Edmonds comes out for the arts, setting new record at ECA gala auction
Posted: October 26, 2019 1186
Ed Dorame and Carl Zapora pause for a photo as the event gets underway.
Supporters had the chance to pose for souvenir portraits in the impromptu studio set up in the ECA lobby.
Kristen and Andy Cline, owners of Edmonds’ Cline Jewelers, grabbed the chance for a souvenir portrait.
Kurt and Anne Kutay make a fashion statement.
An ECA volunteer shows off a wheelbarrow of wine, up for bids in the silent auction.
Guests check out the silent auction tables in the ECA lobby.
Beth Sanger, owner of Edmonds’ Ombu Salon, and husband Tom.
ECA Programming Director Gillian Jones with Sylvana and Bob Rinehart.
Edmonds City Council President Adrienne Fraley-Monillas checks out the silent auction items.
Fashion history was made as sequins met leopard skins (faux of course). L to R, Kevin McKay, Cena Conteh and Stephen Clifton.
Ron Clyborne ponders his choices in the silent auction.
Mixologist extraordinaire Niles Peacock prepares the first live auction item, a tray of his own signature cocktail developed just for the event. Named “Chariots of Fire,” the drink combines champagne, grapefruit cordial and lemon peel, topped with a clove-stuffed, fire-charred cherry.
Auctioneer John Curley whips up the bidding frenzy.
Mike McMurray was the proud winner of the tray of Peacock’s cocktails.
ECA volunteer Lora Hein checks out the dessert table.
Edmonds Mayor Dave Earling with Susan Earling.
Mayor Dave Earling places a bid.
It was a night of fun, great food and the chance to once again showcase Edmonds as a regional arts standout, as more than 270 guests gathered Friday night to support the Edmonds Center for the Arts.
Guests began to gather early Friday evening in the lobby area to meet, greet, socialize and check out a table of silent auction items. The party then moved to the main stage, with live music, drinks, food and a fresh selection of silent auction items.
The main event was held in the festively-decorated main ballroom, where full carpeting, white linen tablecloths, exquisite lighting and stunning décor transformed the former Edmonds High School gymnasium into a venue worthy of the Great Gatsby. Shubert Ho and his team from Feedme Hospitality outdid themselves with food, and former KING-TV personality and auctioneer extraordinaire John Curley didn’t miss a beat with his signature high-energy performance and electrifying stage presence.
According to ECA officials, the event smashed previous records, raising more than $400,000 to help ensure that the Edmonds Center for the Arts remains a vibrant community nexus for arts and culture.
“It was a great night,” said ECA Executive Director Joe McIalwain. “We are very lucky to serve and be part of such a generous community.”
