It was an evening of colourful masks, lively entertainment and outstanding community generosity as the Rotary Club of Southampton celebrated another successful annual Dinner Auction & Dance.
Held on October 24th at Loft Ten Twenty in Port Elgin, this year’s Mardi Gras-themed event raised over $48,000 to support Southampton Rotary’s community and international charitable initiatives.
A highlight of the evening was the club’s annual Fund A Need appeal, which raised over $25,000 towards the purchase of a much-needed walk-in freezer for the Salvation Army Food Bank serving Saugeen Shores.
The proposed freezer, constructed from an insulated shipping container, will provide additional capacity to store donated frozen food, helping the Salvation Army respond to the growing demand for food assistance.
Over the past five years, demand for the Food Bank’s services has risen dramatically, from approximately 100 visits per month to more than 350. In addition to serving local residents, the Salvation Army plays an important role in receiving, storing and redistributing donated food to other food banks across the area.
The new freezer will help ensure that more donated food can be rescued, safely stored and distributed to those who need it most.
Supporting the Global Fight Against Polio: The auction also coincided with World Polio Day, providing an opportunity to highlight Rotary International’s decades-long campaign to eradicate polio worldwide.
A special fundraising initiative featuring Coco, the ambassador for Rotary International President Yinka’s challenge, raised $1,650 towards the President’s goal of raising $1 million in support of the End Polio Now campaign.
The initiative served as a reminder that while Rotary’s work begins in local communities, its humanitarian impact extends around the world.
A Community Effort: The evening featured an extensive selection of live and silent auction items, generously donated by local businesses, organizations and individuals. From unique dining experiences and sporting events to vacation packages, services and gift certificates, enthusiastic bidders helped make the event a fundraising success.
The Rotary Club of Southampton extends its sincere appreciation to its sponsors, auction donors, guests, bidders and the many volunteers who contributed countless hours to planning and delivering the event.
President Sylvia Sheard said: “The funds raised will enable the club to continue supporting a wide range of community projects, youth programs and humanitarian initiatives locally and internationally. The evening demonstrated once again what can be accomplished when a generous community comes together for a common purpose.”
About the Rotary Club of Southampton: The Rotary Club of Southampton is a volunteer service organization dedicated to improving lives through community service, youth development and international humanitarian initiatives. As part of Rotary International’s worldwide network, club members are committed to creating lasting positive change, both locally and globally.
