David Stillinger dresses the part for the Rotary Club of Greenfield’s 24th annual Gift of Life auction, which was themed “24 Carat Gold” on Saturday, April 22.
GREENFIELD — The 24th annual Gift of Life auction, hosted by the Rotary Club of Greenfield on Saturday, April 22, was once again a smashing success.
The event — dubbed the 24 Carat Gold auction in recognition of its 24th year — drew more than 200 attendees decked out in shimmer gold dresses, jackets and jewelry.
The formal affair was once again held at the Community Life Center, at 10612 E Washington St., just east of Cumberland.
“We had a great crowd and I think everyone really enjoyed the event,” said Wayne Addison, who has served as auctioneer every single year.
“The event is so important because we are saving lives for children. We have a unique partnership with Riley Children’s Hospital and have saved hundreds of kids with the funds we raise.
A launch party was held two days before the event at the Fraternal Order of Police lodge in Greenfield, where guests got the chance to enjoy a sneak peek at auction items while enjoying a rib dinner.
Proceeds from both the launch party and the auction support the Gift of Life International’s mission of developing sustainable pediatric cardiac programs and regional centers of excellence to treat children in need of life-saving care.
“World missions is something that is near and dear to my heart and I am so very honored to be a part of an event like this,” said event’s co-chair and Gift of Life first-timer Chantel Fowler, director of the Hancock County Boys and Girls Clubs.
“I am a newcomer to this event but was moved by the impact that Rotary of Greenfield has been able to make (through Gift of Life) internationally,” she said.
Her co-chair, Sherry Haines, who runs Miller’s Jewelry in Greenfield, is a longtime Greenfield Rotarian.
For nearly a quarter century the local civic group has dedicated itself to raising funds for Rotary International’s mission of providing life-saving care for children with congenital heart defects.
Donated items are auctioned off in a lively way at the dinner, where Addison playfully works the audience to get as much money for the organization as he can.
“We always have a trip to Mexico which goes very well each year, and we also had a cabin in the Georgia mountains that sold very well also,” he said.
A Jason Aldean concert experience went for a bid of $1,000, while an outdoor package including a movie projector, fire pit and s’mores kit went for $500.
Jewelry, tailgate packages and sports memorabilia were also auctioned off, although the total raised was not yet available as of Thursday, April 27.
Last year’s Gift of Life auction raised more than $75,000.
