The theme was “Imagine,” but Gala chair Jean Marzan says, “I never imagined quite this level of  generosity! Once again Centrum patrons outdid themselves.”

THANK YOU to all you Centrum supporters. You set a new fundraising record of $260,000 last Saturday night. 

The amount raised goes well beyond the previous record of $230,000, set in 2006. And Gala attendees raised over $70,000 specifically for scholarships.

The Gala was run almost entirely by nearly 150 community volunteers. Table captains filled 35 tables of ten attendees each, who bid on the hundreds of silent and live auction items donated by local and regional businesses and individuals.

“We reduced the number of items we sold at the auction by half,” Marzan says, “and still, guests gave about $30,000 more than last year. The Gala is all about enjoying the best party on the peninsula while raising money for a very worthwhile organization."

George Radebaugh and Friends played jazz standards as Gala attendees walked down a red carpet to the auction and banquet floor. Dinner was catered by Dream City Catering, and auctioneer Laura Michalek and Seattle actress Rebecca Davis led the auction.

Items and experiences such as trips to New York, the Caribbean, and Thailand, as well as gourmet dinners by renowned local chefs and hosts kept paddles raised throughout the evening.

Former Centrum executive director Joseph Wheeler and 2007 jazz scholarship student Ashley Davis gave special presentations. Willene Jaqua, widow of artist Russell Jaqua, gave a presentation that raised $36,000 to launch the Russell Jaqua Fund for Artistic Excellence.