SMOKEY POINT — The Arlington-Smokey Point Chamber of Commerce’s champagne and silent auction raised an estimated $15,000 April 10, as close to 100 attendees dressed up for the James Bond-themed event at the Medallion Hotel.

Heather Logan, assistant administrator of Cascade Valley Hospital, has attended the annual auction for the past four years, and sees it as an enjoyable way of supporting the services that the Chamber provides to the community.

“I always try to get a bargain, but that never works at a fundraising auction,” Logan laughed. “It’s just fun to see people in the community dressed up, in a place where they’re not rushing to get out in an hour. You can actually stop and chit-chat for a while.”

Dave Kuhl, community development director for the city of Arlington, tends to shop for art at such auctions, and was in the market for the massages and bottles of wine being offered as well. As for incoming Marysville Soroptimist President Renae James, she was keeping an eye out for what she deemed “more practical” gifts.

“There was one for estate planning services,” James said. “It’s a lot of fun connecting with people in the community, and wearing dresses that you wear maybe once a year.”

Chamber President Julie Morse believes that the “Casino Royale” theme and sustained promotion for the event helped draw more attendees than the previous year’s event.

“We put the word out in our newsletter and website, the latter of which offered online registration,” Morse said. “Plus, I’ve been talking about this since November of last year. We raised more money than last year, too.”

Morse noted that proceeds from the auction go toward scholarships for Arlington and Lakewood students, as well as Arlington’s Fourth of July parade and fireworks, and other community activities.