Chamber event raises $25k

The Grand Coulee Dam Area Chamber of Commerce's first in-person winter event since 2019 was a success Saturday night, as community members turned out for the Vintners and Brewers dinner and auction.

The annual auction was held as an online affair in 2020 and 2021 to meet restrictions or advice on in-person gatherings during the COVID-19 emergency.

"It was huge," said Executive Director Roni Smith. "We couldn't have done it without all the volunteers, businesses, and community members who bought tickets, donated items and their time, or bought items at the auction."

Smith, who just officially took the job in November, said Tuesday the fundraiser brought in about $25,000 before expenses.

It featured both live and silent auctions, including items ranging from handmade greeting cards packets to a trip to Palm Springs. A private dinner for 10, catered by PK's Culinary, who also catered the Saturday event, went for $2,700.

Auctioneer Tucker Cool handled the live auction with a fast tongue, an eye that discerned intent on the faces of bidders.