Coupeville Lions auction nets $27,000 for scholarships

Coupeville Lions Club raised an estimated $27,000 during its annual Scholarship Auction, held Feb. 18 at the Oak Harbor Elks Lodge.

More than 130 people spent the evening bidding on 77 auction items, gift certificates, experiences, services and opportunities donated by individuals and businesses.

Eighteen Coupeville High School National Honor Society and Coupeville Leos Club students served a dinner prepared family-style by Elks Lodge staff and volunteers. Guests also noshed on wine, cheese and crackers provided by bayleaf.

In a sweet note, the annual Dessert Auction added a big slice of money for scholarships.

“Vicky Reyes also organized an over-the-top Dessert Auction that earned better than $3,800 – a new record,” said Lion Jackie Feusier. “Eighteen desserts were prepared by some of the finest home bakers on the island, then auctioned with the highest bidding table choosing first.”

Auctioneer Dale Sherman and side-kick, Lion Bob Clay, plowed through a short list of auction offers.

“Everyone enjoyed the lively rapport between Bob, Dale and the bidders overcome by the bidding frenzy,” Feusier said. “All told, this fundraiser will net about $27,000 for this year’s scholarship recipients. It is important to know that event expenses were funded in advance by ticket sales and our success in securing sponsorship from a host of financial supporters.

“This practice ensures every penny raised during the Coupeville Lions Scholarship Auction will be awarded to Class of 2017 selectees.”

This year, the Lions Scholarship Awards Committee will decide on a wide range of scholarships ranging between $1,000 and $5,000. Scholarships represent the trust and encouragement Coupeville Lions and fellow community members have in the youth of Central Whidbey Island to continue their educations beyond high school, Feusier said.