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<p><strong>From staff reports</strong></p>
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<p>Beaufort Water Search and Rescue (BWSAR) and Fripp Island Sea Rescue (FISR) are jointly hosting an online auction, one of two fundraisers held by the organizations.</p>
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<p>The auction is open and free to everyone. It runs from March 5 to 13 and can be found at: https://www.32auctions.com/FISRandBWSARAuction2022.</p>
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<p>Last year, the auction raised $19,000 for the two volunteer, water-rescue organizations, said Jan Manning, online auction chair. It is held in conjunction with another annual fundraiser – the popular St. Paddy’s Golf Tournament.</p>
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<p>“It sells out in about three weeks, which is wonderful,” Manning said. “We’re not complaining.”</p>
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<p>Because the golf tournament is so popular and can only accommodate a limited number of participants, the online auction was added to allow a much larger number of people to participate in the fundraising.</p>
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<p>BWSAR and FISR are volunteer organizations that serve the commercial and recreational boating community in water-related incidents and emergencies. Their primary mission is to assist boaters in distress. They conduct search and rescue missions to support and assist the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Coast Guard and state and federal law enforcement agencies.</p>
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<p>These local organizations require boats, motors, trailers, accessories, electronics, maintenance and fuel to provide these services to Beaufort County. Both organizations continually need to upgrade their equipment to be able to serve their respective waters. Community support is a critical component necessary for these groups to complete their missions.</p>
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<p>Among the items available for bidding are: golf foursomes at some of Beaufort County’s finest golf courses; Fripp and Hilton Head Island condominium rentals; catered dinners for four; an oyster roast for 25; spa sessions and fishing boat charters.</p>
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<p>Bidders will also be able to set up notifications when they have been outbid and on items they want to watch. Bidding starts at 8 a.m., Saturday, March 5 and continues through 5 p.m., Sunday, March 13.</p>
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<p>You can follow Fripp Island Sea Rescue on Facebook to view auction items at: https://www.facebook.com/FrippIslandSeaRescue.</p>
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<p>For more information, contact David Manning at (810) 441-2528 or frippislandsearescue@gmail.com.</p>
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