In small towns, success can sometimes be measured by longevity and loyalty.
The Rotary Club of Midland’s annual auction is one such event falling into those categories.
For more than 40 years, the club’s major fundraiser, which sees 100 percent of net proceeds supporting both community and international charitable causes, has poured well over $1 million back into the community.
The Midland Rotary Auction was first held in February 1979, broadcast over the radio. In the ensuing years, the auction was televised on a local TV station and bids were received by telephone, handwritten and posted on a board.
Initially meant to be a one-year project, the auction has continued to run on an annual basis for 45 years now.
In the late 1980s, a locally developed state-of-the-art computer program was added to track bids and instantly display them to the television audience. Eventually, the auction moved to being online and on TV while continuing to take telephone bids. More recently, the auction has been entirely online.
According to club president Jason Wilson, the club has contributed major funding to a variety of community projects that have benefited nearly everyone from auction proceeds.
Some of the projects include the Rotary Trail, pavilions on the Midland Town Dock, the performance stage in Little Lake Park along with significant donations to the local hospital, the Midland Cultural Centre, Community Living Huronia, the YMCA and countless others improvements to the community and “to our way of life.”
Funds have also been used to support disaster relief, literacy projects, kids programs, water projects and others in our global community.
“The main draw to the auction is the sheer number of gift certificates available for all ranges of businesses,” Wilson said. “It’s a chance to get a great deal at our local establishments.”
This year's auction will be open online for two weeks, closing at 9 p.m. on Thursday, February 29th.
Hundreds of items will be up for bids so there truly is something for everyone. The auctioned items have all been graciously donated by businesses, organizations and individuals in the community.
“One category that sets our auction apart from other charity auctions is the selection of amazing art from local artists,” Wilson said. “We have a talented community and our beautiful community lends to beautiful art.”
Fellow Rotarian Jamie Tripp has been involved with the auction for many years and says that by participating members get a chance to check in with a broad spectrum of local businesses.
“Developing these relationships and giving them the opportunity to also participate with the community in a meaningful way is very rewarding,” Tripp said.
“I often get thanked for thinking of them, but I remind them that it is their generous contributions that allow us as Rotarians to run such a successful fundraiser. Many of the items and gift certificates generate almost all of their value, which is also a testament to how well liked and supportive our community is.”
To learn more about the upcoming auction, click here.
