Becky Gravenmier fills up a plate for guest.

What a day we had!! The long planned dinner and art auction held on July 11, 2009 had a huge response. The  dinner was planned and prepared by chef Dave Burke, caterer Becky Gravenmier and wonder cook Sandra Choate. The dinner was Japanese inspired and featured shrimp yakasoba noodles, chicken yakatori, rice, California rice rolls, cucumber salad and dessert dish with green tea cake, fruits and cookies.   The food was excellent and there was plenty of it.  For beverages there was a wine selection, iced green tea and Japanese beer. Folks were impressed.

Arlene Larison models kimono

The art auction began at 6 PM and the auctioneer was John Phillips and the secretary was Kathy Phillips, their company is called Rising Bid Auctions and is based here n Goldendale. The Gallery members are deeply indebted to them as they donated their services along with some wonderful door prizes. The art items made by the Guild members plus some that were donated brought on some brisk bidding. When it did go slack John spoofed and joked and got folks started bidding. There were 66 items and folks bidding got some very good buys. All the contributing members donated 100% of the money to the gallery and we did not have the silent auction as in the past. this arrangement seemed to work considerably better than past years – lots less bookwork too. Joan Crice organized the auction items and several members helped to have them ready for her to take outside and line up. Dorothy and Jim Walter walked the items around the tables for closer viewing by bidders. Sometimes the bidding got hot and sometimes not but every item sold and this money will help keep our doors open.  Overall the dinner/auction was a great success.

Jim and Dorothy Walter driving Gallery parade entry advertising Kimono Dinner/Auction.