The Coupeville Lions Club put together its seventh-annual auction and dinner to raise scholarship money for Coupeville High School graduates and, as predicted, last Saturday’s auction did not disappoint.

More than 170 people enjoyed bidding on 138 auction items, gift certificates, experiences, baskets and opportunities donated by individuals and businesses on Central Whidbey and beyond. The Oak Harbor Elks Lodge provided a comfortable venue and the manager, Kerry Allen, accommodated every need with a professional charm that impressed all.

Coupeville High National Honor Society students served a fabulous clam chowder and vegetarian chili in bread bowls under the direction of Gloria Mickunas, owner of Whidbey Party Girls!

Beth Kuchynka, Owner of Bayleaf in Coupeville and Oak Harbor, worked with Lion Ron Wilkinson to select four outstanding Washington wines and a range of cheeses and crackers beautifully displayed and voraciously consumed. During the silent auction portion of the evening, bidders danced from table to table to familiar American standards arranged and played by Jerry Jones’ Whidbey Jazz Quintet.

Desserts prepared by some of the finest home bakers on the island were also auctioned, with the highest bidding tables choosing first. Auctioneer Dale Sherman and Lion Bob Clay had the audience raising their bid paddles and laughing in the aisles during the live auction. All told, this fundraiser earned over $20,000 for the Lions Scholarship Fund.

Last year, 23 Coupeville High School graduates received scholarships totaling $27,000. This year the Lions Scholarship Committee will again step up to the challenge thanks to the support of all those who attended the Coupeville Lions Club Scholarship Auction, which was once again supported by Peoples Bank and Peoples Home Loan Center and sponsored by Puget Sound Energy Community Service.