Big-hearted businesses get behind great cause
Just days after the launch of the 2019 Rotary Club of Perth silent auction, the Big County business community has been rallying to the cause.
Already, around 200 fine lots have been donated to the annual fundraiser championed by the Perthshire Advertiser team.
And if past form is anything to go by, more and more big-hearted Perth and Kinross businesses will be joining in long before the auction on Saturday, December 7.
The target this year is to take the total funds raised for deserving local causes and Rotary charities beyond the £350,000 mark since the city’s oldest Rotary club first joined forced with the PA.
Once again, The Cornhill Macmillan Centre at Perth Royal Infirmary has been selected as one of the main beneficiaries, along with the ‘My Name’5 Doddie Foundation’.
PA editor Douglas Dickie said: “The auction has got off to a fantastic start, with all manner of lots donated in a matter of days.
“Many businesses are long-time backers of the annual fundraiser but every year we welcome on board new donors and there is still time to get involved.”
Lots can be donated by contacting silentauction@dlpltd.com or via perthsilentauction.co.uk
Silent auction co-ordinator David Lindsay explained: “In the beginning, members tapped into their network of contacts for donations of lots but now we find all manner of businesses and individual supporters buying into the concept of the silent auction and donating fantastic items without even being asked.
“Between the Perthshire Advertiser and the auction website - which clicks through to the donor’s site - hundreds of lots and their donors enjoy a high profile.”
Businesses receive a high on-line profile and in the pages of the PA.
“Bidders keep track of the auction as the weeks go by but there is always a frenzy of activity on closing day,” said David.
“We usually have more than 2500 registered bidders who are updated with emails to keep track of their progress
“In the build-up to the actual auction we generally send out over 25,000 emails.
“The silent auction is a great example of a community venture and it would not be possible without the incredible support we receive from the Perthshire Advertiser team, the business community, the unsung backroom team of Rotarians who do an enormous amount of work and, of course, the many bidders who dig deep every year.”