“Puttin’ on the Pearl” helps funds Pearl Rotary’s Non-Profit
They came, they bid…and Pearl Rotary’s annual fall fundraiser Oct. 19 raised valuable dollars for projects ranging from Portland to Nepal.
“Puttin’ on the Pearl” was not only a new name, following “Bet on the Pearl.” The casino night setting was replaced by a buffet meal, live auction and sign-up parties (member-hosted meals for 10-12 guests). A silent auction again opened the evening, followed by live entertainment from the Northwest Children’s Theater. An elegantly decorated event space provided at atmosphere to the 140 attendees for fellowship, fun and–purposely–funds for the club’s non-profit Pearl Fund.
All that happened, reports event chair Roger Devine.
“People who worked on this put on a great event and had a lot of cheerful, fun time doing it,” Devine reported Oct. 23 at the regular Tuesday morning meeting. “The event was a success…We have something to build on for next year.
President Dave Haack concurred: “That was really a lot of fun. It was a nice evening. And we raised money, too.”
Devine further reported that $10,000+ will go directly to the Pearl Fund (where projects ranging from the Fields Park contribution in the Pearl to installing solar power at a Nepal hospital are funded).
Additional monies could come through an online action.
“I call it a ‘clean-up auction.’ ” he said. “We had a few things that came in late, and a few of our sign-up parties have openings. We are offering these on our website. Bidding is not limited to Rotarians. Those attending, and those not able to come to Puttin’, can take a look at what we still have to offer.”
Devine also noted that direct contributions can be made online (visit the special appeal page). To make bids and contribute, go to:
Devine led a committee of a dozen Rotarians who helped stage the event. He had special praise for Anne O’Neill, auction procurement; Christine Swan, theme and decorations; Lori Beight, sign-up parties; and Nick Fenster, entertainment (including John Ellingson and Elizabeth Gibbs, pictured).
Serving as auctioneer for the event was Brian Bice (pictured), a Rotarian from Lake Oswego. Live auction packages included award-winning Oregon pinot noirs, two rental cabins on the Pacific coast and having your name written in the script of Rotarian/author George Wright’s next novel.
With the proceeds from Puttin’, Pearl Rotary has now raised over $26,000 for the Pearl Fund during calendar year 2012; previous events netted $13,000 from the cruise raffle and $3,400 from the golf tournament.