The 52nd annual version of the Estevan Rotary Auction was dubbed a success by club president Charles Olsen, who also happened to be the auction co-ordinator this year.
The event, held in the Estevan Shoppers Mall, had an increase of bidders this year who raised their hands to the voice of volunteer auctioneer Norm Mack of Mack Auction Services who hammered down a number of quality products before the evening was done.
“We raised about $11,000 this year through the auction and cash donations, which was pretty comparable to last year,” said Olsen. “Last year we may have picked up a little over $11,000, but for the past three or four years, the amount raised has been pretty consistent.”
One eager bidder, for instance, was Janine Waldner who said she has been a pretty devoted Rotary Auction supporter for more than 20 years.
“I’ve picked up a few excellent wedding gifts through this auction and purchased Rotary Lobsterfest tickets from here. I love the Lobsterfest,” she said with a chuckle.
“The auction is always fun so I find it is a great way to support the Rotary,” she said.
Olsen said the money raised is not ear marked yet, but said the cash will remain in the community. He said with the Saskatchewan Summer Games coming to Estevan soon and a number of Estevan minor baseball teams requiring assistance this year, there will be no problem in finding positive directions for the funds raised. And these are just two examples. Rotary also maintains a section of Woodlawn Regional Park that is well used during the spring, summer and fall seasons.
“We had some articles in this year’s auction that were very good quality, and with more bidders involved, it was a lively auction,” said Olsen. “And it went smoothly and quickly, which is a good thing too.”
