Prompted by the success of online auctioneer eBay, area Rotary clubs are giving the idea a try. Last month, the district began posting items on its website from the 44 clubs in District 7170, said District Gov. Marie Lusins of Oneonta. The winning bids will go to the donor's club for community projects, Lusins said, noting that the bids are tax-deductible and the auction does not assess any commissions.
Some clubs already have ideas for the money.
In Hancock, Lusins said, the club has been raising money to help the sheriff's department purchase a rescue boat. Clubs in Deposit and Owego hope to put proceeds toward playground projects, she said. Sam Koury, secretary for the Oneonta Rotary, said the group is waiting to see how much is garnered before earmarking the money. Koury, for his part, has offered to provide transportation for a seven-course meal for six that Lusins and her husband, Dr. John Lusins, are offering.