20th Annual Dinner Auction – Exceeds Expectations                             November 2nd, 2023.
 
Southampton Rotary held its 20th Annual Dinner Auction in support of Rotary Causes and the GC Huston Playground Project at the Walker House last weekend. The capacity crowd enjoyed a sumptuous 3 course dinner, and were entertained by the guest auctioneer, Bill Walker, former MPP and now President and CEO of the Organisation of Canadian Nuclear Industries.
 
GC Huston School Principal, Hugh Morrison gave a compelling address to illustrate the power of play and advised the new playground initiative transcends mere playground equipment; it's about crafting an inclusive space where children can play, learn, grow, and create cherished memories.
 
Dave Bertrand, President said “Businesses, citizens and friends once again demonstrated their unwavering support for Southampton Rotary causes on October 28th with a lively, sell-out dinner auction. The end result of all the very generous bids and donations was very positive indeed, and the Fund-A-Need portion of the night, by master auctioneer, Bill Walker, netted over $40,000 toward Southampton Rotary’s $85 000 goal to pay for a new state-of-the-art accessible play structure on the G.C. Huston school yard. Without such a generous, supportive community, ambitious goals like this would not be reachable. On behalf of our club and the community, thank you, to the friends of Southampton Rotary..!
 
Tony Sheard, the Auction Co-Chair said “We extend special thanks to National Bank Independent Network for being our Presenting Sponsor, Kelly and Sons for being our Table Sponsor and The Saugeen Team at Century 21, In Studio Reality for hosting the Bubbles Reception and all the businesses who donated items for the auction or took ads in our program. Without their support we would not be able to stage such a fun event., so we encourage everyone to support our community by continuing to SHOP LOCAL..!”
 
He further acknowledged “The net proceeds for the evening exceeded $65,000 and wished to thank all our Rotary members, partners, and friends who worked tirelessly to make this event such a success.”
 
Mark your calendars for next year’s event, which will return to the Walker House on Saturday, October 26th, 2024.
Picture Shows Auctioneer Bill Walker and Auction Co-Chair Sylvia Sheard.