Now just two weeks away from 72nd Hopkinsville Rotary Auction, Auction Chair Andrew Wilson calls these final days “organized chaos” — as War Memorial is quickly being converted from a meeting hall to a hub of commerce, camaraderie and delicious chow.
In the olden days, proceeds from the prestigious event — which typically rolls in no less than a quarter-million dollars — went to student loans and other scholastic opportunities.
Now, Hopkinsville Rotary has turned its focus to free community college for its Christian County students.
Wilson noted an up-and-coming “Hopkinsville Rotary Foundation,” now two years in the making, will have more details revealed during auction week.
There’s a big reason for the focus on funding community college. According to Christian County Public Schools Superintendent Chris Bentzel, Wilson reiterated that a third of local graduates attend colleges elsewhere, another third go straight into a radiant workforce, and the final third opt for two-year vocational and general studies degrees.
Those not interested in the bidding wars or food festivities can become part of the “Hour Club” — which is a unique twist on the “Century Club” many Rotary organizations employ for fundraising efforts.
Wilson said there would be an online option for those who can’t make it in person.
Lunch will be from 11-1 Tuesday through Friday, while dinners will run Monday through Saturday, with that final Saturday dinner being ribeye sandwiches.
For more details, one can visit whvoradio.com, or on Facebook by searching “Hopkinsville Rotary Club.” All auction efforts begin at 6 PM each night from April 18-23.