Dance, Eat, and Drink to Give Back to Tri-Cities Non-Profits

I love living in the Tri-Cities because people truly want to help each other. I have met so many incredible people who believe in building a thriving community for ALL Tri-Citians. We have a lot of local arts programs and theaters, charities and non-profits who contribute to making the TC an amazing place to live. Sometimes though, people want to contribute time and money to amazing organizations, but they don't know how, or think fundraising galas or events are boring. Well, let me tell ya, that's simply not true.

Quite a few organizations in Tri-Cities are about to have some seriously fun events! From Shakespeare, to flower arranging with wine, to children's theater, and film festivals. we have a LOT of cool events to choose from. So, I gathered a few events coming up that I feel are pretty cool. If you'd like to support the Tri-Cities art scene, non-profits, charities, schools, and other groups making the TC great, AND you want to have fun, this is the list for you! I hope to see you at some of these events!

 Legends of Washington Wine Gala- (August 10th) The Legends of Washington Wine Hall of Fame Induction & Gala is the Clore Center's marquee annual event and fundraiser. The evening brings together industry groups, passionate consumers, and enthusiastic supporters from across the Pacific Northwest to celebrate a Legend of Washington wine and their contribution tot he industry's success and longevity. All proceeds from the event directly support the Clore Center's ongoing efforts to promote the industry's growth and development.

Garden Party-  (August 18th) Join us for an evening of small bites paired with fine wine, and craft beer in support of Mid-Columbia Ballet. Our 5th annual Fundraiser features wine from our generous sponsor for the 2018/2019 season, Kiona Vineyards. Also joining us at our summer soirée are Frichette Winery, Market Vineyards, Gooseridge Vineyards, and Bale Breaker Brewing Company. The evening will be marked by dance vignettes featured on the Solar Stage framed by the Columbia River landscape. Proceeds from this event will benefit the outreach programs of Mid-Columbia Ballet as well as help support the continuing artistic development of the company. This event is for adults 21 and older only.

Sips and Stems Fundraiser- (August 23rd) Please join Altrusa for their first Sips and Stems fundraiser. Proceeds will go to our urgent needs project which provides the most needed non-perishable items to our community.

2nd Annual 5K Fundraiser Run for Eating Disorder Treatment- Come join us for the 2nd Annual Rae Across America Benefit Run for Eating Disorder Treatment! All proceeds go to Recovery and Wellness Center of Eastern WA in Richland to help with financial need for individuals on their road to recovery! Benton County Sheriff Jeffy Hatcher will be our official race starter again this year! He will also be bringing several emergency response vehicles for the kids (and adults!) to check out. We'll have some City of Richland police officers and SWAT team members with their vehicles for participants to check out as well!

MCM Season Kick-off Party!-  (August 25th) Join Mid-Columbia Mastersingers to kick off the start of the 2018-19 season and celebrate the launch of our newest initiative, Mastersingers Youth Choirs! Guests will receive one complimentary glass of wine and a tasty tidbit at arrival. Additional wines by the glass and bottle will be available for purchase by Frichette Winery as well as food for purchase from food trucks Ann's Best Creole and Soul Food Cafe and Fresh Out the Box. Entertainment will be provided by vocalist Curtis Nettles. Please bring your own portable chairs or blankets to enjoy the outdoor lawn/patio area. This is a non ticketed event and there is no cost to attend. Anyone from the community is welcome to join us! Donations will be accepted to help support our new Youth Choirs, the "heart and soul" of our program!

Tie One On- (September 6th) Join us for a unique happy hour style event benefiting Safe Harbor's program My Friend’s Place. Tie one on with us and learn about a tremendously important organization in our community. Safe Harbors program - My Friend's Place is a teen shelter committed to connecting homeless teens with educational services, community support programs, meals, clean clothes, showers and a support system. Enter to win fabulous neck wear - ties and scarves - so you can tie one on in style! And bid on lots of great auction packages!

Dinner in the Dark 2018- Our 2018 annual Dinner in the Dark semi-formal fundraising event is just around the corner. This event is called “Dinner in the Dark” because all of our guests eat their dinner while blindfolded. This event is not only about raising funds for our organization, but also for creating awareness, giving each guest a momentary glimpse of what it is like to live in the shoes of someone who is blind. Purchase tickets by phone 509-735-0699 or stop by the Edith Bishel Center at 628 N. Arthur St., Kennewick or online www.edithbishelcenter.org. Ticket sales end on September 19th. Where: Pasco Red Lion Hotel N. 20th Ave, Pasco; $50 adults $22 children 10 years old and younger. All proceeds benefit the Edith Bishel Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

Shakespeare in the Vines- (September 29th) Save the date for The Rude Mechanicals first gala fundraiser! Join us at Frichette Winery for an evening of superb wine, delicious food, and fantastic entertainment. They are currently looking for event and table sponsors; if this sounds like something you'd be interested in, please e-mail ellicia@rmtheatre.org. Tickets and specific details will be available by mid-August. We are excited to share this special evening with our community, and we hope to see you there! Please note: This is a 21 and over event.