First Legacy Auction for Swinomish youth makes successful debut

By Luisa Loi

La Conner Community News

The Swinomish Boys & Girls Club’s Legacy Auction sent over 200 guests into a solidarity frenzy Saturday, culminating in $165,000 raised to support youth programs and the construction of a new club facility.

As auctioneer Mike Jungers darted between tables at the Swinomish Casino & Lodge’s Wa Walton Event Center (his auction chant producing more syllables per second than any wine-fogged mind could process), bidders raised just over $25,000, securing a variety of live auction treasures. The Swinomish royalty also made an appearance, dancing to the Canoe Family’s singing.

The first Legacy Auction, set to be an annual event, proved to be a cut above other auctions when, outside the venue, artist Kyle Christopherson wowed the crowd by chainsawing a piece of wood into a sculpture.

Unit Director Charles Edwards said the event amassed $105,000 in ticket sales and sponsorships alone. Guests also placed their bids on desserts (raising $4,000) as well as silent auction prizes ($10,000), played a high-stakes game of heads and tails ($2,600), and donated over $16,300 to help the club provide healthy meals, supplies and field trips for over 250 young members from Swinomish and La Conner.

Now, he hopes the club will be able to raise more funds at its fourth annual Golf Tournament on July 16, meeting this year’s fundraising goal of $300,000, he said.

In his speech, Swinomish Senate Chairman Steve Edwards thanked everyone for attending and supporting the club’s mission. The Tribe, he said, is preparing for the next seven generations, encouraging and giving children the tools to become whoever they want to be.

“We’re investing in kids,” he said. “We’re investing in the future.”

Luisa Loi is a general assignment reporter for La Conner Community News.