The 76th Annual Hopkinsville Rotary Auction continued its strong run Friday night, as organizers reported totals nearing $300,000 through the first four nights and steady community support heading into the finale.
Night five brought another energetic crowd to the War Memorial Building, where more than 200 pounds of catfish were served and bidding remained active throughout the evening. Sponsors for the night included Summertown Metals as title sponsor, Hopkinsville Water Environment Authority as table sponsor and Holiday Inn and Suites Hopkinsville Convention Center as bell sponsor.
The Hopkinsville Rotary Foundation also awarded two additional grants during the evening.
One grant will fund field lighting improvements at Ruff Park through the Hopkinsville-Christian County Youth League. Organizers say the project is designed to improve safety for children and expand the park’s usability.
A second grant was awarded to the Hoptown Hoppers baseball organization. The funding will support the addition of a second week of youth baseball camp, which will be offered at a reduced cost for children who attend the first session.
Auction Chair Brett Pritchett said earlier in the evening that totals through Thursday had already reached $295,131.69.
Unlike some previous years, Pritchett said organizers chose not to set a specific fundraising goal, instead focusing on consistent community participation.
The week has not been without challenges. A nationwide outage impacted the auction’s website early in the week, and a power issue temporarily disrupted activities Wednesday night. Still, Pritchett said those moments highlighted the community’s commitment.
Despite economic pressures, Pritchett said turnout has remained strong, particularly in the auction’s diner, which has generated a profit each night.
Pritchett added that leading the auction has been a meaningful experience, especially given his longtime connection to the event.
Additional highlights from the week include the recognition of Jim Dulin as a Paul Harris Fellow for his 28 years of leadership with “Dulin’s Diner,” along with community contributions from businesses such as Little Caesars Pizza and The Crusty Pig, which donated food for volunteers.
The auction concludes Saturday, with the remaining Boston butts set to go on sale at 11 a.m. and a finale dinner featuring ribeye sandwiches prepared by the Christian County Cattlemen’s Association beginning at 5 p.m.
