The Hopkinsville Rotary Auction set a new record by raising $397,832, organizers announced late Saturday after the auction concluded its six-day run at the Memorial Building.
“It’s been an absolutely fantastic week. I am grinning ear to ear,” auction chairman Cody Noffsinger said shortly before the final tally was announced.
Noffsinger thanked the community for its generosity and gave credit to hundreds of volunteers, Rotarians, business owners and donors who pitched in to raise money. The proceeds benefit the club’s educational and community projects.
Early in the day, Noffsinger had said he wasn’t sure they would be able to beat the previous Rotary Auction record of approximately $350,000.
The total stood at $240,910 on Friday. But on Saturday, proceeds from the auction, food sales and donations to the Hour and Goat clubs pushed the total nearly $160,000 higher.
“Rotary’s motto is service obove self, and whenever you put others above yourself you lift up your community,” Noffsinger said. “And Hoptown and Christian County, y’all did it this week. I’m so proud of you, so thankful for you going on this journey with us. We love you.”
Noffsinger, who grew up in Hopkinsville, is an accountant employed by Hopkinsville Electric System. He will become the Hopkinsville Rotary Club president in July.
The auction got a huge boost in the final run from the Hour Club. Donors at this level give in increments of $179, which equals the tuition for one credit hour at Hopkinsville Community College.
Saturday’s total included $30,249 from the main auction, $3,602 from the diner and sweet shop and $123,898 from the Hour and Goat clubs.
THE WEEK’S TALLY:
- Monday: $66,111
- Tuesday: $30,236
- Wednesday: $41,650
- Thursday: $46,143
- Friday: $55,943
- Saturday, $157,749
- Total: $397,832
2021 Rotary Auction Coverage:
- Rotary Auction set for its 6-day run at the Memorial Building
- Rotary Auction well ahead of last year’s opening night
- Rotary Auction raises nearly $100,000 after 2 nights
- Rotary Auction pushes above $138,000 on 3rd night
- Superintendent takes a pie for the team after schools smash Rotary Auction goal
- Rotary Auction tally at $185,086 after 4 nights
Jennifer P. Brown is co-founder, publisher and editor of Hoptown Chronicle. You can reach her at editor@hoptownchronicle.org. She spent 30 years as a reporter and editor at the Kentucky New Era. She is a co-chair of the national advisory board to the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, governing board president for the Kentucky Historical Society, and co-founder of the Kentucky Open Government Coalition.
