Posted by Bill Blankmeyer on Dec 11, 2019
The goal was $15,000.  The final tally was $20,000 – simply amazing thanks to the support of local businesses and generous sponsorships of Rotarians!!
 
The Rotary Clubs of Carlisle and Carlisle Sunrise hold an annual holiday dinner and fundraising event every December at the Comfort Suites in Carlisle. Each year the two Club Presidents identify one project or organization to be the focus of the auction. Selected this year was the Domestic Violence Services of Cumberland and Perry Counties (DVSCP), an organization attempting to raise $100,000 to upgrade their 30-day emergency shelter that was built in the 1930’s. Having set a goal of $15,000, this year’s auction raised $20,000, exceeding the goal by 33%. 
 
Rotarians were pleased to welcome District Governor Paddy Rooney to the event. He began by challenging everyone in attendance to support this very worthy organization, recognizing the important services it provides to our community.  Also in attendance were several representatives of the DVSCP staff including the Executive Director, Barbara Kohutiak, and Board President Jodi Bezanilla. Both expressed deep gratitude to the Rotary Clubs for their generous support. 
 
Prior to the auction, $9,000 had been raised in sponsorships by Rotarians. The actual auction raised $11,000 thanks to having over 100 donated items to support both a silent and live auction during the dinner. Keys to success were the live auctioneers Ben Prescott, President of the Carlisle Sunrise Club and Dan Monken, Past President of the Carlisle Rotary Club. Their efforts in auctioning just 13 items raised over half of the funds. Additionally, over $400 was raised through brags thanks to the efforts of our two brag masters Jim Nolan and Brad Griffie.
 
A traditional highlight of the dinner is recognition of this year’s Rotary award recipients. The Carlisle Sunrise Club selected Bill Solomon to receive the “Buzz Coho Distinguished Service Citation.” The Carlisle Rotary Club selected Cindy Gleim-Pool to receive their “Four Way Test Award”.
 
Pictured From right to left: Rotary Club Presidents Becky Morgenthal and Ben Prescott present DVSCP Executive Director Barbara Kohutiak and Board President Jodi Bezanilla with a check for $20,000 to upgrade their 30-day emergency shelter.