Dear Editor:

A couple from New Jersey plan their vacation around the Rotary Auction, Massachusetts friends make the trip to Maine at Auction time every year, people from all over New England make the Auction part of their vacation plans on a regular basis. The reach of the Rotary Auction is quite remarkable and it seems to grow each year. Everyone had a great time this year, and it was the most successful Auction yet. The weather was perfect and the crowd was huge. Lots of people walked away with treasures of every sort and bargains aplenty, and smiles were in abundance. At the end of the day exhausted Rotarians and friends packed it up, broke down tents, and moved it all returning the high school playing fields to pristine condition.

The Auction is a huge undertaking and there are many, many people to thank. Co-chairs Debbie Graves and Laurie Zimmerli organized every detail and expressed gratitude at Thursday night’s Rotary meeting for the many hands that pitched in and made it all happen. Every Rotarian has a part to play from picking up donations, sorting through it all, packing, loading, carting, unloading, assisting buyers and generally being available to help. The many friends of Rotary volunteer to pitch in each year and it couldn’t happen without them. There are wonderful stories of the day too numerous to mention here, making Auction day always very special. A big thank you to everyone who helped, and all for a great cause. Thank you to our sponsors who help defray our costs, Boothbay Region High School, Dead River, First Federal Savings, First National Bank, J & A Construction, J. Edward Knight Insurance, Ocean Point Inn, Southport Island Marine, and the Thistle Inn.

Rotary’s biggest thank you is to the public who come every year, bring their friends, spend their dollars, and make all the effort worthwhile. A lot is raised each and every  year which then goes directly back into the community, making it possible for Rotary to live up to its mission of “service above self.”

Boothbay Harbor Rotary Club