April 13, 2015 at 4:38 p.m.
Community supports Rotary at annual gala
Community supports Rotary at annual gala
By Kayla Thomason-
"(The Rotary Spring Gala is) great, it's a great turnout - a lot of people," said gala guest Dave Heck. "It shows the support for the community and it's a wonderful event. It gives a chance for different community leaders to get together."
"It's one of the nicest parties of the year," said Kim Zambon, Rotary member. "I think that this is one of the larger turnouts we've had."
Past Rotary president Tim Thorsen was pleased to see so many people out to support the club.
"(It's a) good turnout, it looks great," said Thorsen. "It looks good, it looks very promising for what we can do for the community from tonight so far. It all comes down to the bidding. It's great to have a good turnout again and great for the community to come out and support what we do through Rotary and give back to the community, so we appreciate all of them showing up, coming and everything they'll do for bidding."
Those in attendance participated in a live auction for items such as a handmade butcher block island on wheels and a wine cabinet from McNaughton Correctional. Other prizes included a one-year membership to the YMCA of the Northwoods and jewelry from Wickersham Jewelry.
There were 30 items in the silent auction including paintings, wine, golf, essential oil items, Crandon Off-Road Racing tickets and a gardening basket.
"It is our biggest fundraiser, it's how we fund all the things we do year-round," said Pauline Huven, fundraising chairperson.
Rotary participates in numerous community events and projects such as the YMCA Teen Character Awards, cleaning the highways and helping Kiwanis on bigger projects.
"I think it's a great chance to do fundraising," Zambon said. "The Rotary organization gives money to all kinds of local organizations. It gives people a chance to participate in supporting events in the community."
Zambon said he finds value in helping the community and others will consider joining service organizations.
"I think it's very important for people to join these kinds of organizations, whether it be Kiwanis, the Lions, Rotary." Zambon said. "I'm not sure that millennials think about joining, but it's a great opportunity for young people to get involved and find a way to support things in the community."
Before the delicious dinner was served, the Paul Harris Fellowship Awards were presented to Jay Anderle, president of Rhinelander Rotary; Chris Lenard, past president and key organizer for youth exchange programs and William Miller, founder of Frederick Place and Northern Alliance for Temporary Housing.
The Heck family received the Paul Harris Society Award.
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