Chamber to give awards; Benefit: Live, silent auctions planned

A night of awards, auctions and a catered meal are planned for the Ritzville Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual fundraiser, the Community Recognition Night and Auction. With a meal and decorations based around the theme of “East Meets West,” the Saturday, Feb. 9, event at the C.J. Newland American Legion Hall also highlights the accomplishments of community members, while hosting a fundraiser auction.

The night begins with a social hour and silent auction at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m., then the live auction and award ceremony.

The dinner menu consists of orange chicken, broccoli beef, fried rice, kung pao steamed vegetables, egg rolls with sweet chili sauce and tossed salad, with mandarin oranges and slivered almonds.

Twelve individuals will be recognized for their positive impact on the community during the awards ceremony. Awards being distributed are for volunteer, emergency first responder, four students, two educators, business, employee and farmer, of the year.

The event is an opportunity for the RACC to recognize and honor community members who have demonstrated a positive influence on the community. The auction serves as the RACC’s main, annual fundraising activity, and generates one-third of the funding necessary to operate and maintain the Visitors’ Center and the Ritzville Art Gallery.

The highlights of the live auction are a one-night stay at the Davenport Hotel with two West Side Story tickets, a gift card to the Coeur d’Alene Resort, a handmade tractor, basketball tickets for a Washington State University game and a Cruz Android tablet.

The live and silent auction items also include a substantial list of baskets, unique artwork and specialty items from local community businesses and individuals.

Proceeds from the 2011 auction helped fund the reconstruction and maintenance of a comprehensive community website, updated the community brochure, and promoted and operated the Ritzville Art Gallery. The funds also helped staff the Visitors’ Center, develop new chamber member services, and expanded advertising and promotion of Ritzville’s events and businesses.

Tickets for the event are $25 and can be purchased at the Visitors’ Center, Columbia Bank and Sterling Bank.

For more information about the event, contact the chamber at 111 West Main Avenue, at 659-1936 or by email at [email protected].