Skagit Valley College raises record-high $130,000 to support student-athletes
Lenora Cook, Deb Castle, SVC women’s basketball coach, Anna Cook, and Sarah Cook, SVC student-athlete
Skagit Valley College (SVC) hosted its 20th Annual Athletic Auction on Feb. 4 and raised a record-high amount of more than $130,000 in support of student-athletes and the athletics program at SVC.
“We are in gratitude to the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community and the Swinomish Casino and Lodge for allowing us to host our 20th Annual SVC Athletic Auction on tribal land,” said Mitch Freeman, SVC Athletics Director. “We are grateful that the room was filled with so many giving and supportive people and sponsors who helped us exceed our fundraising goal.”
More than 240 people attended the auction which was held at the Swinomish Casino and Lodge. The auction benefits student scholarships and operational costs for SVC’s nine athletic teams and 185 student-athletes.
Event organizers had hoped to raise at least $125,000 and exceeded the goal. SVC President Dr. Christopher Villa provided a matching donation of $2,500 to help exceed the Fund the Need goal of $25,000 to more than $26,000.
Some auction items included: a Kraken hockey fan package; Native American art by Tulalip Tribes Artist Michelle Myles and Swinomish Tribes Master Carver, Kevin Paul; a Northwest golf package; MLB experience at the 2023 All Star Game Home Run Derby and Julio Rodriguez autographed bat and jersey; trips to Spokane, Las Vegas, and Hawaii; five-course seafood feast and wine pairing in La Conner; and a chance to be a brewer for a day with Tony Savoy, who also coaches the SVC women’s soccer team and the Head Brewer at Cardinal Craft Brew Academy.
Many local businesses supported the auction including the Event Underwriter: Baird Private Wealth Management and Stewart Carter Group. Platinum sponsors included: Proliance Surgeons and TRICO Companies. Gold sponsors included: SaviBank and the Jack and Shirley McIntyre Foundation. Silver sponsors included: Banner Bank, Dave Ryberg, Dwayne Lane’s Auto Family, Northwest Physical Therapy, Skagit Publishing, Spane Building, Inc., SVC Culinary, Swinomish Casino and Lodge, Taste of India, WaFd Insurance Group, and the 1991 SVC Men’s Soccer Team.
SVC has set the date for the 21st Annual Athletic Auction in 2024 on Saturday Feb. 3 at Swinomish Casino & Lodge.
For more information, visit skagit.edu/athletics.
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Skagit Valley College is making a difference throughout Skagit, Island, and San Juan counties by providing access to higher education for all who seek a better future. Part of what makes our college special is that we are deeply committed to equity in access, achievement, and community. Whether you are training for a new job, beginning your college experience, finishing the degree you started, adding English language skills, or pursuing a high school credential, Skagit Valley College welcomes you.