A record amount of money was raised during this year's Kiwanis Live Auction and will now go towards community groups and projects for years to come.
More than 100 bidders took part in the Nov. 22 auction at the Olds Royal Canadian Legion, raising $12,643.95 for the Kiwanis Club of Olds.
“It's a record for us,” said Hugh Bodmer, the Olds Kiwanis Club's president-elect, adding last year's event raised just over $10,000.
Now in its 48th year, the Kiwanis auction raises money to support community groups and projects which in the past have included the Kiwanis Music Festival as well as playground development within the town.
This year's record-breaking amount of money raised was a “fantastic” show of support for the causes, he said.
“It may be a reflection of our economy but it's also that the business community and buyers are recognizing the contributions our club and other service clubs make,” he said.
Club members canvassed the community for donated auction items which were auctioned off, for the 46th year in a row, by Rosehill Auction.
“Danny (Rosehill) said he's been doing it since 1976. That's incredible,” said Bodmer.
While the first Kiwanis Auction held on Oct. 23, 1966 featured a pony donated by Dr. Herb Anderson, this year's auction featured big-ticket items like a signed Sidney Crosby jersey and a Calgary Flames picture montage as well as a compressor.
“The big ticket items were bringing in over $100 over retail,” said Bodmer.
Bidders also scooped up gift certificates and other items for over retail cost, he said.
Unique to the auction this year was the auctioning off the previous week of a donated stay at a condo in Los Cobos.
With the proceeds from that included, this year's Kiwanis auction effort raised over $16,000.
