Rotary community auction Saturday

CADILLAC — Hopes are high for this year’s Community Auction sponsored by the Cadillac Rotary Club.

With 600 tickets already sold, event organizers have set a goal to raise $81,000 on Saturday night.

Proceeds will go toward the completion of Phase Three of the Clam River Greenway from Haynes Street through River Street, thus fulfilling the requirement of local matching funds from the DNR grant. Once that financial commitment of $81,000 is met, proceeds will go toward the renovation of the dining hall at Camp Torenta.

This year’s theme, “Filling in the Gap,” will feature the live and silent auctions, music, hors d’oeuvres, desserts, cash bar, valet parking and casual attire.

“We have procured a lot of items for the auction,” reported Janine Rzepka, event chairman. “We are looking at a lot of attendance. Our goal is to sell 700 tickets.”

The auction list includes more than 400 items available by silent or live auction bidding, including sports tickets, a hot air balloon ride, golf packages, Baker College credits, spa packages, weekend get-aways and gift baskets.

The night’s grand prize is an overnight stay for two at the Grand Traverse Resort including fine dining.

A new event called “Buy It Now” will be unveiled at 8:45 p.m. featuring items for sale, not by auction, but with price tags to “buy it now.”

Other changes this year are the result of a survey taken last year.

“We sent out surveys last year to get information to fine-tune the evening so people might enjoy it more.” Rzepka explained. “We discovered that people would like the event to start a little earlier. We are starting at 6 p.m. instead of 7 p.m. and ending this year at 11 p.m.”

Everyone in the community is welcome to attend the Rotary auction. The event calls for casual attire and tickets are available from Rotary members and all downtown Cadillac banks for $25.

Your Local Connection

What: Cadillac Rotary Community Auction “Filling in the Gap”

When: Saturday, April 21 from 6-11 p.m.

Where: Wexford Civic Arena

Tickets: $25 available from Rotary members or all downtown Cadillac Banks

Details: Casual attire, music, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, desserts and valet parking, plus more than 400 auction items available. To view a sampling of items visit:

www.cadillacrotaryclub.org

mardijo@chartermi.net | 775-NEWS (6397)