by Matthew Nash

Sequim Gazette

For one night, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Olympic Peninsula’s upcoming auction and dinner gives locals plenty of opportunity to shine while helping school children.

“A Night to Sparkle” on Saturday, Nov. 12, is the Sequim and Port Angeles’ clubs biggest fundraiser of the year.

Janet Gray, resource development director, said they’ve set a goal of $200,000.

Last year was the first time the clubs reached a goal in several years. More than 300 items were auctioned off and the clubs grossed about $200,000. It also received $65,000 toward club memberships and Snack Attack, the after-school food program. Donations for snacks and memberships continue this year.

Gray has helped coordinate more than 250 silent auction items, with more coming in daily, and 30 live auction items. The clubs’ 23rd auction is her first, but she’s served as auction chairman for the Trey Green Guild since 2006.

“The approach is the same,” she said. “What I bring from the Trey Green Guild will only help this one and vice-versa.”

Some of the silent auction items include several locally handcrafted goods such as quilts, art and woodwork, more than 20 restaurant gift certificates, power tools, jewelry, handbags, scarves and wine.

“Silent auctions are a great place to get a deal,” Gray said. “Oftentimes, things don’t go for their full price. You donate to get something you’d buy anyway.”

Live auction items include trips to scenic locations like Hawaii, a flight to the Boeing Flight Museum with a private tour, monthly breakfasts at The Oak Table Cafe, a quart of Jose’s Famous Salsa each week, a custom coffee table from Westport Shipyard, a handcrafted rocking horse and more.

Gray said people typically bid on life experiences such as trips and they love special dinner events.

To tie into their sparkling theme, a quarter-karat diamond from Plaza Jewelers in Sequim is being raffled for $20 a ticket. Staff also continues the treasure chest raffle to win $1,000 at $25 per key.

Entertainment includes performances from students in the club, a speech from Sequim Youth of the Year Ali Taija and a string quartet.

Gray said table and event sponsorships are doing well and are up from years past. The next steps are finishing catalog production, the schedule of events and decorations.

Tickets are $100 per person. To RSVP, contact the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Olympic Peninsula, 400 W. Fir St., Sequim, at 683-8095.

Reach Matthew Nash at mnash@sequimgazette.com.