The Edmonds Community College Foundation auction last month raised more than $230,000 in support of access, success and excellence for students, faculty, and staff at the college.

“Even with the challenge of tough economic times and the growing number of students, our guests and donors remained extremely generous and raised their paddles for the students at Edmonds Community College,” said Susie Beresford, an Edmonds resident who manages events for the Foundation. “Our community continues to amaze us with the support they provide to those who are dedicated to working hard and improving their lives for themselves and their families.”

More than 230 people attended the auction, which is the foundation’s largest fundraiser. Auction items included high-caliber wines, Northwest travel packages, and fine dining. A highlight was the bidding for a nearly 7-foot-tall replica of the Eiffel Tower, created by Kris and Alex Muhlestein by using hundreds of wine corks.

Many local businesses supported the auction, including the presenting sponsor, Comprehensive Wealth Management. Corporate sponsors included The Boeing Co. and Premera Blue Cross. Table sponsors included Beresford Booth, PLLC, DLR Group, Harbor Square Athletic Club, Mountain Pacific Bank, Reid Middleton, Swedish Hospital and Whidbey Island Bank.

Auction items were donated by local businesses, including the following from Edmonds: Arista Wine Cellars, American Brewing Company, Bar Dojo, Bill the Butcher, Café Louvre, Cline Jewelers, Demetris Woodstone Taverna, The Cheesemonger’s Table, Edmonds Bookshop, The Loft, Portofino Pizza, Gallaghers’ Where-U-Brew, Edmonds Theater, Embellished, Red Petal Cakes, Frosted Cupcakes and Cakes, Here and There – An Anywhere Grill, J. Rankin Jewellers, Chanterelle, Walnut Street Coffee, Jack Murphys Bar, Segway of Edmonds, Rusty Pelican Café, Revelations Yogurt & Dessert Bar, Quietude Massage Therapy, Milltown Nails and Skin Care, The Wooden Spoon Kitchen Shop, Nama’s Candy Store, Edmonds Center for the Arts, Glazed & Amazed, and A Very Taki Tiki Bar & Grill.

During the 2011-12 school year, the Foundation awarded $143,000 in scholarships and emergency funds to students and contributed $221,000 in direct support to college programs. For more information about the Foundation, call 425-640-1274, email foundation@edcc.edu or visit www.edcc.edu/foundation.