Rotary Auction and Garage Sale deemed best yet

This year, however, organizers have proudly announced that the Auction and Garage Sale was the most successful in the Club’s long history of such events, grossing more than $33,000 — at least $3,000 more than last year.

One of the reasons given for last weekend's unprecedented success was that many felt that expenses were lower this time around.

"Rotary will therefore be able to devote more funds to their various world-wide great projects," said Ted Sancton, referring to the Club's diverse range of services, both in the local community and abroad.

As one of the primary organizers, Sancton's long-term planning, arranging pick-ups of the items and orchestrating the sales was said to be a major factor in the event's success. Of course, he was ably assisted by local Rotarians, as well as many volunteers.

As usual, there was a long line-up of eager customers last Saturday morning, all waiting impatiently for the arena doors to open at 9:30 a.m. When they finally did, it was like the gate going up at the start of a horse-race — a surging rush of buyers heading straight to their favourite counters, ready to snatch up their prized items.

The arena was filled with items on sale, ranging from a large book section to electronic equipment, furniture, kitchenware, records, toys and home-baked cakes. There was also a desk where buyers could arrange delivery of large items such as furniture. There was no real lull during the day, and there was a constant stream of people until the 2:30 p.m. closing.