The sun shone on Orcas Center last Saturday. Approximately 120 guests attended our Under the Orcas Sun gala and spent a beautiful summer evening on the front lawn, enjoying a delectable dinner prepared by Christina Orchid (Red Rabbit Farm) followed by dessert by Anna Harlow-Truscott (Allium), a fast-paced auction of 14 items, and finally a wonderful performance with the a cappella band The Coats. During the evening, there were surprise performances with Tony Lee (singing in Italian, of course), Greg Books and Al Bentley on saxophone, and Orcas Island’s first ever Flash Mob, with about two dozen folks appearing from out of nowhere and performing a spontaneous dance. (In truth, the dance had been posted on YouTube for about two weeks, and participants logged on to learn the steps choreographed by Laura Ludwig.) There were eleven host sponsors, eight lead donors to our Raise the Paddle and another 31 who raised their paddles on the spot (to support the Orcas Arts Education Project, Orcas Center fall programming and operations). Almost 100 volunteers had a hand in creating a magical evening. Thanks to all who participated in helping us to raise necessary funds to support arts, cultural and educational programming on Orcas Island.

Barbara Courtney

Executive/Artistic Director

Orcas Center