SMOKEY POINT — The Soroptimist International of Marysville raised more than $28,000 during their annual auction — this year themed “When I Grow Up” — on Saturday, Oct. 13 at the Medallion Hotel in Smokey Point.
More than 160 local Soroptimist members, business owners and professionals crowded the Pilchuck Dining Hall at the hotel, to peruse the hundreds of available auction items, many donated by local businesses or put together by Soroptimist members. Several attendees dressed to the theme, as police officers, pilots, cowgirls, veterinarians and more. The theme “When I Grow Up” was chosen to highlight the Soroptimist International of Marysville’s goal to help women and children the achieve their dreams.
The event included four silent auctions and one live auction. Items included holiday gift baskets, handmade wreaths, a spy camera, a wheelbarrow of beer, weekend vacations and more. The event also included a dessert dash, where tables competed for their favorite desserts, donated by local bakeries and individuals with pastry skills.
The auction serves as the club’s main fundraising effort for the year, and the money raised at the event is eventually used to support a variety of local organizations and causes, including the Marysville Library, the Marysville Community Food Bank, the YMCA of Snohomish County, the Center for Domestic Violence, and scholarships for high school students.
Danielle DiBonaventura was one of those students and she spoke of the impact that the opportunity gave her. “I received a scholarship in 1989,” she said. “It was the first of 15 scholarships I got and it went to help cover books and tuition for me at Seattle University for four years.”
Renae James, president of Soroptimist International of Marysville, spoke about the goals of the Soroptimist organization in helping women, and putting an end to things like human trafficking and domestic violence. She also said she was excited that, in the last two months, the group had already added 10 new members.
Veronica Love, vice-president of the Soroptimist International of Marysville and auction chair, was happy with the turnout of the event.
“I think we did a good job this year,” she said. “There is definitely more attendance than last year. It’s our biggest ever. The atmosphere was fun and uplifting.”
Although the night was a fun one for attendees, Love stressed the importance of what the Soroptimist club aims to do.
“To me, it’s important that they come out to support us, because this is for helping others, helping kids. It’s very near and dear to all of our hearts. Most people think human trafficking doesn’t happen here, but it does. And these events help us stop it from happening and raise awareness.”
The Soroptimist International of Marysville meets the first and third Tuesdays from September through June at Fanny’s Restaurant in Marysville at 7 a.m. For more information visit www.simarysville-wa.org.
