The Rotary Club of Tortola raised $100,000 on Saturday night at the 10th annual Grand Affair auction and dinner at Scrub Island Resort.
The event was attended by about 140 Rotarians and guests, according to a press release from the club.
“This year was by far the most difficult one to raise funds as so many businesses and persons are being conservative because of the slowdown in the global economy, which affects local profits,” said Rotarian Joycelyn Murraine, who served on the organising committee. “So to have had the turnout we did on Saturday and to raise $100,000 is just remarkable.”
Throughout the evening, attendees bid on donated items in silent and live auctions.
Items up for bid included a London getaway, a diamond ring, dinner for eight with Governor Boyd McCleary, and NBA tickets, among others.
The event proceeds this year are to benefit the MAKOS Swim Club, the BVI Culinary Team, people with autism, and micro-businesses, according to the press release.