Only two nights remain to the 76th WHOP Rotary Radio Auction, and after a tremendous night from Rotarians and the community Thursday, they’re looking to go out strong heading into the weekend.
As of the close of Night Four, $295,131.69 has been raised so far, with all of it going right back into the youth and students of this community, whether that be through the Rotary Scholars program or the many outreach initiatives hosted by the Rotary Club. That total is keeping close pace with the 2025 auction’s pace, which was at $303,978.49 by the same time.
And while there’s been some late nights and a couple of hiccups along the way, the Rotary Club of Hopkinsville isn’t slowing down. In fact, Rotarian Austin Calvert says they’re even picking up the pace, as they’ll be looking to auction off hundreds of items Friday and Saturday.
Auction Chair Brett Pritchett says he couldn’t be happier with how things have been going so far, especially with the Diner, which has been absolutely rocking this year. So he encouraged folks to head down to the War Memorial Building starting at 5 p.m. for dinner, and then stay for the live auction that starts at 6 p.m.
There’s also a chance for local bakers to really shine during the event, as Rotarian Andrew Wilson will once again be judging the desserts available in the Sweet Shoppe, and then picking his favorite. Who ever is chosen will not only have their name or business announced at the auction, but Wilson will donate to the Hour Club in their honor. Pritchett encouraged one and all to take part, saying you can drop those desserts off at the War Memorial Building starting at 10 a.m.
The grants continue to be handed out to community during the auction, and the Diner sold over 200 pieces of smoked chicken Thursday night, showing a monumental amount of work from the Diner crew.
As for those grants, Focus 21st Century was awarded $2,500 to support their FOCUS Now program, providing structured enrichment sessions for middle school students. A $5,000 grant went to Christian County 4-H and Jeffers Bend Environmental Center received a $20,000 grant to support youth programming focused on planting, growing and harvesting fresh vegetables.
Hopkinsville and Christian County routinely have the highest raising Rotary Auction in all of Rotary International, and Pritchett seems confident that will remain true this year.