Golden Hour Gala raises $426,500 for Lake Chelan Community Center

CHELAN — The Seven Acres Foundation raised $426,500 during The Golden Hour Gala on Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Lake Chelan Community Center — funds that will be doubled through a two-for-one matching donation from a local benefactor.

More than 125 guests attended the event, which celebrated the community’s ongoing support for the completion of the new center. The funds will support the foundation’s capital campaign and help reduce debt from Phase One construction.

Brooke Isaak, president of the Seven Acres Foundation Board of Directors, opened the evening by thanking attendees for their continued support. The event was emceed by Shaimoom Newaz, founder of Shai Creates, with KOZI Radio host David Marz serving as auctioneer.

Guests enjoyed dinner prepared by Wapato Point Cellars and Winemaker’s Grill, with live music by Moon Song Trio. Fundraising activities included a Wine Pull, a Dessert Dash, and friendly pledges tied to the Seattle Mariners’ playoff game that night.

Auction highlights featured a Winterfest weekend in Chelan, a Mazatlán vacation, a private dinner prepared by Chef Steve Simmons, and original artwork by local artist Maya Cowan.

Special guest Bill Tsoukalas, representing the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Chelan, spoke about the center’s growing impact on local youth and families.

“This event was a perfect reflection of what makes the Chelan Valley special,” said Maribel Cruz, executive director of the Seven Acres Foundation. “People came together to celebrate, to laugh, and to invest in something that will serve generations to come.”

The same local donor who pledged to match the gala’s proceeds has also committed $4 million toward completing the center’s gymnasium and performing arts space — a significant milestone for the project.

The Seven Acres Foundation is a nonprofit organization focused on creating spaces for recreation, learning, and community connection. The Lake Chelan Community Center serves as a hub for programs and activities that strengthen the Chelan Valley.

For more information, visit chelancommunity.org or follow @chelancommunity. The Lake Chelan Community Center is located at 103 Bighorn Way, Chelan.