The Hopkinsville Rotary Club is continuing to pace strong after two nights of the annual fundraising auction at the War Memorial Building in Hopkinsville.
Auction Chairman Brandon Killebrew said night 2 totals for the main auction were $18,622, compared to 18,840 last year, bringing the cumulative main auction total to 25,350 vs. 26,293 last year, a decrease of $973. 184 items have been sold through Tuesday, compared to 202 items last year.
Diner and Sweet Shop totals for Night 2 were $7,342.50 compared to $5,754.25 last year. Cumulative totals are $9,182 vs $7,170.25 last year representing an increase of $2,011.75.
Hour Club totals Tuesday totaled $34,156 compared to $33,235 last year. Cumulative Hour Club totals through two nights are $149,848 vs $168,188, a decrease of $18,340.
The overall total through 2 nights is $184,350 against $201,651.25 in 2022.
Night 2 of the Rotary Auction included the presentation of two grants to local nonprofits.
A foundation grant of $5,000 was presented to the Christian County Literacy Council to assist with publishing a book for local children, set in Hopkinsville and focused on the Council’s annual vidalia onion fundraiser. The book will be dedicated in memory of Carolyn “Mrs. Pickle” Haddock who was a Council board member and long-time supporter of the Rotary Auction.
Additionally, the Rotary Club of Hopkinsville presented a $15,000 foundation grant to the Pennyroyal Arts Council in support of youth camps and programming in the arts.
WHOP Radio was recognized for their long commitment to the Rotary Auction, having broadcast the auction for the entirety of its 73 years. General Manager Jeff Sisk was acknowledged by fellow Rotarians with a Paul Harris Fellowship.
Three Chancellor-Level donors representing gifts of $20,000 or more have committed to the Rotary Club’s 73rd Annual Campaign thus far: Jennie Stuart Health, In Memory of Sarah and Selden Trimble; and Sue Badgett.
The Auction will resume for Night 3 on Wednesday night at 6:00, when elementary schools will present their fundraising results. Hour Club and item donations are still being sought, and supporters are encouraged to contact the club at 270-886-3034 to make a donation.