Rotary clubs raise more than $60,000

Battle Ground — The Battle Ground and Lewis River Rotary clubs raised more than $60,000 at their recent dinner and auction. By bidding on items ranging from sports memorabilia to wine, the May 10 charity event, held at the Heathman Lodge in Vancouver, was able to secure money for charities in the Battle Ground area as well as student scholarships. One of the auctions that evening, called “Helping Hands,” brought in $15,000 for the North County Community Food Bank, according to a press release. The rest of the money will be distributed by the Lewis River Rotary and Battle Ground Rotary clubs. The fundraiser was the first time the groups have teamed up for such an event. Efforts were led by Tammy Haas of Lewis River Rotary and Gilda Ciraulo of Battle Ground Rotary.