Editor,

The Coupeville Lions give their heartfelt thanks to all of your generosity of time and spirit in making the Coupeville Lions Eighth Annual Scholarship Auction an enormous success.

It is clear that this simple fundraiser idea, hatched by a Coupeville Lion nearly 10 years ago, has become Coupeville High School’s largest contributor of scholarships for higher education.

Last year 20 graduates received scholarships totaling $23,600, which was raised in the space of four hours in March 2012.

We have worked hard to cover event expenses by seeking donations of goods, services and funds.

Once again, Walt Blackford, Puget Sound Energy, helped significantly as our primary sponsor. We have clearly met our goal of insuring all monies raised at auction will stream directly into the Lions Scholarship Fund.

The Oak Harbor Elks Lodge provided Lions unrestricted use of their staff, kitchen and tableware.

Our musical talent was brilliantly provided by The Jerry Jones Quintet, with seamless assistance from Barry and Kathy Rix on sound. Beth Kuchynka, bayleaf, every year, attends to our choice of wine and provides spectacular displays of cheese to stimulate the appetites of over 150 participants. This year was over the top!

Our hardy soups were prepared and donated by Christopher’s on Whidbey, Mosquito Fleet and Front Street Grill, who also donated the green salad. The breads were donated by Kakie’s Bakery, Brett’s Bread, Knead & Feed and Screaming Banshee.

The tender mussels in Christopher’s chowder were donated by Penn Cove Shellfish.

Gloria Mickunas, Whidbey Party Girls, expertly guided 20 eager and totally capable CHS National Honor Society student volunteers as the evening’s wait-staff, busy serving and clearing tables for over 150 guests.

Our student staff also assisted in the kitchen preparing food, during the dessert auction and parading our live auction objects.

We are always so fortunate to have on-board auctioneer, farmer and friend, Dale Sherman and his lovely wife Liz who put up with the antics of Lion Bob Clay to sell a wide-ranging selection of “live” auction offers including fresh cut green cord wood from the Coupeville Lions to an American  Pronghorn Antelope head of questionable age, to a dinner for eight, Downton Abbey Style.

The eight years of the continued and increased success of the Coupeville Lions Scholarship Auction are an effort made less daunting by the work of many hands.

We Serve.

Jackie Feusier and Vicky Reyes

Coupeville Lions