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Bidding on a better future
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Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem.Poland Rotary committee members while attending their annual Chilli Open auction. .From the front left: Val Jones, Holly Fritz, Mary Ann Martinko, Henry Nemnez and Carmella Smallhoover
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Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem.Bill Ogden (left) with Rotarian Henry Nemenz enjoying the festivities at the Chilli Open Auction on Jan. 29. Nemenz was named as, "Man of the Year" and given a plaque thanking him for his community contributions.
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Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem.Rebecca Martinez (left) and Becky Miller looking over merchandise being auctioned off at the Chilli Open Auction on Jan. 29. Both are representitaves of Second Harvest Food Bank.
By SHAIYLA HAKEEM
shakeem@vindy.com
The Georgetown, 5945 South Ave., was transformed into a fund-raising event at the Poland Rotary’s 24th Chili Open Auction on Jan. 29.
Live entertainment and two auctions were included in the night of festivities. All auction items were donated by individuals and organizations from the community and all proceeds from the auction will benefit charitable organizations.
Two auctions were available for guests to bid on. One was a silent auction and the other was a Chinese auction. Items up for bid ranged from statues and cooking utensils to suitcases and week long vacations.
Mary Danus, Mill Creek Children’s Center coordinator, says that the Rotary has helped with funding trips for the kids at her organizations. She said many of the children at the center don’t have the capabilities of visiting different places.
“The Rotary’s donations allowed the children to go on a field trip that they would not have been able to take without their help,” Danus said.
This year, the Rotary implemented a Man of the Year award. This person was voted upon by Rotary membership based on who had they felt had the most impact in the community through contributions and generosity.
Rotarian Henry Nemenz was chosen for this prestigious title. He was awarded with a plaque the night of the auction thanking him for his contributions and service. Though this year’s Man of the Year was a Rotarian, anyone can be considered for the award.
All funds raised from the auction will be combined with monies raised at the annual Chili Open Golf Classic Feb. 27 at Bedford Trails Golf Course, 713 Bedford road, in Lowellville.
Donation checks will be distributed in May at a luncheon to 16 recipients.
Funds will be divided between the American Heart Association, Boys and Girls Club, Easter Seals, Mahoning County CASA, Family Promise of the Mahoning Valley, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Millcreek Children’s Center, Mission of Love, Poland Interfaith Pantry, Potential Development Program, Rich Center, Second Harvest Food Bank. Sojourner House and the Youngstown Hearing and Speech Center.