ROTO MANIA

Despite early concerns that the slowing economy could quiet the annual buying frenzy, organizers say this year’s Rotary Club Auction didn’t disappoint.

The Friday auctions and Saturday rummage sale grossed $367,000, on par with last year’s take. The net income from the event won’t be known until expenses are calculated later this month.

The 2007 event netted $280,000 in a year of unusually high expenses, including the purchase of a trailer.

Assistant auction chair Patti Shannon said organizers were somewhat worried going into the event that buying wouldn’t be as lively as usual.

To see sales match last year’s total was a relief, she said.

“Thank goodness, because donations were down and there was a sense that buyers wouldn’t be as rabid as in years passed,” Shannon said.

This year’s event at Woodward Middle School marked the 48th Rotary Auction.

More than 1,000 volunteers helped organize the sales which benefit a variety of local charities.

t The 48th annual Rotary Auction rakes in $367,000.

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