Island Tidbits: Another Big Haul for Rotary Auction, Check out Putt-Putt Clash, Summer Concerts at Battle Point, Meet Artist Anne-Marie Sargent, Want to Help City Government?

Another Big Pay Day for the Rotary Auction 

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. In many ways, that old adage applies to Bainbridge Island’s annual Rotary Auction and Rummage Sale. But one thing that can’t be denied is the amount of money this Mother of All Fundraisers makes over just a mere six-hour period!

The auction, more of a humongous garage sale than anything resembling something you might witness at Sotheby’s in Manhattan, just completed its 64th year, and hundreds of volunteers and Rotarians cheered at a celebratory picnic Sunday afternoon July 14th when the final tally was announced.

Drum beat! If you’ve followed the auction over the years, or like many islanders you either volunteered at some point, or contributed any number of household items, there’s a certain desire burning within you that wants to know. What’s the number? Last year, the Auction & Rummage Sale took in $824,365. Wow. That number beat the previous year – 2022 – by almost $100,000. This year – 2024 – Rotary grossed $863,517, setting a new record for the signature event. The money will be used to support many worthwhile island causes, and a few international ones.

Check out Putt-Putt Clash, a Mini Golf Event This Coming Saturday 

Blackmouth Design (a Bainbridge Island based fabrication and design house) is hosting an event it calls Putt-Putt Clash, at his place of business on Day Road on Saturday July 20th.

What is it exactly? It’s a day of Mini golf, playing courses custom built by the local community (the company is currently accepting submissions). The event is in its third year, and the previous events were a great success, says Bryce Moulton of Blackmouth. “We’re hoping to make this year’s even more amazing!” If you’re handy and have a creative urge, it’s not too late to build a mini course. There’s no cost to enter. Click this link for more info

What to expect? 12 to 18 unique home-made courses!

When: Saturday, July 20th, noon to 8pm

Where: Blackmouth Design, 7689 NE Day Rd W, Bainbridge Island, WA

Tickets:  $10. Kids under 5 play for free!

After playing, participants can vote on their favorite course. After counting the votes, Moulton will announce the winners, and award a $500 grand prize! More information Visit: Putt-Putt Clash – Main — Blackmouth Design

Sounds of Summer Concert Series at Battle Point Park 

Grab your lawn chairs, blankets, family, and friends, and join Bainbridge Island Parks and Rec every Wednesday from 6:30-8:30 pm for free live music by top Pacific Northwest artists! Pack a picnic or grab dinner from a local food truck, play lawn games, and meet fellow islanders. It’s the perfect way to spend a summer evening! Parking is available off Battle Point Road near the softball fields. Don’t miss out on the fun!

Sounds of Summer Concert Series

7/17 — Eden

7/24 — The High Steppers

7/31 — Chance McKinney

8/7 — Reposada

8/14 — The West Coast Feed

8/21 — Backstreet JellyRoll

8/28 — Leroy Bell and His Only Friends

Battle Point Park | Wednesdays | 6:30-8:30p | FREE

Serve on the City’s Human Services Funding Taskforce

The City of Bainbridge Island is looking for enthusiastic applicants to join its Human Services Funding Task Force! Applications are due by July 31.

Every year, the City provides vital financial support to local nonprofit organizations to bolster human services programs. Using a two-year funding cycle, the city invites proposals from nonprofits that aim to serve Bainbridge Island residents. The Human Services Funding Advisory Task Force reviews these proposals and makes funding recommendations.

Interested in making a difference? Learn more about the Task Force here and apply today by clicking the link below. Don’t miss your chance to contribute to our community! Human Services Funding Advisory Task Force | Bainbridge Island, WA – Official Website (bainbridgewa.gov)

View Artist Ann-Marie Sargent’s Exhibition at the Library 

Bainbridge artist Ann-Marie Sargent’s exhibit titled, “Getting the Roof Over the Cabin,” is on display at the Bainbridge Public Library through the end of July.

Here’s a description of her work: Anne-Marie started watercolor painting in her early 40s. After an anniversary trip to Orcas where she tried to paint the cabin and made its roof float over the garden, she started studying drawing, too. She found Sketchbook Skool online, started keeping sketchbooks and drawing a little bit each day, and began to see more success with her paintings.

Anne-Marie particularly enjoys drawing on location, including while commuting, traveling, and around Bainbridge, capturing scenes and memories in a what she calls a “sketch journal.” The paintings on display are scenes she has photographed, places she has visited, and flowers from her garden and neighborhood.

She teaches classes for the Bainbridge Parks District. Her students, she says, appreciate her encouragement and emphasis on the process and pleasure of painting, and not worrying about making “mistakes.” She has been impressed with the remarkable talents of so many of her students who have taken on the challenge of enjoying what she has found to be wonderful way to relax and to relate to the world around us.

You can view her exhibit during regular library hours (unless a program happening). A portion of sales is donated to the library.

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