BUCYRUS — The Bucyrus Rotary Club did its part impacting young people in Crawford County by making a donation to a faith-based student organization that continues to grow.
At its weekly meeting May 14, Bucyrus Rotary donated $30,740.39 to Crawford County Young Life, a faith-based organization for students in Crawford County.
Rotary was able to collect those funds by way of its 34th-annual Auctionfest.
“Rotarians, Young Life advocates, and community members came together for another very successful event,” Rotarian Virginia Hammontree said. “With approximately 125 items for each the silent and live auctions, the evening got off to an early start.”
The doors opened at 4 p.m. and the silent auction began.
Musical entertainment was provided by the ukulele trio “UKE 3.”
The live auction began at 6:15 p.m. and included items such as a 129-bottle wine cellar and copper kettle items.
“The bidding was alive and well all evening,” Hammontree said.
In total, $44,740.39 was raised. Rotary retained $14,000 to assist with its programs throughout the year and donated the rest to Young Life. The donation was the second-largest Rotary has achieved.
During its existence, Auctionfest has raised $606,902.88, with $200,500 reminaing with the club and $396,592.88 being donated to various organizations.
During Tuesday’s meeting, Rotary president-elect Terry Gernert told a story of an old man who would spend his days throwing starfish back into the ocean, and when questioned by a young man on what impact he could possibly be making, the old man said it mattered to that individual starfish.
Gernert said he believed the donation may not immediately change the world, but it will make a difference to the students who participate in that group and give them a chance to change the world too.