This auction’s a good deal

The Orillia Packet and Times, Orillia, Ontario
www.orilliapacket.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1288718

Orillia’s community spirit was on display Saturday at the 29th annual Kiwanis Mammoth Auction.

“I come from Toronto; you lose that community feeling in places like that,” said Mark Sadowski. “You come here and everybody seems to be more interested in helping the community out.”

Rob Town, president of the Orillia Kiwanis club, showed off his acting skills, encouraging people to bid on items such as golf clubs, jerseys and leather recliners—all to raise money for Orillia youth.

Francois Tisi, auction chair, said she was thrilled with the generosity of the donors and those bidding on items during the auction at ODAS Park.

“For the size of Orillia, I am amazed at the support the community gives," he said. "This is a very generous community.”

All of the funds earned during the auction go back to local children, one of the reasons why Carolyn Seehaver felt compelled to attend.

“Kiwanis is an important part (of the community) because it helps all the little people who sometimes get forgotten,” she said.

Seehaver had her eye on a spa facial for herself, and many other items she planned to give as holiday gifts.

“There are so many things and everybody is having a good time and getting lots of deals,” she said.

Tisi said the club hoped to raise US$50,000 this year, $7,000 more than last year’s auction. About 65 volunteers, including Kiwanis members, their families and friends, as well as high school students, helped during the five-hour silent and live auction.

“This couldn’t happen without the volunteers,” Tisi said.