The theme of Centrum’s scholarship fundraising Gala for 2008 is “A Sense of Place,” celebrating where we live and what nourishes us; as well as giving together to transform lives and build community. It will be held on November 15, from 5:30 to 9:30 at the Fort Worden Commons in Port Townsend.

The Gala is changing focus slightly this year and will concentrate on great food and atmosphere as the main experience of the evening. Venue decorations and exquisite table settings will be a compliment to the specialty cuisine for approximately 350 guests.

Guests will also have a chance to purchase fixed price specialty trips, adventures and experiences from a Gatherings Catalog to premiere that evening.

Gala food will be a rare treat this year. Fort Worden Executive Chef Jay Payne—former owner of Port Townsend’s Wild Coho Restaurant—is planning an unique three-course meal that will spotlight locally produced and grown items that are prepared and presented in the best manner of great culinary traditions. The dinner is being presented by Bon Appétit Management Company, which manages the Fort Worden Commons. To assist Commons staff for the evening, Bon Appétit is bringing a large group of personnel from another of its venues—the Seattle Art Museum’s TASTE Restaurant.

Also coming from Seattle will be three additional chefs who will prepare hors d’oeuvres during the Gala’s opening welcome and reception. Guests will have the opportunity to sample and watch these items being made by: Craig Hetherington, TASTE Restaurant, Seattle Art Museum; Tamara Murphy, Brasa Restaurant, Seattle; and Adam Stevenson, Earth and Ocean Restaurant, W Hotel, Seattle.

The Gala is $125 per person and is open to everyone. Please call the Centrum office 360.385.3102 x116 for reservations and more information.