HOULTON, Maine — It was a record-breaking year as the Houlton Rotary Club held its 66th Annual Radio, TV and Internet Auction.
Despite some continued adjustments due to the pandemic, the auction this year grossed nearly $69,000. That amount is a 12 percent increase over last year and includes money from the bidding, advertising, sponsorships and donations.
This year saw the largest value of items donated and the largest gross intake in the history of the Houlton Rotary Auction.
The bidding alone was just shy of $50,000 this year, which is 9 percent higher than the 2020 auction. There was, also, over $9,500 in donations (a 50 percent increase) made through the auction including six Boy & the Boot pledges for the Houlton Regional Health Services Foundation and donations to Cary Library for the purchase of books, as well as contributions supporting Rotary projects.
After expenses are paid, proceeds from the auction will benefit the event’s major project, which is the extension of the Meduxnekeag River Walking Trail. Other projects that will be assisted by auction proceeds include Backpacks For Kids, Northern Maine Lacrosse, JMG and a new community garden at Houlton Regional Hospital.
The auction also helps to fund the Houlton Club’s regular charities such as Dollars For Scholars at all area schools, Cary Library, Student Recognition Day, youth baseball and the Rotary Youth Exchange Program.
Rotary President Meg York states, “We are thrilled with the success of the auction and overwhelmed by the generosity of the community, especially in a year like everyone has been having. We are grateful for the support that will allow 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 Steven Fitzpatrick said, “We can’t thank the community enough for their continued support of this project … from those who donate items, sponsor and advertise 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 or Rotary is available by contacting York, Fitzpatrick or any Houlton Rotarian. Results of the auction including successful bidders can be found at the club’s website at www.houltonrotary.org.
