Going Once, Going Twice, Sold!

At a dinner in Groton on Jan. 8, Robert “Red” McKinney was honored by the East Hampton Village Lions Club as a Humanitarian nominee, along with other individuals that won awards from other clubs.  He was one of about 40 who were honored at a dinner of 200 people.

Mary Krogh, chairperson of the Lions Club International Foundation Humanitarian Award banquet in Groton, explained the award system.

“Each club submits one non-Lion person that either lives or works in their home community. The awards are decided by counties and there are four counties in our district. No one knows the semifinalist or finalist until the banquet.”

McKinney has become a well-known masterful auctioneer, raising thousands of dollars for different charitable organizations. He raised $300,000 at the Connecticut Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Manes in Motion is another organization for which his auctioneering raised funds. This organization provides therapeutic horseback riding for needy children.

Talking about his auctioneering skills McKinney said: “It’s the only thing that I can do and walk in the door with no preparation and go for it. It’s just a lot of yelling, hollering and pointing.”

East Hampton resident and Rotarian Alan Hobart said: “Whenever you need him, he’s there. He knows the audience. He knows who he can egg on. A lot of times it’s me. He did a great job with the auction for the 100th anniversary of the East Hampton Library. He doesn’t just help East Hampton, he has also helped others, like a couple with cardiac problems in the Rotary District.”

A three-time Paul Harris Fellow, McKinney joined the Rotary in 1974 and is the most senior of any current members.

“In 1978, Moe Lanzi had an idea and Dennis Erickson, Melissa Engel, others who are no longer here, and I came together and restarted the Old Home Days celebration that had been discontinued,” McKinney said.

“I have known Red since we were teenagers. Red is the kingpin of Old Home Days. He has been a spiritual guide. He always has a smile. He talked me into being president. He’s a super citizen and very proud to be a citizen of East Hampton,” Ted Turner said. “Any time there is a fundraiser that needs an auctioneer, he’s there. It’s about time somebody recognized him.”

Said McKinney: “When an organization does something like this, it is good for the town. The members of the Village Lions work very hard for the community.

“I was thrilled and very appreciative of the Village Lions for choosing me. I had been meeting with them about the upcoming auction and they never said a word. They kept it a secret.”

McKinney added, “The reception in Groton was pretty exciting. It was interesting to see what great works some of the people are doing. It’s an honor to be chosen.”

McKinney is looking forward to the upcoming Lions and Rotary auction in March.

“Lions and Rotary working together is cooperation at its best,” McKinney said.