a Lasix vision-correction surgery package provided by the Arrowsmith Eye Institute, picnic tables provided by Brent Thompson and the Future Farmers of America, a guided turkey hunt from local sportsman Harold Knight and playground equipment from Loren Chapman.
“We’ve offered the eye surgery for several years,” said Ruffli. “Dr. Peter Arrowsmith donated it again, and it usually brings in several thousand dollars. It’s provided in conjunction with Dr. David Bostick, who provides the pre- and post procedural care.”
Ruffli said that last year, the Rotary Club set a goal of $125,000, and exceeded that amount by $7,000. This year, the club’s goal is to raise $130,000. “We hope we can exceed that amount,” he said.
Bids, sales and the joy of winning a coveted item are not the only activities Rotary will be responsible for. Ruffli said that the club will be providing meals on the five nights of the auction from 5:00-8:00 P.M., or until food runs out. Project Graduation will provide meals on Thursday night, while Genesis Express will be cooking in the Lakeland Jamboree’s parking lot on Friday.
The Rotary plans a “Kick-Off” Breakfast at the Lake Barkley Lodge on Monday, April 9 at 6:00 A.M. Ruffli said that ticket for the breakfast may be purchased from any Rotary member for $25 and U.S. Senator Ken Winters will address the audience at 7:00 A.M.
Monies raised by the auction and ancillary events support a variety of educational and philanthropic endeavors. “Half of the proceeds of the auction go directly to scholarships and grants for local students to peruse their education beyond high school. We have grants available for students who do not seek a traditional education in college, for programs like trade school.”
More on the Rotary's community philanthropy and auction can be read in your Cadiz Record.
