Gala 2015 Report!

Rotary Gala, April 11, 2015 – Report

Well it looks like another successful fundraising gala for the club. Albeit that ticket sales were lower than last year, those that were there wanted to spend!

Our monetary donations increased by $2,000 largely due to Karl Herder’s efforts in securing more program sponsorships.

The 4 raffles were up by $1,250.00 from last year, netting $8,220. The triple raffle, Vacation, Vintages and Visa was very popular selling $3,380 in tickets. Our collection of Rotarians wines was beautifully displayed and was a big draw. Giving away all 3 of these prizes was very successful. Three lucky winners.

Our last minute donation of Spirits, Liqueurs and Fortified Wines from Robert Keeler’s friend also was very popular.

Special thanks to Dana Smith of Dana’s Goldsmithing for her custom designed pendant. This draw sold $1,760 in tickets.

Emily’s baskets were beautiful as usual with over $2,100 in ticket sales. Thanks to Rotarians and spouses for their donation of these items.

The Silent Auction was down by $1,200 but the Live Auction was $19,000, an increase of nearly $2,800. Jim Jenkins and Emily McDonald’s boat cruise set a record this year with a bid of $3,600. And Bob & Wendy Strickert generously donated a second dinner, netting $2,800 with the proviso of – This is the last year!! For certain this time.

Our experience Live Auction items – Toronto Sports Package, the Ottawa Bound trip, the cottage stay and Brad Martyn flight were very popular. Next year, we will work on adding more “experience” based items. Many people were bidding.

There are a lot of people to thank as follows: Gary & Marsha Hill who donate their time, ticket sellers Amber Herder and our exchange students – Lara Cadosch, Lauren O’Brien and Cal Graham, Debbie McGarry for doing the program, Richie Tripp at Hometown Printing for his service and expertise – the posters really show off our raffle and auction items, Mike Fowler - ticket seller co-ordinator and Occo Van Tijn for handling the money on the night of the event.

Very special thanks to Karl Herder in securing program sponsors, to Dave Cash who did an amazing job as MC and to Michael Stewart for co-ordinating ticket sales.

And to everyone on the committee, Marg Baxter, Vicki Wodzak, Kevin Wodzak, Emily McDonald, Pat Brownson, Barb Gaudet and Fran Herder.

And of course thanks to every Rotarian who brought in wine, lottery tickets, secured donations, sold tickets and helped with the setup at the Royal Ashburn. It is a real group effort.

Oh – how much money did we make? Last year we were just over $41,000. This year? $47,000!!!  

~ Chairperson Joanne Fowler