The Rotary Club had another successful year with their annual live auction, raising $6,743 for charity projects.

The auction allows the club to help fund two annual scholarships that are presented to graduating students from Grayson County High School. One is for students who are pursuing a vocational or technical degree. The other is a Jodie Hall Memorial Scholarship, which is presented to a student pursuing a degree in music.

On October 23, over 200 items, valued at $11,700, were auctioned off in the basement of the Wilson & Muir Bank main branch in Leitchfield.

Rotary Club Secretary Jonathan Decker said the club also received $510 in cash donations for the three-night event.

“It was from supporters who may not have had goods or services they could offer,” explained Decker, “but some may have wanted to ensure that we received the full price for the donation.”

Decker said club members were surprised about how well the auction went.

“The total raised for the auction was a pleasant surprise,” added Decker. “The club was concerned that current economic conditions would result in fewer donations as well as lower bids.”

This year's largest purchase was tickets to a 2008 University of Kentucky versus Indiana University basketball game, which sold for $351.

“The winning bidder said he was giving the presents to his two son-in-laws,” explained Decker.

He added that a lot of the same people listen in every year to bid on auction items.

“Many of the bidders are very loyal,” mentioned Decker. “They bid every year. They realize they are getting good deals and are helping the club in the process.”

Some of the items were the source of friendly-bidding wars between family and friends. “Several items went for well above the donator's stated value,” added Decker. “Due to the opportunity it presents to obtain an item they may not be able to purchase otherwise. Overall it was the source of a good time for club members, and many in community. We are very appreciative of the support we received from the local community, for the events we are involved in.”

The club meets every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at Farmers Feedmill Restaurant in Leitchfield.