As this reporter and his bride arrived “fashionably a little late” for Club 25’s Annual Dinner and Auction, the buzz from Marshall School’s dining room told us that this was going to be a very special night.  And it was…

 

As we entered the room, Rotarians and their guests seemed to be everywhere, raptly engaged in their inspection of the terrific collection of items to bid on or buy.  One’s first thought was “Wow! Who put all this together in such an organized fashion?”  Multiple raffle boxes were ready and waiting for guests to stuff their tickets in hopes of being the lucky ones when the raffle results were announced at the end of the evening.

 

Among the efficiencies could be noted the smooth-operating registration table.  Lists and computers operated by smiling, welcoming Club members made it easy to get into the flow of this annual celebration.  Pictures that accompany this report will testify to the smiles and delight as Rotarians entered into the festive atmosphere.

 

At the other end of the dining hall were dozens of tables set for eight guests each and it did not take long for these to be filled with Rotarians and their guests. The Annual Auction is a BYOB night and many came prepared to enjoy and share their wines and beverages with others at their table. Joy abounded. 

 

John Foucault and Ryan Johnson were the co-chairs of the Special Events committee that put this event together.  Other Rotarians on the committee included Tricia Bunten, Skeeter Moore, Mary Niemeyer, Karol Sowers, Steve Yorde, Natalie Zeleznikar, Al Makynen, Tim Mowbray, Jim Schwartz, Chana Stocke and Tom Young.  All were present and working to assist where needed.  Twin Ports Rotaract members were also present to help with this event.

 

Ryan Johnson served as emcee of the evening.  His welcoming smile and his enthusiasm for this assignment was apparent as he greeted guests now seated at their tables.  And then the buffet-style dining began.  The meal was catered by the OMC restaurant.  The memories of old-time Rotarians in attendance (this reporter included) were piqued by the traditional bill-of-fare of roast beef. Thoughts returned as, in years gone by, Past President Jack Soetebier and his Rotarian friends, created the Roast Beef Dinner and Auction as a major fund-raiser for Club 25.  Continuing this traditional gathering has been thrilling to long-time members – and newer members have picked up the challenge and that is very special too.

 

Of singular note each year at the end of the dining time is the dessert auction that featured sweet gifts from ten different donors.  Fun-filled banter back and forth helped Auctioneer Tom sell these delights to ten different tables. Sale of these desserts totaled (unofficially) $1140.

 

In a timely fashion, Ryan reminded guests that the Raffle Boxes and Silent Auction activities would close at 7 p.m.  Soon thereafter, the actual auction began led by Tom Sullivan.  It was apparent from the very start that Rotarians and their guests showed up in a spendy mood.  Nine attractive items were on the auction block.  Auctioneer Tom skillfully moved the audience to open their check books in the name of helping Club 25 raise funds to augment the Club’s service objectives.  Unofficially, this reporter’s summation of the actual auction totaled $8550.  Co-chairs John and Ryan will inform club members of the actual in-take from the silent auction, the raffle and the actual auction at a future Club 25 meeting. 

 

The 50/50 Heads and Tails Game has become a regular part of the Annual Auction.  This is the game where Rotarians buy a string of beads for $10 so they can participate in this event.  Dave Holappa and Natalie Zeleznikar tied as winners of this game and they split the $500 prize.

 

The evening’s activities concluded with a “Fund the Cause” event that provided an opportunity for guests to make a contribution to the Polio Plus campaign, Rotary International’s project that is so close to eradicating polio from the face of this Earth.  Verbal gifts were solicited and, unofficially, this reporter would estimate the amount raised for Polio Plus to be $8700.

 

Co-chair John Foucault spoke briefly about his appreciation for the work that the committee had done to stage this Annual Auction.  The applause that accompanied his expression of gratitude to the committee was an indication of how those in attendance agreed whole-heartedly with John’s word of thanks.

 

…and the last word from Ryan: “We’re going to do it again next year!”