MARYSVILLE The Marysville Soroptimists will be holding their annual auction next month to raise funds for their many endeavors in the community.
The womens group holds several events throughout the year, but the fall auction is their biggest fundraiser by far.
Last year they raised more than $20,000 and it was the main support for their generous scholarships benefiting local high school graduates.
Alice Demmig is a long-time member who helps select the students of the month from a couple of Marysville high schools. At the end of the year about a dozen local kids get a hand with their college education from the Soroptimists at their annual scholarship banquet. The Soroptimists also support Operation Marysville Community Christmas, the Marysville Community Food Bank, several nursing homes and many other good causes.
But raising the money can be a lot of fun, according to Louise Alexander-Way. Each year the auction has a different nationality for a theme; this years is Tuscan Harvest. The $35 ticket includes admission and dinner, with the live auction and a silent auction as well. Dress is casual and the mood is always fun, Alexander-Way said. She has been involved with the Soroptimists for seven years and always has fun.
It gives me a chance to network with ladies all over western Washington and all over, she said.
The deals are pretty good, too, and past years have seen lots of prime items such as brand new toasters, trips to exotic locations, furniture and much more.
Lots of great deals, Alexander-Way said.
Demmig was especially proud of the fact that all of the money the Soroptimists raise is donated to the many good causes the group supports.
The auction will be held Oct. 19 at the Tulalip Inn. Doors open at 5:30, with dinner at 7:30 and the event goes until 9. For more information or to donate auction items or to purchase tickets call Caroline Brown at 360-651-1605 or email to cbrown@ymca-snoco.org