Small Club, Big Lift: 1 Event = More Than $100K

Some might assume that a Rotary club needs to be large to make a big impact. But the Sutherlin Rotary Club proves otherwise. With only about 30 members, they just pulled off a community auction that raised over $100,000. That’s not a typo.

This club knows how to catch the lift in their local landscape.

Last Friday, I joined their annual auction and was truly inspired. They served a hearty dinner—tri-tip, salad, potatoes, rolls—all complimentary. About 300 guests filled the room, most of them not Rotarians. Yet they came ready to bid, laugh, and lift up their community.

The silent auction spanned four long tables, with mobile bidding making participation easy. A cheerful emcee kept the program moving, leading into a live auction featuring everything from getaways, grills and game tables to gear for outdoor adventures. The dessert dash had everyone on their feet. Local FFA students who benefitted were there to pitch in and support the event.

This is what soaring looks like: a small, well-connected club that leverages its community roots, plans carefully, and executes with heart. Their per-capita fundraising would humble much larger clubs.

The real takeaway? Leadership isn’t about size. It’s about vision, teamwork, and connection.

Want to inspire lift in your own club? Take a page from Sutherlin Rotary. You haven’t peaked yet.