Community bidding builds Picton Kinsmen charity coffers

Adam Miller auctions off a quilt donated by Dick Pease from the collection of his late wife, Mary, a passionate and prolific quilter.

The Kinsmen Club of Picton members, spouses, friends and supporters helped raise about $8,000 for various projects in the County during Saturday night’s seventh annual charity auction.

While the total is preliminary, event chair Richard Lightfoot thanked the crowd at the Picton Elks Hall and the support of the community with donations for the evening.

“It’s a pleasure being a part of the club and part of a community that is so generous of both their time and resources,” said Lightfoot. “We have, as a club, raised more than $120,000 over the past five years supporting local charities and organizations within the community.”

The community’s individuals and businesses donated content valued at about $10,000 for the Loonie, Toonie, silent and live auctions.

The Kinsmen Club supports numerous charities and youth organizations including Hospice Prince Edward, the ROC, the PECMH Foundation, Relay for Life, the Regent Theatre, County FM, Prince Edward Minor Ball Hockey, and more.

Kinsmen line up with the buckets for Robert Quaiff and Kevin Gale to make the draws and announce the winners in between jokes and laughs.

Lightfoot also thanked the evening’s special guests handling the bucket draws and silent auctions, the lively duo of mayor Robert Quaiff with councillor Kevin Gale; and live auctioneer Adam Miller.

The crowd awaits the drawing of the next lucky ticket.

As well as the charity auction, the club holds events throughout the year – including a charity golf tournament, electronics recycling and barbecues, but is also known for its Thursday night television bingo games, on the local cable channel for more than 30 years.

Everything from suckers and a pair of garden shears, to tools, kitchen and boating items, gift baskets and certificates were up for live auction. Here Kinsmen Phil St. Jean holds an Oh Canada sign for auctioneer Adam Miller.