Golden Hour Gala Shines Bright for Lake Chelan Community Center
Evening of generosity raises more than $425,000.
Every dollar is to be doubled by a generous local matching fund.
CHELAN, Wash. — The Lake Chelan Community Center glowed with energy and generosity on Saturday, October 4th, as more than 125 guests gathered for The Golden Hour Gala, a celebration of community and commitment hosted by the Seven Acres Foundation.
Brooke Isaak, president of the Seven Acres Foundation Board of Directors, opened the evening by expressing gratitude to the many supporters helping turn the vision of a vibrant community gathering place into reality.
The program was guided by emcee Shaimoom Newaz, founder of Shai Creates, whose warmth and humor carried the evening. David Marz, morning host on KOZI Radio, brought his trademark enthusiasm as auctioneer, inspiring lively bidding and laughter throughout the night.
Attendees enjoyed a delicious buffet dinner prepared by Wapato Point Cellars and Winemaker's Grill, accompanied by the smooth, live sounds of Moon Song Trio.
Guests raised funds in creative ways — through a spirited Wine Pull, a high-energy Dessert Dash, and even friendly pledges tied to each Seattle Mariner run scored in that night's playoff game. Auction highlights included a Winterfest Weekend in Chelan, a luxury Mazatlán vacation, a private dinner for ten prepared by Chef Steve Simmons, and the striking "Lady of the Lake" artwork by local artist Maya Cowan.
Special guest Bill Tsoukalas, representing the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Chelan, delivered a heartfelt keynote about the positive impact The Community Center is already having on local youth and families.
Two-for-One Matching Fund Doubles the Impact of the Night.
By evening's end, $426,500 had been raised — an amount that will be doubled thanks to a generous matching donor with local ties. The Seven Acres Foundation previously announced that the same donor has also pledged $4 million to complete The Community Center's gymnasium and performing arts center, marking a pivotal milestone in its development.
Funds from the gala will support The Community Center's capital campaign and help reduce debt incurred during Phase One construction.
"This event was a perfect reflection of what makes the Chelan Valley special," said Maribel Cruz, Executive Director of Seven Acres Foundation. "People came together to celebrate, to laugh, and to invest in something that will serve generations to come. The Golden Hour Gala truly captured the spirit of our community."
As the evening faded into night, the glow of The Golden Hour Gala lingered — a warm reminder of what can happen when neighbors, friends, and families unite to build something extraordinary.
About the Seven Acres Foundation and the Lake Chelan Community Center
The Seven Acres Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a stronger, more connected community through the creation and operation of the Lake Chelan Community Center — a place for recreation, learning, wellness, and connection for all. To learn more or contribute, visit chelancommunity.org.