POULSBO — After last year’s 24th annual Poulsbo-North Kitsap Rotary auction raised more than $90,000, club president-elect Donna Strep has her sights set on a slightly larger number.

“I would love to raise $100,000,” Strep said. “I think it’s doable.”

With less than a month before the April 28 event, Strep said the club’s current focus is on procuring items to ensure the club meets that goal.

The auction is slated for 5-10 p.m. April 28 at the Poulsbo Sons of Norway lodge.

“We will take anything that is gently loved and in good condition,” she said. “We’re also looking for gift certificates to local stores and merchants.”

By having items from local vendors, Strep said the hope is to be able to give even more back to the community.

“I see it as cross marketing,” she said. “If people get gift certificates and go into a business, they’ll see what’s there.”

That experience could potentially lead to repeat business and provide a boost to the local business community, she said.

Service packages such as those for salons or stays at local hotels and bed and breakfasts are being sought by the club as well as unique items that can’t be found anywhere else, she said.

This past week has brought an influx of donations as many traditional donors are realizing the auction is just around the corner, Strep said.

For the club, the auction is its single biggest fund-raiser of the year. The more it receives, the more it can then give back to local and international causes, she said.

“This is what gives me as president-elect funds which I can distribute,” Strep said.

Among the club’s local projects is Eli’s Place, which provides transitional housing for women and children who are victims of domestic violence, she said.

“We are converting the garages into family rooms,” she said.

The project allows club members to not only give of their finances, but its labor as well, she said.

Another important element of the auction is the Rotary scholarships, which were bid up to $23,000 last year, Strep said.

“Kids and education are real important to us,” she said.

For those who don’t think they have any items suitable to donate to the auction, Strep said cash donations will be accepted as well.

To donate an item or cash to the event, call (360) 265-2926 or visit the club’s Web site at www.poulsborotary.org. The last day for donations is April 20.

For tickets to the event, call (360) 710-1069. Tickets are $60.