Orcas Center’s summer gala “Under the Orcas Sun” on Saturday, July 24 will feature great food, delightful company, bidding for unique dining and travel experiences, and fun entertainment, say organizers.

All net proceeds benefit Orcas Center’s programming, including the Orcas Arts Education Project.

The al fresco meal designed by Christina Orchid is derived from festive country meals in Tuscany and Provence, and will feature foods with a Mediterranean flare.

“We envision an outdoor feast like the ones enjoyed by large Tuscan families after a wedding, only our platters will be filled with food grown on Orcas, rather than Tuscany,” Orchid said.

Antipasti, grilled vegetables, panzanella salad and roasted chicken are a few of the plentiful dishes to be served. The dinner will end with a special dessert prepared by Allium, Orcas Island’s newest restaurant located in the old Christina’s space.

During the aperitif hour and dinner, a few surprises will crop up during the evening, all of a performance nature and featuring local talent.

A fast-paced auction will offer about twelve packages for the winning bidders, including an authentic New England-style clam bake at a beachfront home for 12; a two-nights’ stay at Palm Springs’ famed Riviera Resort and Spa along with round-trip airfare, and dinner for eight in a beautiful, Old World-style Orcas home with fine Italian food and wines. Seattle-based auctioneer Laura Michalek will hawk the packages in an authentic tongue-twisting auction chant. A complete list of Auction offerings may be found at www.orcascenter.org.

The evening will be complete with a delightful performance featuring The Coats, a male quartet delivering their own unique a cappella sounds and songs. Having swiftly moved from busking in Seattle’s Pike Place Market to performing for the President, The Coats give a highly entertaining show that includes songs that are nostalgic for audiences of many generations.

Tickets for the Under the Orcas Sun gala are $150 per person. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.orcascenter.org or call or 360-376-2281 ext 1 or visit Orcas Center during box office hours, Thursday to Saturday, noon to 4 p.m.