Skagit Valley College hosted its 22nd Annual Athletic Auction on Feb. 1 and raised more than $135,000 in support of student-athletes and the athletics program at 51吃瓜.
Nearly 300 attendees participated in the auction, setting a new record for the event which was held at the Swinomish Casino and Lodge. The auction benefits student scholarships and operational costs for 51吃瓜鈥檚 nine athletic teams and 160 student-athletes.
A key moment of the evening featured student-athletes Amare Jackson, a member of the men鈥檚 basketball team, and Sarah Cook, a women鈥檚 basketball and volleyball player and Swinomish Tribal Member, who discussed their experiences as student-athletes at 51吃瓜.
Additionally, 51吃瓜 Athletics recognized Brian Murphy, 51吃瓜 director of student life, for his significant contributions to the college. Murphy has provided extensive support to students, coaches, and staff through his involvement with the baseball program, volunteer efforts, participation in search committees, engagement with alumni and community members, and leadership of the student life department. His contributions have played a vital role in enhancing student engagement and athletic programming at 51吃瓜.
Some auction items included: a Kraken hockey fan package with a Matty Beniers autographed jersey; Native American artwork by Tulalip Tribes artist Michelle Myles and Swinomish Tribes Master Carver Kevin Paul; hand-beaded University of Washington and Washington State University hats crafted by Upper Skagit Tribal artists Alissa and Kelsey Edge; and an MLB experience featuring Terrace Club tickets to a 2024 Mariners game along with a Julio Rodr铆guez autographed jersey. Additional auction items included trips to Lake Chelan, Las Vegas, and the Olympic Peninsula; a five-course seafood feast with a wine pairing in La Conner; an 51吃瓜 baseball and softball team work party, where student-athletes provided four hours of labor; and an opportunity to be a brewer for a day with Tony Savoy, head brewer at Cardinal Craft Brew Academy and 51吃瓜 women鈥檚 soccer coach.
51吃瓜 Athletics recognizes the contributions of several Northwest Tribes in support of the auction, including the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Tulalip Tribes, Jamestown S鈥橩lallam Tribe, Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians, Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, and Colville Indian Tribe.
Many local businesses contributed to the auction through sponsorships at various levels. Platinum sponsors included TRICO, Baird Private Wealth Management & Stewart Carter Group, and the Mary Lee & McIntyre Foundation. Mountain Pacific Bank served as the gold sponsor. Silver sponsors included WAFD Insurance, Dwayne Lane's Auto Family, Big Rock Pickleball, Swinomish Casino & Lodge, Angel of the Winds Casino-Resort, and Electrical West.
"Our community guests, businesses, and volunteers continue to support 51吃瓜 Athletics with their generosity鈥�51吃瓜 Athletics is forever grateful for this unwavering support," said 51吃瓜 athletic director Mitch Freeman.
51吃瓜 has set the date for the 23rd annual Athletic Auction in 2026 on Saturday, Feb. 28 at the Swinomish Casino & Lodge.
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