It's come a long way in the past 35 years.
Online bidding begins Tuesday, November 12 in the Rotary Club of Sarnia's TV and Online Auction.
Spokesman Mike Elliott said people seem to like the online bidding process, although you will still be able to bid on television Sunday, November 18.
"Now you can see online exactly who's bidding against you and whether you have to go bid again," said Elliott. "You can bid all week at www.rtva. In the olden days we had a panel of phones and they'd keep ringing and people would write things down. We had a runner who went across the room and put it in a book. Now it's a computer. People can still vote on Sunday while watching YourTV Channel 700 and we're on for seven hours from 2 p.m. until 9 p.m."
Proceeds benefit local projects including Bluewater Health and Pathways Health Centre for Children.
Elliott says the event would not be possible without the help of its generous donors and the tireless efforts of club members.
This year, there are about 600 items for sale, valued at $71,000.