GORE BAY—The Rotary Club of Gore Bay is gearing up for its annual fall harvest auction to take place on the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, October 12.
“Last year we raised approximately $17,000 in the harvest auction,” stated Dave Rogalsky, president of the Rotary Club. “This is all due to Robbie White, who did an incredible job in getting many of the donations of items that were bid on.”
“All the proceeds we raise from the auction goes back into the community,” said Mr. Rogalsky.
Mr. Rogalsky wrote in a letter to potential donors of items for the auction, “on October 12, the Rotary Club of Gore Bay will once again be hosting their annual Fall Harvest Auction. This event has been a long-standing feature in the community and has proven to be an important fundraiser for our organization.”
“Funds raised from this event is put towards helping community members in need of assistance due to medical emergencies or catastrophic loss. They are also used to support a variety of groups and programs including student bursaries, local youth activities and leadership skills development opportunities, community service such as Angel Bus and Manitoulin Family Resources (MFR) Christmas hampers, among others.”
“Over the years the Fall Harvest Auction has evolved from primarily an auction of garden produce to include a wide range of items including numerous gift certificates,” explained Mr. Rogalsky. “We have been very fortunate to have Robbie White partner with the Rotary club both as auctioneer and as a major recruiter of donated goods and services. We are delighted to have Robbie lending his services to us again this year.”
“The work of the local Rotary Club and all the assistance we are able to provide to the community is only possible through the generous support of local businesses and individuals. If you can assist us with this event, it will be much appreciated,” continued Mr. Rogalsky.
Mr. Rogalsky noted, “One of the things I’ve heard through the grapevine is that a lot of producers who have donated produce for the auction in the past are getting older and not putting gardens in. So, we are looking for people who might have surplus produce that we could have for our auction. We would be very grateful to anyone who can help us out by providing produce.” Those people that would like to help out can contact Jeff Hietkamp at 705-210-9970 or email the club at rotaryclubGB@outlook.com. A Rotary club member will contact them and arrange to pick up their donated produce/goods on October 10-11.”
“We hope everyone will have an opportunity to attend the auction on Thanksgiving Saturday, October 12, at the Gore Bay Community Hall, to experience this annual event and see the excitement and support that it generates within the community,” said Mr. Rogalsky. “Just a reminder that the doors open at 9 am on October 12 to register for a number to bid on items, with the auction to start at 10 am. If you arrive late you are going to miss out on some great items.”
