GRAAFF-REINET NEWS — Union Preparatory School’s “The Wild Karoo Online Auction” took place from 16 to 23 June.
This was the fourth year of the Wild Karoo fundraising initiative but the first time that the auction occurred solely online.
This change of format required organisers to adapt their marketing strategy and encourage those who have never participated in an online auction to support the school and give it a try.
In utilising StockFair’s online auction technology, Union Preparatory School was able to extend the auction nationally, and even internationally, spreading their reach in terms of fundraising and contributing towards the promotion of tourism in the district.
Local bidders were joined by many from all over South Africa including Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, East London, Sandton, Worcester, Midrand, Johannesburg, Pretoria and Centurion.
International bidders from the following countries also participated in the initiative: USA, Germany, Iraq, United Kingdom, Australia, Zambia, Canada and Namibia.
The Wild Karoo Auction site had 803 unique visitors from 16 to 23 June and a total of 639 bids were placed during the auction.
Lots that received the most bids were:
• #7: Boschendal Wine Estate Picnic for two (24 bids, sold for R 600);
• #64: Barrel of Booze (39 bids, sold for R 4 600) and;
• #78: two adult Kalahari Springbuck Rams, horn length ±15 inches (49 bids, sold for R11 100).
The highest value lots were:
• #78: two adult Kalahari Springbuck Rams, horn length ±15 inches (49 bids, sold for R11 100);
• #3: Springbuck Slam, Graaff-Reinet (12 bids, sold for R11 500) and;
• #20: five-day TLB hire by Campbell Scott Machine Hire (18 bids, sold for R14 000).
The auction offering included 78 lots. Of the 78, 64 lots exceeded the reserve and were sold to leading bidders.
The Wild Karoo committee is humbled by the incredible support the initiative received and although they are not yet able to release the amount raised can happily report that more than double the targeted amount was reached!
The auction report can be viewed at www.wildkaroo.co.za.
In conjunction with the online auction, Union Preparatory School also held a “Wild Karoo” raffle.
UPS learners and their parents were enthusiastic in selling tickets and an incredible amount of R24 200 was raised! The draw was done at Union Preparatory School Assembly on June 29 with the assistance of two Wild Karoo sponsors, Karen Scott and Marli Rautenbach from Blue Magnolia.
Congratulations to the following winners:
• 1st Prize: Shadrack Vuthiza who won three nights self-catering at Allendale Farm Guest Cottage.
• 2nd Prize: Vanessa Copeman who won a whole sheep.
• 3rd Prize: Francine Cane who won Biltong from one Impala.
“The Wild Karoo” is a unique fundraising event for Union Preparatory School, under the auspices of The Union Schools Trust, and the school would like to extend sincere thanks to all the contributors, sponsors and bidders for their support and generosity - without which this event could not be a success.
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