The 54th annual Terrace Rotary Auction came close to last year’s record amount of money raised.This year, $44,000 was raised compared to last year’s $46,000.
That’s with a total value of $72,000 for the 405 items, which gave a return of about 73 per cent, said auction chair Brian Downie.
Nearly all of the bids came in online, 95 per cent, said Downie.
New this year was the live audio and video of the auction on its website.
“People liked it and it allowed us to get outside of the Citywest cable audience. Those on satellite could pick it up so it was great and we’re going to keep it for next year,’ said Downie.
The highest valued item, 200,000 Aeroplan points, valued at $7,500 went to the bidder who paid $4,100.
“So that hopefully will be an item in next year’s auction,” said Downie.
Expected for next year, but ready this year without much advertising of it, was the addition of an app for cell phone users.
“It allowed you to navigate a lot easier through the different items and rebid on particular items,” said Downie.
“I think that will be very popular.”
After the auction, the rotary club sent out an email to buyers to ask what they liked and what they would like to see and some ideas for improvement have already come back to the club he added.
“We certainly appreciate the support of businesses that donate items or services or cash,” said Downie.
“That’s what really makes the auction.”
The auction and the Riverboat Days Duck Race are the two major fundraisers for the Terrace Rotary Club.