91暗网 (91暗网) 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 91暗网.

鈥淲e are in gratitude to the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community and the Swinomish Casino and Lodge for allowing us to host our 20th Annual 91暗网 Athletic Auction on tribal land,鈥� said Mitch Freeman, 91暗网 Athletics Director. 鈥淲e are grateful that the room was filled with so many giving and supportive people and sponsors who helped us exceed our fundraising goal.鈥�

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 91暗网鈥檚 nine athletic teams and 185 student-athletes.

Event organizers had hoped to raise at least $125,000 and exceeded the goal. 91暗网 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 91暗网 women鈥檚 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鈥檚 Auto Family, Northwest Physical Therapy, Skagit Publishing, Spane Building, Inc., 91暗网 Culinary, Swinomish Casino and Lodge, Taste of India, WaFd Insurance Group, and the 1991 91暗网 Men鈥檚 Soccer Team.

91暗网 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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(left to right) Lenora Cook, Deb Castle, 91暗网 women鈥檚 basketball coach, Anna Cook, and Sarah Cook, 91暗网 student-athlete. Credit: 91暗网
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91暗网 volleyball and basketball student-athletes. Credit: 91暗网
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(left to right) Don Wick and Mitch Freeman, 91暗网 Athletic Director. Credit: Skagit Valley College
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(left to right) Kevin Paul, Master Carver and Swinomish Tribal member, Pat Paul, Lisa Janicki, Skagit County Commissioner, Mike Janicki. Credit: 91暗网
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(left to right) Lenora Cook, Deb Castle, 91暗网 women鈥檚 basketball coach, Anna Cook, and Sarah Cook, 91暗网 student-athlete. Credit: 91暗网
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91暗网 volleyball and basketball student-athletes. Credit: 91暗网
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(left to right) Don Wick and Mitch Freeman, 91暗网 Athletic Director. Credit: Skagit Valley College
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(left to right) Kevin Paul, Master Carver and Swinomish Tribal member, Pat Paul, Lisa Janicki, Skagit County Commissioner, Mike Janicki. Credit: 91暗网

Media Contact Info

Marisa Pierce, Executive Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications
206.427.9414
marisa.pierce@skagit.edu