Rotary Club of Greater Geraldton’s 31st Radio Auction raised $36,000 for local community groups and projects

The 31st annual radio auction in Geraldton has come to an end, and more than $36,000 was raised after a day of telephone calls from community members bidding for a chance to win while fundraising for local projects.

The recently merged Rotary Club of Greater Geraldton held the 2022 Radio Auction on Sunday.

From 9am-3.30pm, the phones rattled with eager bidders competing for top-of-the-range prizes donated by Mid West businesses.

A record number of volunteers joined the phone rooms over the course of the day because of the successful merger of two clubs earlier this year.

Major items up for bid included holiday packages in Broome, Kalbarri, the Murchison and Shark Bay, cruises to the Abrolhos, Rottnest Island and numerous accommodation experiences.

A major charitable event, the Rotary Club donates all proceeds to local community services, with a grand total of “well over $36,000”.

New president Jo Clarke said it was a fantastic day and understood why it was so successful over the years.

“A huge kudos to everyone involved, it’s a big job leading up to the auction, a lot of work goes on behind the scenes,” she said.

“It made for a great day and great result. They have it down to a great system.”

Ms Clarke said she was thankful to be part of a great team and now she has an insight into its operation, next year’s planning was in progress.

“A huge thanks to the major sponsors for donations and all the volunteers who contributed,” she said.

Telstra regional general manager Boyd Brown said it was great to see new faces and more volunteers this year.

“There were a lot more donated products so the phones were busy,” he said.

Mr Brown has been a part of the auction for seven years, and said it was a unique fundraiser that went from strength to strength.

“Fundraising for the community is the great part of it all, I’m proud and happy to be involved with it for so long,” he said.

“The support from local businesses in terms of the items is outstanding, and the community as well. People are bidding and they get some good bargains, but they all understand it’s for a good cause.”

Winning bidders have until Saturday, November 5 to visit Bendigo Bank, deposit payment and present receipt to the participating business.