This was the right call, as the virus will likely still be present in hot spots around the world in September. The marathon would draw runners and spectators from everywhere for a long weekend very conducive to super-spreading, and this would be happening just as we are hopefully getting the kids back to school.
Although they canceled the marathon, our goal of raising funds to support the Newton Rotary Scholarships remains on track. This week we are launching our online auction at https://auction.jackprior.
If you are a whiskey drinker, the Old Elk Gift Pack is for you. There is a collection of antique postcards, and several rare books, including the History of the Emblem of the Codfish. Have a stack of old National Geographics in your attic? Get 125 years on DVD ROM. Have a precious antique clock that needs some TLC, get it some love at the Clock and Watch Shop.
Our friends at Marathon Sports have generously donated two $120 gift cards. Get a new pair of shoes for your 2021 marathon preparations or just to get out for more walking. Use them to cross-train with a 3-month family membership at the West Suburban YMCA once it reopens. After all that exercise, treat yourself to some good food at The Local or Dunn Gaherin's. Get back outdoors with some photography coaching (remotely or socially distanced) or a lineup of a full semi-professional photo shoot at the event of your choice.
Funds raised beyond the scholarship target will support Newton Rotary's Covid-19 efforts and get the Rotary off to a good start for next year's scholarships.
The online auction is simple — browse for the items you like and bid in $5 increments. The bids made are just like comments on a blog. You can bid using as many fun fake names you want, but you must privately include your email address on the form so we can contact you if you win. The auction is scheduled to close promptly at 1:00:00 PM on Tuesday, June 9th.
If you are the winning bidder, you will just donate on the fundraising page for the amount of your bid, and we will arrange to get you your prize. Send questions to Boston@jackprior.org. If you have an item to add, there is still time — drop me a note, and we'll get it posted.
The auction is an excellent opportunity to pick up some cool stuff while supporting the Rotary. Whether you win or not, every $5 bid immediately increases the funds raised on the live tracker. We've already reached $550 in the 1st few days of the auction.
Together we've already raised $5434 toward the $6000 needed for the six scholarships now being awarded to high school seniors. Along the way these funds also allowed Rotary to provide immediate Covid-19 relief while donations for that effort were coming in.
Thank you for your support!
