As part of our fund-raising efforts, The Rotary Club of Ballarat West conduct a Wine Auction on a regular basis, with funds raised being directed to a specific charity. At our most recent event, Sailability was chosen as our benefactor, and here is a brief story about the event and results.
A wonderful evening was had by the Rotarians and members of the Ballarat Sailability Group along with a number of other guests. The evening was held at the Ballaraat Yacht Club which was a perfect setting considering the funds raised this year went to supporting Sailability for all ages. The Rotary Club raised over $6,000 which will be present later in the Rotary Year at a special dinner meeting.
Each year the board on behalf of its members choses an organisation to give the proceeds of our wine Auction to that organisation which can only receive it once, There was spirited bidding for some 86 lots of quality wines with our Rotarian Auctioneer for the night Jack Engwerda who did a sterling job fielding the bids this was his first effort of Auctioneering. Local wines featured well including donations from Michael Unwin, Mitchell Harris and Nintingbool wineries which were supplemented by some excellent vintages from the Rotarians' own cellars.
The aim of Sailability is to include people with disabilities into sailing. It exists to promote, encourage and facilitate recreational and competitive sailing for people with disabilities within the structure of existing sailing organisations. Training is available for volunteers in disability awareness and sailing. Sailability provides a safe, relaxed and fun environment for everyone to experience the joy and freedom of sailing
