Columbia River Gorge residents are gearing up for the 22nd annual silent auction and dinner at the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum in Stevenson, Saturday, March 8. Across the region supporters are checking their closets and local used clothing venues for just the right outfits. This year the theme is “Tie-dyed & Bellbottoms: Remembering the 70s.”
“The response from area business has been fantastic so far,” said Cloida Peyrollaz. She is a member of the board of directors at the museum and also heads up the committee of volunteers and staff currently out soliciting donations. “Last year we topped 200 donations, and I think we’ll beat that this year. Businesses in this area are very supportive of the museum, which last year attracted nearly 25,000 visitors to Stevenson and the Gorge.”
In addition to the silent auction, the event will include a buffet dinner of plank salmon, skirt steak, fresh breads, dessert and all the trimmings, catered by Skamania Lodge, which is located adjacent to the museum. “We enjoy staging events at the museum,” said Skamania Lodge Manager Ken Daugherty. “It’s a wonderful place and guests seem to really enjoy the atmosphere. The auction is always lively and fun and I promise the food will be excellent.”
In addition to the many silent auction items available for bidding, there will be plenty of door prizes and a couple of special raffle items as well. Of note are a half dozen overnight stays at properties owned by Destination Resorts, which also owns Skamania Lodge. “We are proud to have such great partners and they have been extremely generous,” said Jim Price, museum director. “One very special package is a two-night stay at any one of their 40 properties across the United States.”
Skamania County Commissioner Doug McKenzie will emcee the gala this year, and Mark J and the Too Much Band from Portland will provide the music. They have promised to bone up on their ’70s songs in preparation for the evening.
Tickets for the event are $40 ($50 after March 3) and are available at the museum or at the Skamania County Chamber of Commerce. Will-call tickets may be ordered by calling the museum at 509-427-8211. Doors will open at 5, with dinner slated for 6 p.m. The Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum is located at 990 SW Rock Creek Drive, Stevenson. The museum is a non-profit, 501-C3 corporation.
