With the support of 1,000 volunteers and about 20,000 shoppers, the 2009 Bainbridge Rotary Auction and Rummage Sale grossed more than $340,000.

Auction Chair Patti Shannon said organizers were “thrilled” with the result, given the sour state of the economy. This year’s sale grossed less than the $370,000 raked in by the 2008 effort, but expenses were lower this year, Shannon said.

“We’re really hopeful that the final net will be close to last year’s,” Shannon said.

The quantity of donations were on par with previous years. However, the quality of goods – most notably in the furniture category – was down somewhat this year. That too may be a result of the economy, Shannon said.

“A lot of people may just be putting those items on Craigslist,” Shannon said. “And who can blame them?”

The auction and rummage sale, which took place June 26 and 27 this year, serve as a fundraiser for the Rotary Club’s grant programs.

In the past year, the club awarded Huney Grants (named for charter member Judd Huney) totaling $250,000 to Islandwood, Battle Point Park soccer fields, West Sound Wildlife Sanctuary and Hospice of Kitsap County. Another $107,693 in community grants were given to projects involving 16 nonprofit organizations and local schools.

Shannon said the club credits the community for the continued success of the fundraiser.

“We thank the community for their donations, we thank our hardworking volunteers and our wonderful shoppers,” she said.