Centrum gala raises record $165,000

Supporters of Centrum, the multidisciplinary center for arts creation, education and performance at Fort Worden State Park, set a new fundraising record Saturday night at McCurdy Pavilion, raising $165,000 for the organization at its 2005 Gala Dinner and Auction.

The 2006 gala — themed “Under the Harvest Moon”‘ — featured hundreds of silent and live auction items, as well as music from blues phenom David Jacobs-Strain, and local musicians Jim Nyby, Jenny Davis, and Chuck Easton.

“We’re so humbled and excited by this show of support,” said Thatcher Bailey, Centrum’s executive director.

“Attendees raised nearly $45,000 specifically for scholarships. Last year, over 290 students received scholarships thanks to the $25,000 raised at the Gala. To nearly double the amount we’ll able to award next year is an amazing achievement.”