CLEARLAKE — Rotary Club of Clearlake reaped the benefits of a sold-out event Saturday raking in more than $10,000 from proceeds from its seventh annual Seafood Boil and Auction. The event featured a live auction that pulled in more than $10,000 alone.
“We sold out about four weeks ahead of time,” Ginger Kite, event coordinator said. “I was very happy and seemed the perfect amount. We”ll do the same amount again next year.”
The crowd was entertained with a silent auction, enjoying wine tasting courtesy of Shannon Ridge Winery as they pursued the selection. After getting a fill of crab legs, plump shrimp, crawfish, clams and mussels, which were accompanied by lobster tail and tri-tip, guests were entertained with live auction action. “It all seemed to go really well, especially considering the economy,” Rotary member Marvin Carpenter said. “We were very pleased with the attendance and the crowd”s response with the live auction was overwhelming.”
Auctioneers Terry Stewart and Peter Ventura kept the crowd pumped, pulling up the average bid to $500. The item that brought in the highest bid at $1,600 was item No. 6: “Big Boys” Toys,” donated by Lake County Sheriff”s Department. The package for four consisted of a day spent with the “best firearms instructors in Northern California” providing an up-close experience with law enforcement weaponry including the “big boy toys” used by the special weapons and tactics team.
A five-day, four-night houseboat trip for four on Lake Shasta donated by Margaret Walker-Stimmel and Rob Stimmel went for $1,200 and a two night stay in the honeymoon suite at Mendocino Seaside Cottage, donated by the inn and Marvin Carpenter, was sold on a $775 bid. Wine packages went for an average price of $300 and a $400 gift certificate courtesy of Foods, Etc., was sold for $550. The gift certificate was immediately donated to the Safe House by the purchaser.
“The food was delicious and the service was excellent,” Tracey Kucer said. “The silent auction was fun. I was hoping to win a couple items but I got outbid.”
Service was outstanding, prompt and courteous. “The kids were so good,” Kite said. “The Carl? kids came in on Friday and we had the Interact Club (Carl? High School) and the Rotaract Club (Yuba College) there on Saturday. They did an awesome job. They were helpful, confident and over the top.”
Carl? Interact Club member was very attentive providing service with a smile. “I had a lot of fun,” she said. “The people were all really nice.”
Proceeds from the Seafood Boil and Auction will help the Rotary Club of Clear Lake in its mission to provide “Service Above Self.” Each year the club awards scholarships to college-bound high school seniors, provides every third-grade student in the Konocti Unified School District with an age-appropriate dictionary and maintains the baseball fields in Clearlake.
Rotary Club of Clearlake was instrumental in the creation of the athletic field at Lower Lake High School, participated in the development of Austin Park and continues involvement in projects benefiting Southshore Little League, Big Brothers and Sisters, the senior/community center building and Anderson Marsh Historical State Park.
Contact South County reporter Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
