Hundreds of people were expected to vie for hundreds of items Saturday during the annual Kiwanis Club of Orillia Auction at ODAS Park.
“It’s our major fundraiser. It all happens today,” Dave North, auction co-chair, said of the 45th annual event, noting it raises money to help the club give back to the community and children’s programs.
It was anticipated more than 500 people would attend Saturday. With almost 600 items between the silent and live auctions, bidders had plenty to choose from.
“It’s always fun,” Mike Sirdevan said as he and his son, Nick, looked at the items.
They attended numerous Kiwanis auctions in the past and were excited to see what this year would bring.
“It’s a family day for Kiwanians,” Fred Larsen said of the many parents and children attending the event.
This year, the club hopes to see the auction raise $60,000.
“We’re still recovering from COVID,” North said, adding the pandemic previously forced the auction online.
“There’s all kinds of online auctions now. They’re kind of becoming run of the mill, where this old-fashioned live auction is unique.”
Money raised during the auction each year goes to a number of causes close to the club.
“One of our big programs is the school backpack program,” North said, explaining the club purchases school supplies and fills backpacks with them for families who may not be able to afford those items.
Another program the funds are used for is the Kiwanis Fire Safety House. A simulated house fire teaches children how to respond quickly and safely.
“Our Terrific Kids program recognizes outstanding children, donating books to libraries on the kids’ behalf with their names in it,” North added.
Lois Larsen remarked on the number of volunteers who make the auction happen every year.
“A lot of high school students get involved, too,” she said.
Students helped at tables and during the live auction with items being displayed. Many of them said it was a fun way to complete the community service hours they need to graduate.
Many Kiwanis volunteers bring their family out for the auction. Amanda Tevelde has been with the club for three years. Her daughter, Abby, 11, sang O Canada at the start of the live auction.
Tevelde was grateful the support from the community, including those who donated items for the auction.
“I think we have around 500 items donated this year and, as our only fundraiser, without that, we wouldn’t be able to help so many organizations,” she said.
Mark Hardie has been involved with the auction for five years. He donated a Harley-Davidson this year, in which many bidders were interested.
“It’s a good cause and a fun day for the community,” said Hardie.
