Houlton Rotary Auction raises $50,300 for charities

Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Gloria Austin
ON THE PHONE — Houlton Rotarian Dean Clark takes a bid over the phone during this year’s auction. A total of $50,300 was raised from the three-day event.
By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — The 56th annual Houlton Rotary Radio and TV Auction came to a close last week and helped raise just over $50,000 for various local projects.
    “The auction was very successful and we would like to thank all the businesses and artisans who donated all the wonderful items for this year’s auction,” said Rotarian Ryan Bushey. “Also, thank you to our community for all their bids to assist us in raising money for so many wonderful local projects.”
    According to Rotarian Nancy Ketch, the net proceeds from this year’s auction were $50,300. The retail value of the items donated by area businesses and individuals is over $52,000.
    Each year, the Rotary Auction in addition to their many other charities funds a major project or projects. The major projects for the 2011 auction are upgrades to the Just For Kids playground, supporting the Backpacks For Kids project and Aid For Kids organization and contributing to the new welcome sign being developed by Southern Aroostook Development Corporation. Other projects that will benefit from auction proceeds are Dollars For Scholars, Cary Library, Friends of Aroostook, Rotary Youth Exchange, Student Recognition Day and the Salvation Army.
    There were also three-night special items, which were featured throughout the auction and ranged in value up to $14,500. The three-night specials included a 32-foot by 20-foot camp package from Ward Log Homes, a 30-inch snow blower, an entertainment center, a Bison pump, a television stand, hardwood flooring, sanding and refinishing of a hardwood floor, a kayak, cedar picket fencing, advertising packages, an ice auger, Laminated Strand Lumber (LSL), a rifle, a watch, 100 gallons of fuel oil, a Red Sox ticket package, a chain saw and an energy efficiency audit.
    Most every category was up over last year, Ketch said. And considering the state of the economy, Rotarians were amazed at the outpouring of support by the local community.
    “We are already starting the planning process for next year’s auction,” Ketch said. “We hope to make it bigger and better than ever.”