Ephrata's evening in Italy

EPHRATA - Italian music, candle light and the smell of fettuccini set the mood for Ephrata Chamber of Commerce's "Taste of the Basin" fund-raiser Saturday evening.

Ephrata community members had the opportunity to spend "An Evening in Venice" complete with five wineries and two micro breweries on hand to providing taste testing.

"We had a really good decorations crew this year and it's incredible," said Ephrata Chamber of Commerce President Susan Scheib. "I'm just loving it. We worked really hard."

Attendants excitedly mingled with friends and drifted between the silent and live auction items in the St. Rose of Lima Catholic school gymnasium. Multiple gift baskets, a Washington State University football helmet and several artistic renderings were only a few of the silent auction items.

"We have some awesome, awesome things," smiled executive director Suzanne Dahl. "We have a lot of new items this year, compared to what we had before. We pretty much have something up anyone's ally."

One bidder was in search of a birthday present.

"We've been bidding on these kids' baskets, and a few other things," said Elaina Burch with an elaborate basket displaying numerous children's books, toys and activities sitting in front of her.

Longtime resident Roberta Davis returned home early from a camping trip just to attend the fund-raiser.

"We have to support Ephrata since we've been living here forever," said Davis laughing. "I think this is just really nice. It's a good place to see all my friends that I haven't seen in a long time, and it's just enjoyable."

Over 200 guests were treated to large portions of fettuccini alfredo, salad and dessert by candlelight. As dinner settled, residents got the chance to dig into their pockets and bid on any of 46 live auction items.

Live auction items ranged from a handcrafted rocking fire engine to a limousine wine tour. According to Scheib the live auction is what makes the fund-raiser so successful.

Funds raised by the auction promote business and tourism in downtown Ephrata and facilitates the chamber, said Dahl.

Results of the auction will be released Monday or Tuesday.

"We have a great community. I love Ephrata," said Scheib.