From staff reports
The Clarion Rotary Club Community Auction kicks off today (May 31) this year utilizing an online bidding format instead of the traditional radio broadcast.
Slated to run four days through June 3, the auction features almost 100 items closing daily.
More than 250 area businesses donated items totaling nearly $40,000 to the auction.
“We have thousands of dollars in gift cards to auction off as well as memberships, tickets, hotel stays, events, appliances, and electronics,” said auction committee chairman Jason Heuer. “In addition to all the wonderful product and service donations made by our local business leaders, we have some sponsored items that are new and exciting this year.
“Things that you wouldn’t necessarily buy yourself, but I guarantee you’ll want to bid on.”
Bidding in the auction works differently in its online format versus previous years when the auction functioned through a call-in radio system.
Potential bidders will be able to view images and read descriptions of items up for auction on clarionrotary.com before placing a bid online.
Bidding will occur live and in real time and bidders may place proxy bids allowing them continued opportunities to win items, even while not in front of their computer.
Outbid notices will automatically be emailed to bidders allowing for additional bids to be placed in order to potentially win an item.
Bidders do not need a credit card to bid online, however, may use cash, check, or credit card to pay for goods in-person on pick-up day slated for Saturday, June 4 at the Clarion Area Chamber of Business & Industry.
Paid receipts will be required to pick up items onsite, or schedule donated services with donating businesses.
Donations to this year’s Clarion Rotary Community Auction include an $800 HP ProBook X360 laptop donated by Computer Support & Associates as well as traditional favorites including, appliances, massages, and outdoor equipment like a gas fire pit, gas grills, and a YETI cooler as well as hundreds of gift cards to local restaurants, retailers, healthcare providers, and home services.
“The Clarion Rotary Club and our community business leaders have come together once again to bring you one of the biggest local fundraisers of the year and every single dollar is injected right back into the Clarion community,” Heuer said. “These funds are used to support our local students in the form of five academic and civic related scholarships, multiple leadership academies and has also helped build and support local community resources like the Clarion Hospital Cancer Center and your YMCA.”
Inquiries about the auction may be sent to clarionrotarycommunityauction@gmail.com