The Kalamalka Rotary Club’s Dream Auction raised more than $204,000 at the Best Western Vernon Lodge Saturday.
“This year, we had more than $266,000 donated to the Dream Auction, an all-time record for donations as we celebrate the 31st Dream Auction,” said Neil Perry, event chairperson.
“The success is due to the enthusiastic donors who support the effort every year and of course the wonderful people who bid on these items to help us raise money.”
In 31 years, the Dream Auction has raised more than $3 million.
“The money raised at the Dream Auction enables Kal Rotary to support dozens of worthy community projects each year,” said Mary Jackson, club president.
“Dream Auction has developed into Vernon’s premiere fundraising event. A big thank you Vernon is in order. We can continue to do our good work as a direct result of the great support of our community.”
Energetic brothers Don and Peter Raffan (Valley Auction of Spallumcheen) kept the night moving by calling bidding on 51 large live items. There were another 500 silent auction packages upstairs.
Mayor Akbal Mund, Vernon-Monashee MLA Eric Foster, Vernon Vipers’ owner Duncan Wray, ex-NHLer and Team Canada world junior gold medalist Jason Podollan, Salmon Arm Silverbacks’ GM Troy Mick and former Canadian downhill skier Murray Smith were among the celebrities in the packed ballroom.
Mund successfully bid $7,250 on the Detroit Triple Play. The package includes a Red Wings-Philadelphia Flyers game and meet and greet with Detroit head coach Jeff Blashill and GM Ken Holland (Vernon born and raised). Mund also receives five Tigers baseball games, including three versus the New York Yankees, and two Pistons basketball tilts.
The Triple Play also features eight nights accommodation at the Motorcity Casino & Hotel.
Jody Lambert, of Geo Tech Drilling, shelled out $10,000 for a deep sea fishing excursion to Sandspit, while Bruce Shepherd and group (Edwards Jones) cut a cheque for $13,000 on the five-star Kal Tire fishing and golfing trip to Campbell River.
The package is designed for six people and includes two nights at the world-famous Painter’s Lodge and two nights at gorgeous Crown Isle Golf Resort. Kal Tire flies the group on their luxury jet.
Lead singers Anita Baturin and Paul May of the fabulous Legendary Lake Monsters had the dance floor sizzling with their awesome array of music.
Community groups can begin applying for grants in January. Full details are available at www.kalrotary.org under the funding tab.
