Boys & Girls Club auction nets about $100K

Auction-goers revel

MOSES LAKE - Among a sea of about 300 people partying to the James Bond theme at the Boys & Girls Club's auction Saturday, JR Garcia and his daughter Desiree were selling fake rings for $20 each.

JR and Desiree, 18, were selling the cheap-looking bands so people could have their names entered into a diamond draw for a real half-carat diamond. (Shannon Hintz of Moses Lake later won the diamond).

The Garcia family appeared to be the poster children of a family involved in the club. JR helped with the auction Saturday and Desiree was also volunteering and her mom, Stacey, is a club board member. Desiree's brother, Dustin, 14, and sister, Danielle, 9, have also gone through the club.

"I'm here to raise money for the kids and to raise money for the club," said Desiree. She was voted youth of the year last year and she visited Olympia where she met the governor and various legislative representatives, her dad said.

JR said the club brings a lot to the community because it helps kids.

Danielle added that club activities keep kids out of trouble.

The annual auction is the main fund-raiser for the organization. The event helps pay for student scholarships to the club, staff salaries and supplies, said Brant Mayo, the club's executive director.

"This helps close the gap," he explained.

On Sunday, it was estimated that the auction netted close to $100,000 or more than $100,000, said Mayo. Last year, roughly $90,000 to $95,000 was raised, he noted.

"We did better than we did last year and we're very pleased with that, with the economy how it is," Mayo said. He added that people were very generous.

Mayo said they want to increase awareness among the public about the club and its mission.

Deb Graser, with the auction committee, said the main auction sponsor is the Lioness Club of Moses Lake, with a $5,000 donation. The event sponsors were the Columbia Basin Herald, Gottschalks, Midway Beverages and Business Interiors & Equipment Inc.

Last year, the event sold out at the door. This year, the event sold out weeks in advance, she explained.

"It just grew and grew over the years," Graser said. "It's great. Every year, it's more fun."

On Saturday, music from James Bond movies was playing over the loudspeaker and the dining room d/cor was mainly black with framed vintage posters.

Some men were clad in white and black dinner jackets, while some women wore striking evening dresses. A James Bond look-alike representing the Sean Connery era was even on hand.

Club President Rory Knapp recognized Moses Lake dentist Finley Grant for his 14 years of service on the board and called his efforts "unmatched."

Rhonda Steele, Michele Dano-Rodriguez and Debbie Polito were also recognized for their work with the event.

Chef Kevin Whitcomb from Gonzaga University was thanked for his work in preparing the evening's meal.