Final numbers still aren’t in, but the Sequim Valley Lions Club is counting their 12th annual crab and silent auction fundraiser a definite success.
All 450 crabs that the Lions purchased from fisherman Joe Luce were sold during the June 28 fundraising event, along with sides and drinks, according to marketing chair Cely Alhaddad. Pizza, wine and beer were also sold.
The event was held at Pioneer Memorial Park and coincided with the Clallam County Master Gardener Foundation’s Petals & Pathways Tour. One of the gardens on the tour was at Pioneer Park.
A record number of almost 250 auction and raffle donations – items as well as experiences and gift certificates – were donated by 150 businesses and individuals.
“The final numbers are still being tallied, since we are still collecting from auction winners… but it was very successful and so worth the work,” Alhaddad said.
Lion’s Club members posited that one reason there were so many donations is because of the organization’s recent commitment to supply the funds needed to pave the walkway around the James Center bandshell in Carrie Blake Community Park.
“Construction should begin later this year,” Alhaddad said. “We are hoping to have a date set after the Lavender Festival is wrapped up.”
Following their global organization’s motto “We Serve,” the Sequim Valley Lions have provided monetary assistance and labor to the local community for nearly 60 years, according to their website.
At many events throughout the year volunteers with the nonprofit service organization are present, offering affordable food, hosting a beer garden or assisting other community-minded organizations.
Money raised by the Lions goes to at least 31 other community service organizations and projects, according to information distributed at the crab feed.
Speaking near the silent auction tables, new member Jeff Brown explained that he joined the organization after a thorough examination of the possible places at which he could volunteer his time.
“Everything we raise, except for costs, goes to charity,” he said. “Whether it is school scholarships, helping the blind to see, recycling used glasses, building handicap ramps for people who can’t afford them…. The things we contribute to the community – it’s phenomenal.”
More information about the Sequim Valley Lions Club can be found at https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/sequim_valley/.
Sequim Gazette photo by Emily Matthiessen/ The Sequim Valley Lions Club have committed to pave the pathway around Carrie Blake Community Park’s James Center bandshell, seen here on Independence Day 2025.
Sequim Gazette photo by Emily Matthiessen / At Sequim Valley Lion’s 12th annual Crab Feed in Pioneer Park on Saturday Eric MacDonald holds a plate with a whole crab dinner. MacDonald said that this was the first time he’d attended. From left to right in the background, Stan Dame, Josie Carroll and Vanessa Mills served food with a smile at the five hour event which also featured live music from Dawn and Steve and a silent auction.
Sequim Gazette photo by Emily Matthiessen/ Sequim Valley Lions Club members Vanessa Mills, Stan Dame and June Nicholas prepare plates of Dungeness Crab at the 12th Annual Crab Feed in Pioneer Memorial Park June 28. 450 crabs were bought and sold for the event, which raised money for local projects and other non-profits.
Sequim Gazette photo by Emily Matthiessen/ Dawn and Steve perform at the Sequim Valley Lion’s Club annual Crab Feed fundraiser.
Sequim Gazette photo by Emily Matthiessen/ Silent auction tables at the Sequim Valley Lions Club’s 12th Annual Crab Feed offer up a range of items and experiences.
Sequim Gazette photo by Emily Matthiessen/ People congregate at the purchase line of the 12th Annual Crab Feed in Sequim’s Pioneer Memorial Park on June 28.
Sequim Gazette photo by Emily Matthiessen/
Sequim Gazette photo by Emily Matthiessen/
Sequim Gazette photo by Emily Matthiessen/ Dungeness Crab from 7 Cedars are brought in live on the morning of the Sequim Valley Lions’ 10th annual Crab Feed.
