WATCH // EXPLORE // CRAVE
Supporting Ocala’s Youth Kiwanis Club of Ocala raises funds for children // W R I T T E N A N D P H O T O G R A P H E D B Y R O N A L D W. W E T H E R I N G T O N
W
hen the children of Ocala/ Marion County are in need, residents turn out in droves to help. This was certainly true at the Kiwanis Club of Ocala’s 2021 Sportsman’s Dinner and Auction, where a large crowd came out to raise much-needed funds for our community’s children. Held at the Palm Grove Club at Oak Run, the barbecue dinner included live and silent auctions of hunting and fishing gear and other items, as well as door prizes and raffle items. The Master of Ceremony was Gary Rigby, and the Auctioneer was Frank Gray. An estimated $20,000 was raised at this recent event. The Sportsman’s Dinner and Auction is an annual event hosted by the Kiwanis for 10 years. It is designed to attract hunters, fishermen and like-minded individuals who enjoy supporting kids in a fun-filled environment. The live grand finale auction is a week’s vacation in a three-bedroom North Carolina cabin. Immediate Past President Jeff Ruttenber, President Joe Voge, First Vice President Tammy Hoff and so many others are to be commended for such a worthy event. Due to Covid, the Kiwanis were unable to host this event in 2020. The Sportsman’s Dinner and Auction is the primary fundraising event for all their children’s programs other than Camp Kiwanis. The club is very grateful that they were able to host such a successful event this year and raise the much-needed funds to support the different children’s programs within the club. To learn more or to make a contribution toward our local youth, visit ocalakiwanis.org. 10
352PREVIEW.COM
Janice Smith and Becky Seyler
Jock Fray, Frank Fray & Eileen Sullivan