Houlton Rotary Auction raises $56,000 for local projects

4 years ago

HOULTON, Maine — The Houlton Rotary Club has declared that its 64th annual Radio, TV and  Internet Auction was another big success. The auction this year grossed more than $56,000 which includes money from the bidding, sale of oil tickets, advertising, sponsorships and donations.

The bidding alone was nearly $39,000 this year which is just slightly lower than the 2018 auction. There were, however, more than $8,700 in donations made through the auction which is 21 percent above last year’s event. The donations include seven Boy and the Boot pledges for the Houlton Regional Health Services Foundation, direct donations to this year’s Rotary projects and contributions to Cary Library for the purchase of books.

After expenses are paid, proceeds from the auction will benefit the event’s major projects which include equipment for the Modern Band Program at Houlton High School, high jump mats for Houlton’s Track Program, disc golf, SAMHA Floor Hockey Program, Cary Library, Literacy Programs and Backpacks for Kids.

The auction also helps to fund the Houlton Club’s regular charities such as Dollars For Scholars at all area schools, Student Recognition Day, youth baseball and the Rotary Youth Exchange Program.

Rotary President Tracy Rockwell stated, “We are thrilled with the success of the auction and the generosity of the community allowing us to fund such worthwhile projects that will have an impact on individuals locally and worldwide.”

The annual auction is Houlton Rotary’s largest fundraiser each year and requires the work of the entire club and the support of area businesses and individuals. This year’s Auction Chair Katie Hill said, “We can’t thank the community enough for their continued support of this project, from those who donate items, sponsored and advertised to those who bid and purchase the goods. It is a true community event and it wouldn’t be possible without all of this generosity.” 

Further information on the auction is available by contacting Rockwell or any Houlton Rotarian. Results of the auction including successful bidders can be found at the club’s website at www.houltonrotary.org.