Those who worked on a Windsor-Essex fundraising tradition over the weekend are celebrating a hugely successful event.
The Windsor-St. Clair Rotary Club Charities Foundation TV Auction was held Friday and Saturday nights at the YourTV studios in Windsor. It raised a total of $68,804, indicated by the Rotary as the highest in recent memory.
"I am so happy for our club members," said event chairperson Judith Decou. "Their yeoman's efforts were deservedly rewarded. The success of the event is the alchemy of support and generosity from many corners of our community."
Windsor-St. Clair Rotary Club President Paul Charbonneau said the event has risen to greater heights in its 36 years of existence.
"This event has come a very long way since the early days of chalkboard totals and paper posters that would appear on the television screen," said Charbonneau. "The advent of the digital age and the advancements in television production have been game changers. Our will has not wavered since day one. The way has."
The money raised on Saturday will be used to support ongoing initiatives by the Rotary in Windsor-Essex. The Rotary is already supporting the Ganatchio Trail project, the Therapeutic Green House project at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, a multi-club food program through Gleaners, and others.
The Rotary will also contemplate new initiatives in 2023.
Dozens of local businesses, organizations, sports teams, and others donated items that were auctioned off for charity.
The TV auction was hosted by area dignitaries and media personalities. Mix 96.7 FM morning show hosts Jay and Tori hosted a two-hour block on Friday evening.