Golden Hour Gala Raises Nearly $250,000 for Lake Chelan Community Center

An evening of generosity, celebration, and community spirit leaves guests with plenty to remember – and even more reason to look forward to next year.

CHELAN, WA — A golden-hour sunset, a room filled with friends and supporters, spirited bidding, and plenty of laughter helped make the Lake Chelan Community Center’s 2026 Golden Hour Gala a night to remember.

Held September 12, the annual Gala raised nearly $250,000 in support of the Lake Chelan Community Center and its mission to create a place where people throughout the valley can gather, connect, learn, play and belong.

But those who attended will tell you the evening was about more than fundraising.

“The Golden Hour Gala reminded us once again just how much this community cares about having a place that brings people together,” said Brooke Isaak, President of the Lake Chelan Community Center Board of Directors. “We are incredibly grateful for the generosity we experienced that evening. But what was equally meaningful was the energy in the room. People weren’t simply attending a fundraiser. They were celebrating something they believe in and helping shape what comes next.”

From the moment guests arrived, the Golden Hour theme shaped an evening designed to feel warm, welcoming and just a little different. The program mixed storytelling, celebration and generosity with a raffle, lively live auction, a spirited dessert auction, special naming opportunities and a paddle raise that invited guests to invest directly in the future of The Community Center.

Local radio personality Jeff Conwell of KOZI served as emcee, bringing his familiar voice, humor and connection to the community to the evening.

Board member Adam Rynd contributed his auctioneering talents, helping turn the live auction into one of the most entertaining and energetic parts of the night.

“Jeff and Adam helped us create exactly the kind of evening we hoped for,” said Rod Brooks, Chairman of the 2026 Golden Hour Gala. “It was polished without being stuffy, meaningful without becoming too serious, and full of those little moments that surprised and delighted people. We wanted guests to leave feeling glad they came and already thinking, ‘I don’t want to miss this next year.’ I think we accomplished that.”

Brooks said the approximately $250,000 raised was an extraordinary result, but not the only measure of the evening’s success.

“What stays with me is looking around that room and seeing people laughing, bidding, raising their paddles, talking with friends and genuinely enjoying themselves while supporting something important to this community,” Brooks said. “The money matters tremendously, and we are deeply thankful for every dollar. But so does creating an experience that brings people closer to The Community Center and to each other.”

The Gala was also a memorable first for Kyla Allen, Executive Director of the Lake Chelan Community Center, who attended the event for the first time in her new role.

“My first Golden Hour Gala gave me a wonderful look at the heart behind this organization,” Allen said. “I saw volunteers working behind the scenes, businesses and donors stepping forward, board members pitching in wherever they were needed and a room full of people who clearly care about the future of The Community Center. It was exciting, humbling and a great reminder of how fortunate I am to be joining this organization at this point in its story.”

The Golden Hour Gala was created not simply as an annual fundraiser, but as a signature Community Center event, one that gives supporters an opportunity to celebrate what has already been accomplished while helping make the next chapter possible.

Organizers say that spirit will continue to guide the event in the future.

“We learned a lot this year, and we also saw what makes this event special,” Brooks said. “There was a sense throughout the evening that something fun could happen next. That’s what we want to build on. We want people who were there to look forward to coming back and people who missed it to decide they aren’t going to miss out next year.”

Special Thanks to Our Event Partners

The Lake Chelan Community Center also extends special thanks to the businesses, vendors and community partners whose support, creativity and professionalism helped make the 2026 Golden Hour Gala possible.

• Cascades Event Rentals — Helped build an environment to fit our warm and timeless event.
• Mariachi Noroeste — Set the mood with an incredible nine-piece ensemble artistry and passion.
• Chelan Shindigs — Provided creativity, decor, and guidance for over 30 marigold centerpieces.
• Antheia of Chelan — Donated all the beautiful flowers freshly picked from her delightful garden.
• Glacier Lily Events — Coordinated day-of set up and helped ensure execution of the event.
• Tara Rimmer Styles — Designed and executed our event photo opportunity station.
• Todo Rico Catering — Provided a full-team catering service, hospitality, and mobile kitchen.
• Rotten Apple Productions — Guided and provided program management, art direction, and event production services.
• Shai Creates — Designed and oversaw production of printed materials for the event.

Their work helped create the look, feel, hospitality and memorable moments that made the Golden Hour Gala such a special evening for guests and supporters.

While the Gala provided important financial support, the Lake Chelan Community Center’s work continues throughout the year, and continued involvement from the community remains essential.

“The Gala was one very successful evening, but The Community Center depends on people standing with us all year long,” Isaak said. “Whether that support comes through a donation, sponsorship, volunteer time, participation in programs or simply introducing someone new to the Center, it all matters. We hope people will continue to be part of what we are building together.”

Brooks added a final word of thanks.

“To everyone who sponsored the Gala, bought a ticket, donated an item, purchased a raffle ticket, bid on a dessert or auction experience, raised a paddle, volunteered their time or helped us behind the scenes, thank you,” he said. “You helped us raise almost $250,000. Just as importantly, you helped create one of those special community evenings people will remember. And we’re already looking forward to the next one.”

About Lake Chelan Community Center

The Lake Chelan Community Center is a community facility project undertaken by the Seven Acres Foundation to serve the Chelan Valley. Designed as a welcoming place for connection, wellness, learning, and belonging, The Community Center reflects a long-term investment in the health, vitality, and quality of life of the community.

About the Seven Acres Foundation

The Seven Acres Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching quality of life throughout the Chelan Valley through the stewardship and operation of the Lake Chelan Community Center. As the owner and operator of the 44,000-square-foot multi-use facility, the Foundation provides welcoming spaces for recreation, wellness, education, arts and culture, business and community connection, serving residents and visitors of all ages.