Wyandotte Rotary Sees Large Turnout for Annual Fundraiser

The Wyandotte Rotary saw their largest turnout for a fundraiser Thursday night at Biddle Hall.

The annual event included dinner, an open bar and auctions. 

Rotary President Elizabeth DiSanto said the fundraiser is their largest every year out of all of their events.

There were over 60 people in attendance Thursday.

"We raise a lot of money to go to charities at this fundraiser," DiSanto said. 

"It is always such a nice night of fun and fellowhip."

After dinner was served, the master of ceremonies and auctioneer Wally Merritt took the microphone to begin the bidding. Merritt said he has been the auctioneer at the function for more than a decade.

Once the silent auction concluded, Merritt began the live auction.

Items in the live auction were purchased from $175 to $500.

The auction items included a condo ski trip to Schuss Mountain, a Detroit sporting events package, an overnight hunting trip at Fighting Island, a pheasant hunting trip, rare collector wines, a ride-along and firing range with the Wyandotte Police Department and many others.

Around $4,000 was raised from the auction. Ticket prices were $45 per person or $80 for a couple. Money raised at the event will benefit the Wyandotte Rotary charities, which include:

• Wyandotte Public Schools Scholarship Foundation
• Operation Warmth
• Salvation Army
• Penrickton Center for the Blind
• Wyandotte Goodfellows
• Wyandotte Senior Alliance
• Local food pantries
• Rotary district projects
• Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital golf outing
• Karmanos Cancer Institute