Full house

QUINCY — The crowd filled the Quincy Business and Event Center as the fundraising auction and dinner sponsored by the Quincy Valley Chamber of Commerce and Quincy Rotary Club returned after a pandemic-induced break.

“This is the first one in three years,” said Rotary president Gigi Lowry. Normally it’s held every other year, she said.

“There’s always been pretty good attendance. It’s kind of like the event of the year,” she said.

Chamber executive director Cari Mathews said the dinner sold out. “Salute to Service” was the 2022 theme, in recognition of active-duty military, veterans and first responders including the Quincy Police Department, Grant County Fire District 3 and Protection 1 EMS.

The total raised was not available at press time.

The money raised helps support Rotary projects and Chamber events, Mathews and Lowry said. Proceeds go to Rotary scholarships, the club’s support for the Quincy Food Bank and its support for a program to provide clothing for children in the Quincy School District, among other projects

The Rotary has provided ongoing support for beautification projects at the Quincy Cemetery and the annual displays of lighted Christmas decorations along Interstate 90. Repairs to the George Senior Center and support for the Quincy Senior Center are among the projects supported by the Chamber.

The dinner allowed attendees to break out their best bib and tucker, and there was lively conversation and a little table-hopping.

The evening led off with the silent auction, which featured themed baskets, art, packages for wine and food. The live auction with auctioneer Chuck Yarbro followed, with items including trip packages, a wine club membership, dinner packages, tickets to sporting events and not one but two pellet grills.

Participants also had the option of participating in a dessert fundraiser and a competition between Washington State University and University of Washington fans.

Cheryl Schweizer may be reached at cschweizer@columbiabasinherald.com.