FORKS — Organizers of the 41st annual Quillayute Valley Scholarship Auction are hoping West End residents will once again open their wallets to help local graduates.
Last year, $72,653 was raised during the two-day event.
Organizers are hoping to top that amount this year to help more than 85 Forks High School and Quileute Tribal School graduates continue their education.
Money generated can be used to help graduates pursuing a postsecondary education including college, technical training programs and apprenticeships.
“The auction is so awesome,” said Forks High School senior McKinnon Hanson, a student auction co-chair.
“We do receive a lot of support. When I talk to people from other schools, they are shocked and jealous of the support we get.”
Scholarships will vary in amount and depend on the needs of students.
Past graduates
Students who previously graduated from either school and are already attending college or other training programs can also apply for scholarship money.
“The scholarship auction is an amazing event each year, and the whole community gets involved,” said Quillayute Valley School District Business Manager Bruce Thomas.
“There is a spirit that is kindled — blackberry pies sell for $80, homemade bread for $50 and wooden chests built by OCC (Olympic Corrections Center) for $700.
“But it is not about the money; it is about helping kids in the community.”
The scholarship auction is a private organization separate from the Quillayute Valley School District.
“Some people save during the year just to buy items at the auction, because all of the money goes back to the kids,” said Dave Robinson, Quillayute Valley Scholarship Auction Committee chairman.
“It is one of the largest community events, and people come down to the bank to visit and have fun outbidding each other.”
Held in bank lobby
The auction will be held in the Bank of America lobby, 481 S. Forks Ave., on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Items will be auctioned by area volunteers as well as special guests, including state Sen. Jim Hargrove and Rep. Jim Buck, R-Joyce.
Rep. Lynn Kessler, D-Hoquiam, has also been asked to serve as an auctioneer, but has not confirmed whether she will be able to attend.
All items to be auctioned are donated, and the event is coordinated by students and community volunteers.
“A little bit of everything can be found during the auction,” said Marcia Bingham, a chair of the scholarship auction committee.
“Stuff comes in throughout the auction on both days, so you never know what will be up for bid.”
Those who cannot attend the auction can still participate.
The event will be broadcast live on cable TV channel 19 and on radio KLLM 103.9 FM, allowing people to bid on items from home.
Telephone numbers
Dedicated auction phone lines — 360-374-2261, 360-374-2268 or 360-374-2264 — will be staffed by volunteers both days of the event.
