The 75th annual Hopkinsville Rotary Auction had raised $304,283.49 by the end of the night Thursday. The total is $16,616.26 behind last year’s four-day total, but additional fundraising is planned for Friday and Saturday.
The evening’s theme was STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education and included a announcement unveiling the Rotary STEM Impact Program. The partnership between the Rotary Club, Hopkinsville Electric System, Pennyrile Electric and TVA will support $10,000 annually in scholarships to students interested in pursuing STEM careers, as well as provide work-based learning opportunities. It will be funded over five years by a $100,000 grant from the Rotary Foundation and $45,000 from the utility companies.
The Rotary Foundation also awarded two additional grants — $10,000 to the Wonderfully Made Workshop, a nonprofit supporting individuals with disabilities through art and creativity, and $15,000 to the Boys & Girls Club academic incentive program.
Rotary Diner
The Rotary Diner continued its longstanding tradition of feeding auction-goers, with Thursday night’s smoked pit chicken drawing crowds to the Memorial Building. Dinner specials for the remainder of the week include catfish fillet plates on Friday and ribeye sandwiches on Saturday. Dinner is served from 5 to 8 p.m.
Friday is the last day to get lunch, which runs from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. To-go orders can be placed by calling 270-885-8424.
You can see the entire menu here or draw inspiration from Hoptown Chronicle columnist Grace Abernethy, who sampled dishes earlier this week and reported back with her top picks.
Also, Boston butts are available for a discounted $40 while supplies last.
Auction Info
Whether you’re hunting for a unique item, craving comfort food, or looking to support local students, the auction offers something for everyone.
- When: 6-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6-10 p.m. Friday and 6 p.m. until the last item is sold Saturday
- Where: Memorial Building, 1202 S. Virginia St.
- How (to watch and listen): On Hopkinsville Rotary’s website, on WHOP Radio 98.7 FM, on Spectrum channel 376, or on Facebook and YouTube
- How (to place a bid): Call 270-885-7500 during auction hours
- How (to donate): Call 270-886-3034 or donate online. The Hour Club, which funds scholarships through contributions equal to one hour of tuition at Hopkinsville Community College ($189 this year). Smaller donations are welcomed through the Goat Club.
This week’s tally
| Monday: | $130,203.76 |
| Tuesday: | $77,861.86 |
| Wednesday: | $42,76430 |
| Thursday: | $53,453.57 |
| Total so far: | $304,283.49 |
Julia Hunter is the engagement editor for Hoptown Chronicle. Reach her at julia@hoptownchronicle.org.
