The Renton Chamber of Commerce raised about $53,000 in gross revenue from its 2009 Holiday Auction last week that’s critical to paying for its operations for the coming year.

“It’s the single-largest fundraiser we have,” said Bill Taylor, the chamber’s president.

Taylor expected the total revenue would fall short of last year’s because of the worsening economy. Still, he said, he’s pleased the difference was only about $2,000.

“I am delighted with the result,” he said.

Expenses still need to be subtracted from the revenue total, he said.

About $6,500 of the total will go to the Microsociety program at the Skyway Boys and Girls Club. That money was raised through a special “paddle auction.”

The auction’s banquet was Dec. 10 at the Tea Palace Restaurant in the Highlands, which served a Western-style dinner. “The food was great,” Taylor said.

About 220 people attended the banquet, more than last year and a “pleasant surprise,” Taylor said.

Interest in silent auction was up, while the live auction was down, which typically has more expensive items, Taylor said.

The host was TV personality John Curley, who “worked the room pretty hard,” Taylor said.