First Annual Christmas Gala Fundraiser

A capacity crowd exceeding 200 kicked off the festivities at Henry Morgan Resort by enjoying music, drinks and hors d'oeuvres. With a brisk business being done in raffle tickets, many party-goers "shopped" the raffle items in the hopes that when the drawings began, they would be holding the lucky ticket!

Membership Chairman Gary Evans gave a brief history of Project Funding through Rotary and how 100% of all proceeds raised from the raffle, live and silent auctions would go directly to support our Island-wide projects and initiatives in 2011. In addition, Gary described the "matching process" and explained the process that the Club would use when applying for matching funds at both the District and International levels which could multiply the funds raised 2-3 fold.

For many, the highlight of the evening was the live auction. Auctioneers Paul Gatlin and Herb Morici worked the crowd exhorting everyone to bid often and from the heart. Bidding on all auction items was brisk and spirited with spotters working the room making sure that all bids were recognized.

The finale of the evening was the Silent Auction with the two highest bidders on each item competing against each other until one bidder dropped out. This novel approach to our Silent Auction resulted in some spirited "bid offs"!

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who donated goods and services for our auctions and raffle, to our Fund Raising Committee members who worked tirelessly to produce a great event and last (but certainly not least) to everyone who came to the party and supported our fund-raising efforts with their generous bidding.