A stellar evening
Reach for the stars with Culture, of Course! in Lincoln City
Get glammed up and step into a magically decorated Lincoln City Cultural Center at the annual Culture, of Course! Fund-raiser next Saturday, May 2.
The Starlight Gala-themed signature benefit event supports the nonprofit center’s programs, events and daily operations, helping sustain arts experiences, educational opportunities and community gatherings for guests of all ages.
This year’s gala features an elegant multi-course dinner showcasing favorite local culinary partners. Guests will enjoy appetizers from The Red Roof Munchery, salad from Neskowin Provisions, a main course from Side Door Cafe, rolls from Fish Tails Cafe and dessert from My Petite Sweet, all included with the $125 ticket.
The auditorium will be decorated with atmospheric elements to highlight this year’s theme, created by Visual Arts Director Krista Eddy.
“She will make it very shiny and glittery,” said Dorcas Holzapfel, cultural center board president. “Also, the current exhibit at the Chessman Gallery features astronomical photos — it’s kind of a nice tie-in. I’d like to claim it was planned but it was more serendipitous.”
Providing the evening’s soundtrack will be acclaimed jazz pianist, composer and bandleader Gordon Lee. Known for blending jazz, classical and popular influences, Lee has earned a reputation for warm, engaging performances throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
The event will also feature a live auction, the popular Totally Tangible Paddle Raise and a 50/50 raffle.
Once again, Keith Altomare, co-owner of the venerable Bijou Theatre, will serve as the emcee and auctioneer for this popular event.
Though this is her first year as executive director, Serena Dressel has deep ties to the community served by the center. From the early 1990s until 2006, her parents owned the Bay House, a long-time Lincoln City institution that was once on the site where the Pelican Pub now sits.
“It’s great to experience how much the cultural center has become the heartbeat of the community,” she said. “The gala is a great way for people to have the opportunity to support our work, and is also a way for us to give them a beautiful night and a chance to make memories.”
A dinner at the new Bay House location in Dayton is part of one of the packages being auctioned off at the gala. The “Stay at the Bay” package also includes a multi-night stay at The Inn at Dayton.
Other auction packages include getaways and experiences such as the “Emerald City Escape,” a multi-night stay at the Courtyard by Marriott; the “Rose City Retreat,” which includes a multi-night stay at the Portland Marriott Waterfront Hotel, an OMSI Membership and more; the “Salishan Adventure,” which includes a multi-night stay, an Aerial Adventure/Zipline entry and more; and the “Wine Country Experience,” with a stay at Hotel Oregon, wine tastings and entry to the Evergreen Aviation Museum.
Or get a true getaway with the “Desert Oasis” package, which includes a multi-night stay at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Spa in Palm Desert, California.
You will also find unique items to decorate your home on the auction block, like a stunning Turkish rug. Or give your driveway a facelift with a delivery of a “Load O' Gravel” from Lambert Excavation.
Many more packages and single items will inspire guests to bid often and bid well.
In addition to the auction will be the raffle, with the odds helped by the fact that only 400 tickets will be sold. Tickets are $25 each or five for $100, and guests need not be present to win. First prize is half of gross ticket sales with a guaranteed minimum of $1,000. Second prize is a custom mosaic home address sign by Joanne Daschel, and third prize is a $200 gift certificate to Hearth & Table.
“This is a major fund-raiser that we haven’t had for a little while so people are excited about it,” Holzapfel said. “There are also other more accessible ways to participate. You can volunteer at the event or you can buy tickets for the raffle any time before the event. It’s a lovely way to support the event and the work of the cultural center.”
The Saturday, May 2, gala starts at 5:30 pm at the Lincoln City Cultural Center, located at 540 NE Hwy. 101. Raffle tickets can be purchased in person at the center. For more information, go to lincolncity-culturalcenter.org or call 541-994-9994.