Mount Vernon, WA — Skagit Valley College hosted its 23rd Annual Athletic Auction on Feb. 28 and raised more than $145,000 in support of student-athletes and the athletics program at SVC.
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 SVC’s nine athletic teams and 160 student-athletes.
A key moment of the evening featured student-athletes Malcolm Clark, a member of the men’s basketball team, and Mallory Butenschoen, a women’s volleyball, basketball, and softball player, who shared their experiences as student-athletes at SVC.
Additionally, SVC Athletics recognized Kevin Paul, a tribal member of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, for his significant contributions to the college. Paul is a master carver of contemporary and traditional Native American carvings and has generously supported the annual athletics auction and other college initiatives through numerous donations of his original artwork. In addition to his artistic contributions, he has shared his knowledge and cultural traditions by leading art workshops for the college community. Through his generosity, creativity, and engagement, Paul has helped raise support for student-athletes while fostering cultural appreciation and strengthening connections between the college and the broader community.
Some auction items included: a 12’ Mocean Scout kayak; “Seahawk Spirit” Native American artwork by Swinomish Tribes Master Carver Kevin Paul; framed autographed photos of Hall of Famer Ichiro and Cal Raleigh; and an all-inclusive Alaskan fishing adventure in Petersburg, Alaska. Additional auction items included trips to Lake Chelan, Big island, HI, Suncadia, Gamble Sands, and Guemes Island; a 35-person Paella feast; a Seattle cultural getaway; golf getawawy at 7 Cedars; Seattle sports fanatic package with tickets to the Kracken and Mariners; a beverage cooler and recliner; a portable hot tub; a gravel and work party package; dinner and hotel stay for eight at the Swinomish Casino and Lodge; “Soaring Spirit” eagle metal artwork; and a Mariners VIP experience.
SVC Athletics also recognizes and appreciates the continued partnership and support from Northwest Tribal communities, including the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Swinomish Casino & Lodge, Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians, Tulalip Tribes, and the Colville Tribe. Their generosity and ongoing collaboration play an important role in the success of the athletics auction and in supporting opportunities for SVC student-athletes.
Many local businesses also contributed to the auction through sponsorships at various levels. Columbia Bank served as the Diamond sponsor. Platinum sponsors included TRICO and Baird Private Wealth Management & Stewart Carter Group. BoatLaw.com and the JSMF – Jack and Shirley McIntyre Foundation served as Gold sponsors. Silver sponsors included Big Rock Pickleball, WaFD Bank, Banner Bank, Mountain Pacific Bank, Blade Chevrolet, and Gateway Automotive Experts. Bronze sponsors included Cook CPAs and Consultants, Hampton Inn, Esary Roofing, and State Farm.
“This community continues to show up in incredible ways,” said SVC Athletic Director Mitch Freeman. “We are incredibly grateful to see our community come together to create more opportunities for our student-athletes. This event continues to grow each year, and that’s a true credit to our supporters, the SVC Auction Committee, our coaches, senior leadership, staff, and volunteers who make it possible. Most importantly, it reflects the dedication and impact of our student-athletes. Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s event such a success.”
The annual Athletic Auction remains one of SVC Athletics’ most impactful fundraising events, raising critical support for scholarships and program needs while celebrating the strong community partnerships that help student-athletes succeed both in competition and in the classroom.
SVC has set the date for the 24th annual Athletic Auction for Saturday, Feb. 27, 2027, at the Swinomish Casino & Lodge.
For more information, visit athletics.skagit.edu.
Media Contact Info
Marisa Pierce, Executive Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications
360.416.7957
marisa.pierce@skagit.edu