Rotary Fish Fry a great success

THE LIVE AUCTION had many unique items, including this “Dia de Muertos” (Day of the Dead) sugar skull donated by the Rotary Club of Torreon, Mexico.
THE LIVE AUCTION had many unique items, including this “Dia de Muertos” (Day of the Dead) sugar skull donated by the Rotary Club of Torreon, Mexico.

NORTH SHORE – The Rotary Club of North Shore held their 42nd Annual Catfish Fry and Crawfish Boil, and had thousands either turn out for the event, or come and pick up dinners.

The Fish Fry is a fund raiser for the club, who use the money for community projects such as the fire departments, scholarships, Pct. 2 park improvements, school awards programs, food pantry, and much more benefitting the public.

There are four major parts to the event: a limited draw raffle, to win a new Toyota truck or 19 other high value prizes; catfish and crawfish dinners; a live auction, and a silent auction.

The chairman for the event is always the president-elect, which this year is Adam Lund of Capital Bank. Last year it was Kim Gonzalez, who is now president. All 75 members of the club assist with the execution of the all-day event in some function.

Proceeds from the Fish Fry average $300,000 to $400,000 every year, most of which is available for community projects after expenses. For instance, this year the live auction raised $131,700 dollars, the dinner tickets tens of thousands, and the raffle tickets about $120,000. There is also support from corporate sponsors.

The Live Auction was run by Auctioneer Ed Phillips, with Rotarian Scott Stephens, and a number of spotters from the Crosby Rodeo. The auction always has a number of unique and sometimes expensive prizes, many of them donated. Some examples include special quilts, tickets to Astros, Dynamo, Rockets and Texans games, autographed sports memorabilia, concert tickets, one night to one week stay in exotic resorts, fishing and hunting trips, golfing outings, guns and knives, and a huge fireworks package.

Other of the special items included a Shih Tzu dog, a signed Willie Nelson guitar, a bottle of Trump wine from his winery, and a “Dia de Muertos” large decorative Mexican sugar skull.