Golden Hour Gala raises nearly $250,000 for Lake Chelan Community Center

CHELAN — The Lake Chelan Community Center’s Golden Hour Gala raised nearly $250,000 Sept. 12, supporting the facility’s work to provide spaces for recreation, learning and community connection throughout the valley.

The annual fundraiser included live and dessert auctions, a raffle, naming opportunities and a paddle raise. KOZI radio personality Jeff Conwell served as emcee, while community center board member Adam Rynd led the live auction.

“The Golden Hour Gala reminded us once again just how much this community cares about having a place that brings people together,” said Brooke Isaak, president of the center’s board of directors. “We are incredibly grateful for the generosity we experienced that evening.”

Gala Chairman Rod Brooks said the evening’s success extended beyond the fundraising total.

“What stays with me is looking around that room and seeing people laughing, bidding, raising their paddles, talking with friends and genuinely enjoying themselves while supporting something important to this community,” Brooks said. “The money matters tremendously, and we are deeply thankful for every dollar. But so does creating an experience that brings people closer to The Community Center and to each other.”

The event was Executive Director Kyla Allen’s first Golden Hour Gala in her new role.

“My first Golden Hour Gala gave me a wonderful look at the heart behind this organization,” Allen said.

She credited volunteers, businesses, donors and board members for their contributions to the evening.

Local event partners provided music, catering, flowers, decorations and production support. Mariachi Nostra performed as a nine-piece ensemble, Todo Rico Catering provided food service and Chelan Shindigs helped create more than 30 marigold centerpieces using flowers donated by Anthia Chelan.

The Seven Acres Foundation owns and operates the 44,000-square-foot community center, which serves residents and visitors with spaces for recreation, wellness, education, arts, culture and business activities.

Isaak encouraged supporters to remain involved beyond the annual gala through donations, sponsorships, volunteer work and participation in programs.

“The Gala was one very successful evening, but The Community Center depends on people standing with us all year long,” Isaak said.

More information about the center and ways to support its work is available at chelancommunity.org.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media