Going once, going twice, gone

We’re a bit behind in our Daily News transcription project, the weekend went by too fast and some things had to take a back seat. But in the interest of consistency we’ll endeavor to try and get back on track with the headlines stories if nothing else.

We begin our recovery project with a story on the Rotary Auction which will wrap up on Wednesday evening on Cable 10 and CHTK. It would be interesting to find out if the out migration of cable viewers to satellite dishes in town has had a major impact on the fundraising of the Rotarians over the last few years. Since Cable ten is nowhere to be found on your Star choice or Bell ExpressVu interactive guide.

Perhaps as part of a defence against cable attrition, the rotary auction can be found on line this year at http://www.princerupertrotaryclub.ca/.

HUGE ROTARY FUNDRAISER STIRS UP LOTS OF EXCITEMENT
Rotarians about to auction off donated items to raise cash for local projects
By Leanne Ritchie
The Daily News
Friday, November 17, 2006
Pages one and three

Local Rotarians and guest auctioneers are warming up their gavels for the 42nd Annual Prince Rupert Rotary Auction.

More than 750 items valued at $68,000 will be on the block during the event, which runs Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 6 p. m. to 11 p. m. next week.

“Even in a tough economy, merchants still came through with fabulous donations,” said Bob Lipsett, spokesperson. “We’ve got everything from home renovation material, which is very popular, to First Nations artwork to certificates for services.”

The event takes place at the Lester Center of the Arts from 6 p. m. to 11 p. m. and will be broadcast on Channel 10 Cable and radio on 560 AM CHTK.

People are welcome to come down and bid live at the Lester Centre or enjoy the event from the comfort of their homes.

For those who do come down to watch the event live, there will be entertainment each evening plus the antics of celebrity auctioneers.

“A lot of volunteer organizations have stepped forward to man the phone lines,” said Lipsett.

“This is our major fundraiser of the year and all the money is contributed back into the community.”

Last year, the auction brought in $36,000 to support community groups and local projects such as the purchase of the new Community Policing vehicle.

Everyone who purchases an item will be entered into the grand draw – two tickets to Vancouver from Hawkair. Items that are purchased are then delivered to the purchasers’ home by Rotary members.

Payments can be made by Visa, MasterCard or cash.

“It’s an ideal opportunity to buy holiday gifts for your loved ones,” said Lipsett.

Copies of the Rotary Auction Guide will be available at many locations throughout the city and district this weekend, and additional copies will be available in the front office of the Daily News.

People can also view items on-line at http://www.princerupertrotaryclub.ca/. To bid, phone 627-8344 and for more information, phone 627-8120.

The Rotary Club of Prince Rupert is the second oldest club in the District, receiving the Charter in 1921. The club started after a visit in 1920 by Oscar Olson of the Vancouver Rotary Club. The Rupert Club has gone on to sponsor clubs in Terrace, Ketchikan, Whitehorse, and Prince Rupert, during its history.

The Prince Rupert Rotary Club is known for its community service, fellowship and its specialty, seafood barbecues.