The Hollywood Rotary Foundation has been raising funds for college scholarships for Hollywood High school seniors and supporting local youth organizations at its annual charity auction since 1956. It is one of the oldest, continuous charity fundraising events in South Florida and is an annual Hollywood favorite.
The event features a plethora of gifts and merchandise to choose from, including gift certificates for hotel stays, vacation rentals, cruises, airline tickets, restaurants, and tickets for performances & sporting events. Merchandise will include art, decorative items, appliances, tools, electronics, jewelry, toys, wine & spirits, and even an e-bike. We sat down with Auction Chair and Past-President of the Hollywood Rotary, Kevin Taie-Tehrani, to learn more.
Tell Us About the Hollywood Rotary Foundation Charity Auction
There is so much! One fun item is the BULL CLUB raffle. It goes back to 1956 and featured raffling a live bull on the clubhouse lawn and a chance to win meat from a locally owned steakhouse. It was replaced in the 1990s with a raffle for a big money jackpot, but the name stuck! Every $10 donation gets you into the raffle and “beefs” up our support to the community.
In addition to lots of fun from celebrity auctioneers, there’s the food. Food from several local restaurants and the best seafood paella I’ve ever had are all on offer. The kickoff starts on Thursday evening with an old fashion backyard BBQ.
That Sounds Amazing! What Programs Do the Proceeds Support?
The auction supports college scholarships that are awarded annually to McArthur, South Broward, Chaminade-Madonna, and Hollywood Hills Seniors. The Rotary Club also supports several youth organizations, including The YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, The Hollywood Police Athletic League (PAL), The Pac-a-Sac program to feed elementary and middle school kids, The Community Enhancement Collaboration, and many other local charities.
The Charity Auction lasts for three days. It must be huge! Is it a good event for the kids?
It is a huge auction! There are over one thousand items to be auctioned off. Each day is different than the last. It is a family-friendly FUN event with multiple generations now attending each year, as well as kid’s having fun walking and showing bidders auction items around the room.
Tell us about the Hollywood Rotary Foundation
The Hollywood Rotary Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that promotes “Service Above Self” and goodwill throughout our community. Since its inception, the Rotary Foundation has donated more than three million dollars to youth projects in our community. And the Club has contributed over $5,000,000 in the past 95 years, which includes $50,000 each year in scholarships to the four Hollywood High Schools.
While the pandemic was a setback to the club’s fundraising goals, this year we are hoping to get it back on track with a goal to raise $100,000 with the community’s help and donations.
Sounds incredible! How Can Our Readers Participate?
We hope to see you on April 20, 21, and 22! Join us for fun, food, and charity! Your participation and generosity allow us to continue to support college scholarships and the community’s youth organizations. Monetary donations to become a “Bull Club” member can be made by check to the Hollywood Rotary Foundation or Zelle your donations to [email protected]. For each $10 increment of your donation, your name will be entered in a drawing for $1,000. Donations of auction items and gift certificates are greatly appreciated! One hundred percent of your tax-deductible donations will go to helping children.
The 66th Annual Hollywood Rotary Foundation FUN-FOOD-CHARITY Kickoff Auction Barbecue starts at 5 PM on Thursday. The Auction Starts at 6 PM ending at 10 PM Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (Saturday will end when all items are sold, sometimes close to 11 PM). The Barbecue and auction will be held at the Hollywood Rotary Clubhouse, 2349 Taylor Street. Members of the public are invited to stop by at any time to participate and support local youth.
For more info call 954-921-4500 or visit www.rotaryhollywood.org
