Looking for a fun Volunteer Experience? Try the Rotary Auction.

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Rotary Auction of Bainbridge Island 2022 logoWhat’s one of the most fun volunteer activities you can do on the island? Many would contend that it’s spending time “working” at the Bainbridge Island Rotary Auction.

Tonight (June 6) kicks off the start – and return to live interaction – of our world re-known auction and rummage sale, held at Woodward Middle School. The so-called Volunteer Open House will be held from 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at the school named in honor of Walt Woodward, the editor and publisher of the Bainbridge Review, who steadfastly supported our Japanese-American citizens during the dark days of the World War II internment.

Rotary Auction volunteers and Rotarians dining together during Set-Up Week - image courtesy of the Bainbridge Island Rotary websiteIf you attend tonight’s event, you can meet face-to-face with the “managers” of some 36 departments deployed throughout the school, ask questions and perhaps sign-up for a favorite. Appetizers will be served, and there will likely be a high degree of socializing! If you’ve never volunteered at the auction, you’re missing out on a throwback, slice of Americana. When the auction day arrives – this year on July 2 – the school and its parking lots are packed with furniture, cars, books, lawn and garden treasures and much, much more. It has the look and feel of a Norman Rockwell painting.

Bainbridge Rotarians figure it takes more than 600 community volunteers to pull off the one-day event that has raised more than $600,000 in years past. But how does it all work?

During “Set-Up Week”, which includes the five-day Donation Drop-Off window (June 25-June 29), volunteers and Rotarians work together to:

  • Receive item donations from the public, help unload their cars, and thank them for their tremendous support.
  • Sort items and move them to Department locations around the school campus. If you’re look for exercise, there’s lots of walking involved.
  • Clean, test, display, and price everything for “Sale Day”. According to the Rotary, there’s plenty going on during this time, most importantly teamwork, camaraderie, and fun!

Volunteers work between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. each day of Set-Up Week. Here’s what the Rotary advises would-be volunteers – either those who make tonight’s open house, or those who volunteer online or at the site:

  • No need to set a schedule; just stop by and check in at the Volunteer Desk in the Commons at Woodward Middle School.
  • Department managers will show you tasks needing to be done. Pick a Department and a job you think you will enjoy the most.
  • They serve lunch and dinner to all volunteers during Set-Up Week — a good chance to rest and visit with friends.
  • Interested in buying something you see? After six hours of volunteer service, you can make purchases in advance of the Sale.

Rotary Logo“The Rotary Auction & Rummage Sale is a community unto itself,” say Rotarians. “Come experience the magic!” For more information, visit: https://www.bainbridgerotaryauction.org/volunteer

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