The Rotary radio auction is fast approaching, and organizers are busy gathering donated items from across the community for use in their annual fundraiser.
On May 3-4, from 6-8 p.m., at the Baker Street Mall, Cranbrook radio listeners and attendants will have the chance to bid on items and raise money for the Rotary Club.
Funds raised in the past have gone towards local projects like the Rotary Park washrooms, the Clock Tower, Rotary Band Stand, Rotary Way, and other projects like the Cranbrook Arches Project and the annual Senior’s dinner.
Additionally, the club also supports international efforts such as the eradication of polio and education.
The Rotary Radio Auction is a long-time fundraiser with the goal of raising money to invest back into the community, said organizer Lallah Gunst.
“This one is probably our largest fundraiser,” said Gunst, “raising about $20,000 a year.”
It’s a simple concept hearkening back to the old-time tradition of auctioneering, Gunst added.
“We auction on the radio, people phone in,” said Gunst, “but they can also come into the site and bid there, lot’s of energy in room during the live auction.”
The event, which is broadcast on the B-104.7 Total Country radio station, will be on location in an empty space in the middle of Baker Street Mall located next to Safeway.
Picture, if you will: an audience on location bidding on items while six people work the phones as radio listeners call in to place bids on each item. The auctioneer—who will be on live radio, will take bids from the live audience as well as from the volunteers who are working the phones.
Gunst says there are up to a few hundred items that are donated by the community, ranging from trips to Mexico, golf tours, gift certificates to artwork to clothing.
Please contact Paul Heywood, at 1-250-919-1487 for more information.