Mobsters and Molls "Put on the Ritz"
Amidst a fan fare of feathers, gangsters, jazz and gentlemen, accompanied by vintage cars and cabaret singers, Sunrisers and their guests examined and bid for a variety of treasures and experiences arrayed on three silent auction tables.
The afternoon event, titled "Putting on the Ritz" based on 1930's theme, brought a standing room only crowd to the Saturday Afternoon Club on Saturday Afternoon, April 14, 2018.
Created as a new and exciting take on the Sunrise Rotary's annual fundraiser, "Ritz" was shorter, less expensive and featured the singing and dancing of Transcendence Theater as well as the able auctioneering chatter of Senator Mike McGuire.
Raphael -- a man who's name is well known for support of the surgery center project -- and his wife journeyed all the way from Nicaragua to bring first-hand news of the incredible progress made in building and furnishing the Center through Rotary club contributions and a grant from Rotary International.
Flashing green rings decorated the generous hands of donors who contributed $50 to purchase a special card from a that entitled them to a raffle prize. A lucky card was drawn for a delightful vacation package of Two Nights at the Farmhouse Inn, complete with gift cards for dinning and/or spa amenities.
The highlight of the afternoon came when "Ritz" bidders opened their hearts and wallets to "Fund a Need" to support and ensure surgery center staff -- a full time ob-gyn, a half time anesthesiologist and a half time surgeon. Raising $1,800 a month for a period of 18 months would ensure that the surgery center could get up and running. Scores of bidders gave individual amounts ranging from $2,500, $1,000 and so one down to $50, a low bid that was often doubled or raised.
Donors retrieved their auction purchases and left knowing that the afternoon was well spent raising needed funds for local and International projects that serve communities, families and individuals in need.
