Renton Rotary Auction Hopes To "Raise A Fortune For the Community"

The auction, widely considered one of Renton’s best parties in town, is a fun and festive dress-up kind of evening, where thousands of dollars are raised. That money is then funneled back into several worthwhile causes and programs in the community.

This year’s 45th annual auction themed “Raising a Fortune for our Community,” will take place on March 19. The festivities kick off at 5 p.m. at , which is a new venue this year for the Rotarians.

Rotary president Terry Higashiyama, who also serves as Community Services Administrator with the City of Renton described the change of venue as a way to fortify the event.

“We changed the venue because we wanted to move everyone into one room, to bring a stronger sense of fellowship,” Higashiyama said.

Gene Heuschel, an event coordinator, said the new venue will help the Rotarians reduce the amount spent on the event, and increase the amount available for charity.

Mayor Denis Law, chair for this year’s event, said, “We hope to net over $140,000 this year, given the significant needs in our community due to the fallout from the national recession. While Rotary is the sponsor of this event, we welcome everyone from our community to help us achieve this goal by joining us March 19, which will result in vital support to many less fortunate.”

In the past, Renton Rotary has supported the Rotacare free medical clinic, The , high school and college scholarships, and many other non-profit organizations who have applied for grant funding.

Because of Valley Medical Center’s premiere sponsorship, the Rotacare clinic will continue to operate for another year. Other major  sponsors include platimum sponsor,   Gold sponsors, Waste Management, Puget Sound Energy, Alex & Norma Cugini; and Silver Sponsors, , and Renton Coil Spring.

The evening’s auction, will be led by auctioneers Stokes Auctioneers, and emceed by popular community member and Renton Rotarian, Rev. Kirby Unti, from in the Renton Highlands.

A special “raise the paddle” (which funds one specific cause for the evening)  for the evening will fund a long-standing Rotary program giving dictionaries to every third-grade student in Renton.

 Noteworthy auction items that the public may bid on include:

• A seven-course dinner for six people at the home of Bob Bridge (of ). The winning bidder can enjoy the evening in style with limousine service.
• Dinner for eight people with a Pacific Northwest theme at a private home on Lake Washington, catered by a professional chef.
• Salmon BBQ for 20 at your location in South King County. 
• Autographed Ichiro Suzuki Jersey, with a certificate of authenticity.
• Weekend in Winthrop which includes hot air balloon ride for six friends followed by dinner  at a AAA Four diamond award-winning Sun Mountain Lodge.  The package includes a two-night stay in three of the Gardner guest rooms at the Lodge. 
• Winner of the raffle ticket drawing has their choice of: A seven-night Alaskan cruise aboard Princess Cruises, or a seven-night stay in Maui in an Ocean Front condo, or $3,000 in cash.

Higashiyama said she thinks the Rotary auction is important, because even though the economy is down and fundraising is harder, it is a way that Rotarians can continue to give back to the community.

The event is now sold out. Contact Daniel.hammes@erau.edu to be put on the waiting list.