Skagit Valley College raises more than $145,000 to support student-athletes

(MOUNT VERNON)- 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, according to a news release from SVC.

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.

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.