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Western Auction draws large crowd, raises money for scholarships

Close to one-hundred items valued from $10 to over $1,000 were successfully auctioned by professional auctioneer Colonel  Russell Mann of Flagstaff. Saddles, autographed guitars, antique furniture, and unique trips and artwork composed some of the higher priced  items.Doug Wells/WGCN

Close to one-hundred items valued from $10 to over $1,000 were successfully auctioned by professional auctioneer Colonel Russell Mann of Flagstaff. Saddles, autographed guitars, antique furniture, and unique trips and artwork composed some of the higher priced items.Doug Wells/WGCN

WILLIAMS, Ariz. - The Williams Rotary Club's annual Western Auction held Aug. 25 raised close to $14,000 for scholarships to be awarded locally.

"We want to thank all those who contributed prizes, attended, were corporate sponsors and purchased auction items," said Jim Bultema, chairperson of this year's 13th Annual Western Rotary Auction and Scholarship Fundraiser.

Rotary President Steve Lovas echoed Bultema's comments.

"Williams is a very generous community," he said. "I am very proud to serve as President of the Williams Club whose members all pitched in to make this year's fundraiser a huge success."

The final count is not complete, but initial estimates of funds raised point to over $14,000 raised to support scholarships and other youth activities in our community. A packed house showed up to enjoy a delicious meal catered by Rotarian Anna Dick from Grand Canyon Café and her staff, win donated prizes and bid on larger items. The event was held at Mountainside Inn Grand Western Ballroom.

Items placed up for auction during the evening included a wide and varied assortment ranging in price from $10 to over $1,000. Most items were bid up by the crowd with the prodding of professional auctioneer Colonel Russell Mann to close to their suggested retail value. Larger items went for a little less and included saddles, autographed guitars and professional sporting equipment, a 1916 vintage oak refrigerator, helicopter rides, artwork from local artists, overnight resort stays, an iPad and a gold panning cradle.

Bultema and his committee had promised a fast paced auction and worked diligently to have all items sold off by nine. Three auctions - quarter, live and silent - were rushed along and a raffle was thrown in. In all, over 200 prizes were purchased or won.

A complete list of all those who donated items or provided sponsorships will be published in next week's Williams-Grand Canyon News.


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