KINGSTON — The Kingston Cove Yacht Club glittered with items Saturday afternoon, drawing residents for the fourth annual Kathleen Sutton Inspirational Fund Auction. Handbags, gift baskets, baseball hats and other collectibles were laid out on a maze of tables, all sparkling with the color of the day: pink.

Items purchased at the silent and live auction brought in $12,000, which will continue to support the fund and area women with breast cancer, said fund board member Vivi-Ann Parnell.

“We are absolutely stunned,” she said. “This is so wonderful. It’s going to help so many women.”

Residents gathered at the KCYC to peruse items and celebrate women who have survived, are still fighting or have lost their battles with the common foe of breast cancer. While Sutton is in the latter group, her struggle with the disease inspired many in the community, those in attendance agreed.

“I knew Kathleen,” said Kingston resident Mary Gilman, who has attended three auctions. “She was a good person, she fought it long and hard. That’s why I’m here today.”

The auction brought in a crowd which, whether they knew Sutton or not, had heard of her and wanted to help her cause.

While fighting breast cancer, Sutton realized not only did women have to combat the disease, but they had to travel extensively to do so most of the time. During her own treatment, Sutton started a fund to assist others like her with often exorbitant transportation costs associated with everything from gas to ferry tickets.

“This is my first time here,” said Poulsbo resident Berni Johnston. “I didn’t know Kathleen, but I know Vivi-Ann. I think it’s a great cause, and I’m doing my part to help.”

Beyond the auction was the draw for women to connect at an event supporting them or their family and friends who have fought breast cancer.

“My sister had breast cancer,” said Kingston resident Carol Edwards. “It’s a personal connection for me. I’ve had friends and family who have suffered from it. Fortunately, none of them have passed away.”

“This is an absolutely wonderful event every year,” said Kingston resident and mammographer Deni Lee. “I work with women and with breast cancer everyday. This cause is really close to my heart. I look around and see close friends and a room full of women who are either survivors or, like Kathleen, no longer with us. She’d be so proud to see this room full of women, helping her cause.”

Because the auctions have proved so successful, the fund has been able to branch out to assist women in Jefferson and Clallam counties, Parnell said.

“We don’t say ‘no’ to anybody,” Parnell said, adding that if a woman has another form of cancer and needs help, board members will discuss the individual’s situation and do what they can. “We want to help everybody we can.”

For further information about the Kathleen Sutton Inspiration Fund, call Parnell at (360) 297-2540.