GRAVENHURST – Sunday couch potatoes will have to wait a bit to get cooking, but the Gravenhurst Rotary’s annual charity auction has gone live online.
Now in its 32nd year, the local club’s major fundraiser of the year has generated thousands for the community over the decades and this year is expected to be no different.
“All the funds we raise go right back into the community and we couldn’t put this event on without the incredible support from the local businesses and individuals that donate to us; so it’s a really nice circle of support,” said one of the lead event organizers, Rotary member Barb McCabe.
In the past 10 years she’s been involved with the charity auction, some $25,000 to $30,000 has been raised each year.
“It’s a really fun day and we really have fun doing it,” McCabe added.
The actual auction date is Nov. 25, starting at noon on Cogeco Cable. Close to 350 items donated by local businesses and supporters will be up for grabs.
“We have a little bit of everything and some of the items start at $10, so everyone can get involved,” McCabe said.
From toys, artwork and carpeting to appliances, clothes and gift certificates, there’s big and small-ticket items up for grabs. McCabe explained that people can get an edge on the bidding by going online.
“We started broadcasting live online about four or five years ago and it’s made a huge difference for us,” she said, adding in this way people who do not get Cogeco Cable or for the tourists and snowbirds that call Muskoka home for part of the year can be involved.
She said anyone who makes a bid online has the added bonus of getting email alerts if they have been out-bid and can get back in on the action.
Fliers detailing some of the items and the event will be circulated around Bracebridge, Bala and Gravenhurst shortly, while anyone who wants a preview or to make early bids, can check out the website at gravenhurstrotaryauction.com.