Rotary Auction Set for April 26

Every two years the Lowell Rotary Club holds an auction which benefits an organization in the Lowell community.  Two years ago, proceeds from the evening went to rebuilding the Showboat.  This year, monies will be split between the Showboat project and international projects where the club is involved.  Donations to be auctioned throughout the evening are currently being accepted with a deadline of April 12. Tickets are also on sale, ending April 19.  Information about the event, donating items, and purchasing tickets can be found online.  

Diamonds and Denim

Lighthouse made by Mark Mundt to be auctioned on April 26. Photo courtesy of Lowell Rotary Club.

The Denim and Diamonds theme originated with the 2015 auction and with its success was kept in 2017 and again this year.  Guests are invited to attend the event in jeans or dress up. The important part of the evening will be having fun with auction items in order to raise money.  

Local residents Mark and Theresa Mundt have been busy again working on items which will be auctioned off on the 26th.  Mark made a solar powered lighthouse. It stands approximately 6’6” tall and is made from oak hardwood harvested from Alec McPherson’s woods.  Theresa has once again handmade a Pink Arrow quilt using shirts from past years. This was one of the bigger hits of the evening at the last event.  

Additionally, a trip to Florida, African photo safari trip, shade trees, cutting boards, Murray Lake pontoon cruise, golf packages, Lowell Wrestlers Helping Hands, and much more will be available during a silent auction or a live auction.  Silent auction items are placed around the room so guests can place bids throughout the evening. Live auction items will take place after dinner.

With the demo of the Lowell Showboat, there will also be items from the old boat available via auction.  Railings, life-preserver, door to one of the rooms, small wooden signs, two smokestacks, flower boxes, trim, light pole banners that used to be hung on the Riverwalk years ago, corbels, slat railing pieces, trim, finials, shadow boxes are some of the items which will be available.  

Jim White will be the MC for the evening.  And Tony Gates of the WLAV Morning Show will serve as the auctioneer again this year.  During the 2017 auction almost $66,000 was raised and given to the effort to rebuild the Showboat.  The Lowell Rotary Club hopes that this year will bring in at least as much if not more.

 

Rotary – Service Above Self

The Lowell Rotary Club meets on the second floor of City Hall each Wednesday beginning at noon.  The club follows four elements of the Object of Rotary – Club Service, Vocational Service, Community Service, and International Service.  Christa Wetzel, Executive Director of the Alpha Family Center and Rotarian, says, “The most successful and sustainable Rotary service tends to fall within one of the following six areas:  Peace and conflict prevention / resolution; Disease prevention and treatment; Water and sanitation; Maternal and child health; Basic education and literacy; and Economic and community development.”  The Lowell group puts focus on all six of these areas locally and abroad.

This week during spring break, a group of Interact students and Rotarians traveled to El Salvador to help with building homes.  It’s not only adults in the community who participate in Rotary focused goals. Elementary, middle school, and high school students all have the opportunity to learn about service above self.  

Reserve Your Tickets Now

On Friday, April 26 doors will open at 5:30pm.  The Diamonds and Denim Rotary Auction will take place at Noto’s in Grand Rapids, located at 6600 28th Street.  Tickets are $65 each and must be purchased in advance by April 19.  Those who are interested in donating something to be auctioned need to make arrangements by April 12 so the item(s) can be included in a booklet showcasing what will be available throughout the evening.  

If you plan on attending the event, be on the lookout for Tina, Maryalene, and Amanda and say “Hi!”.  The trio will be volunteering that evening, spread throughout the room during the live auction helping to make sure the auctioneer sees those who are bidding.  

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