Old Hotel Art Gallery fundraiser a big success
Bob Kirkpatrick/The Sun Tribune - Attendees at the fundraiser check out the items up for bid in the silent auction.
Bob Kirkpatrick/The Sun Tribune - Incoming Othello Rodeo Queen Sarah Wilson displays a painting up for bid by Moses Lake artist Susan Wapole, who was the Old Hotel Art Gallery Artist of the Month for September.
A good time was had by all at the 3rd annual Old Hotel Art Gallery fundraiser at Evergreen Implement Saturday night, as roughly 130 attendees were treated to a good meal, good conversation all the while raising over $22,000 to help keep the historic landmark operational.
“Everything went well as a whole, despite a few minor technological difficulties and scheduling conflicts as we were missing some key people we typically have at the event,” said Jenn Stevenson, Old Hotel and Art Gallery manager. “We loved the Kentucky Derby theme as quite a few people dressed up and had fun with it. We are already thinking about next year’s theme.”
Some of the higher ticket items that were purchased during the silent and main auctions were trips to the Coeur d Alene Resort at $750 each, four catered Asian dinners hosted by Rob and Shelia Simmons, owners of Simmons Chiropractic, valued at $425 each, and 20 yards of gravel donated by Central Washington Concrete that went for $800.
Former Othello school teacher Shane Provost, who now makes his home in the Kitsap Peninsula, was the Master of Ceremonies for the fourth straight year.
Leon Horst catered the buffet.
“He made and donated a marvelous brisket,” Stevenson said. “His sister Annette with All Scratch Bakery provided dessert.”
Stevenson said her night was so busy she forgot to give props to all those who made the event possible.
“I didn’t have the opportunity to do so then, but would like to now thank my board members who do a ton of stuff that often goes unnoticed,” she said. “I also want to thank the many wonderful volunteers that donated their time to help, and the support from all of the community members who showed up made this event a big success,”