If you've ever dreamed of seeing the beauty of Catalina from the air, here's your chance! In response to a request for items for the upcoming Rotary Auction, pilot Mike Sheehan, a Rotarian from the Magnolia Center Club of Riverside, will donate his services and plane (a 6-passenger Cessna Skywagon) to the Auction on September 8 at 6 p.m. at The Landing.

Mike, a frequent Avalon visitor, has been volunteering his airplane and piloting expertise to the Conservancy to track radio-collared foxes.  Mike has been volunteering for the Conservancy for three years to help them in their efforts to restore the fox population.

The Cessna will offer an intimate view of the Island's dramatic landscape from a height of about 1,000 feet.  Mike has also used the Cessna in Mexico as an air ambulance.  Mike is very enthusiastic about Catalina and promises to be an excellent guide on each of the three trips he's offering. 

On one of the three trips Mike will also include a flyover of the other Channel Islands.  Truly, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity!  The Channel Islands and Catalina trip is valued at $2,000.  Fifteen lucky winners will be able to experience Catalina from the air (five passengers per trip).

If you're interested in bidding on these exciting trips, attend the Avalon Rotary Club's annual charity auction on Friday, September 8, 6 - 10 p.m.  A donation of $10 at the door includes a delicious Mexican buffet, great entertainment and the chance to bid on exciting items like this trip, a beautiful painting of Venice by local artist Jack Dedrick, a stay on the Big Island in Hawaii and much more.  All proceeds will benefit Avalon charities like the Catalina Island Medical Center, Catalina Conservancy, Catalina Island Museum, Avalon Schools, youth sports and much more.  The more you contribute, the more Avalon charities benefit!  Call 310-510-4650 if you have any items you'd like to donate to the auction, or need more information.

Avalon Rotary is just one of over 32,000 Rotary Clubs around the world in over 200 countries.  All are dedicated to the creed of "service above self."  Rotary International was founded in 1905 as both a business networking and community service organization.  Avalon Rotary offers its membership a chance to network with local business leaders as well as offer community service opportunities for our Island, as well as projects such as feeding the hungry in Ensenada, Mexico or contributing to international efforts to eradicate polio.  Avalon Rotary meets weekly on Wednesdays at 12:15 at the Country Club conference room.