2023 WFEA Awards Dinner & Auction Program

Washington Festivals & Events Association

AWARDS DINNER & AUCTION

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10

5:15 PM The Event Center at Vasa Park

PRESENTED BY:

EVENT AUCTIONEER

DENNISCaldirola

A former entertainer and Cruise Director, Dennis originally started as an auctioneer for Kip Toner Benefit Auctions over eighteen years ago. During that time, both as a KTBA auctioneer and as an independent contractor, he has raised millions of dollars up and down the West Coast for such organizations as the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, the American Heart Association, the NW Kidney Foundation, Room-to-Read and PAWS, as well as numerous elementary schools, high schools, museums, churches and synagogues. He has also been the emcee / announcer for dozens of benefits and charity events throughout the Northwest including the PONCHO Art Auction, the March of Dimes, the Pilchuck Glass Auction, Seattle Prep, and the Seafair Torchlight Parade

Dennis is also the producer/director of the Italian Festival at Seattle Center.

Call Dennis at 206-282-0627 during regular business hours or email him anytime at Auctions@FestaSeattle com

WFEA wants to thank the following members of the WFEA Board of Directors who contributed to these auction items: $1,000 in Costco & Amazon Gift Cards

Silent Auction Item #205-207

Alby Allen, Paula Beadle, Eric Corning, Cari Dixon, Peggy Doering, David Doxtater, Deci Evans, Heather Gobet, Mark Hendrickson, Victoria Jones, Robin Kelley, Beth Knox, Lori Lancaster, Tawnia Linde, Natalie Maitland, Phil Megenhardt, Sonja Mejlaender, Amy McGuffin, Erika Olsen, Mike Prebezac, Eddie Redman, Carol Riley, George Sharp, Jeanette Sieler, Tom Stebbins, Jon Stone, John Thorburn, David Wells

Silent Auction Item #208-210

AWARDS DINNER & AUCTION

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10 5:15 PM

The Event Center at Vasa Park

HERE'S HOW THE AUCTION WILL WORK:

*FIRST CHECK YOUR EMAIL FOR YOUR CUSTOM LOGIN LINK THAT WAS SENT TO YOU BEFORE THE EVENT

01 REGISTER

Register by going to https://wfea ggo bid or by scanning the QR code to the right of the page:

GET STARTED 02

Select the "Get Started" button and create an account or login if you have previously attended a Greater Giving event.

02

VERIFY ACCOUNT & CREATE ACCOUNT 03

Follow emailed link to verify account, then review account information Once completed select "start bidding"!

04

BROWSE PACKAGES

Simply swipe down to show more packages until you find one you like.

05 VIEW PACKAGE DETAILS

Take a closer look at the package: view the current bid price and read the description

06 BUY OR BID ON A PACKAGE

When you find a package you like, you can place a bid, bid more than the next increment or just buy it now

WHAT CAN YOU BID ON?

FUND A NEED

We continue to raise money for scholarships for students and organizations to continue their education

LOTTERY LIVE AUCTION ITEMS

Purchase a ping pong ball for $20 that will have your bidder number or name written on it. Drop it in the raffle drum to win! $20: 1 Ball, $40: 3 Balls, $75: 6 Balls, $100: 12 Balls

Bid in person on these select live auction items including next years conference, VIP tickets to see P!nk, a historical Port Townsend stay, a getaway on the Oregon coast, a flight anywhere Alaska flies, and more!

PICK YOUR PARADISE

Spend a week at Golden Buddha Resort located on the tranquil eastern coast of Bali, spend 7 nights at Casa Patti in Cortona, Italy, or enjoy a fabulous six day/six night South Africa photo safari for two with four star hotel accommodations! Tough choice, isn’t it? But with one bid you may be able to select which part of paradise you want to enjoy.

SILENT AUCTION ITEMS

Bid on our wide variety of silent auction items! From festival packages, sports memorabilia, wine and everything in-between.

Start bidding now! Bidding closes at 15 minutes after the close of the live auction on Tuesday.

QUESTIONS OR NEED HELP?

The staff at the check in tables will be able to register or help you get bidding!

#1

An artist whose music spans genres, from alternative country to folk rock to classic rock and Americana!

Brandi Carlile got her start in music performing in Seattle music clubs. She earned a record deal with Columbia Records in 2004, simply through the quality of songs she had recorded herself at home. Her critically acclaimed self-titled album dropped the following year.

Brandi Carlile Signed Guitar

Carlile’s commercial sales improved with her 2007 follow-up, The Story, and the success of the album’s single of the same name. The song was featured widely in General Motors commercials and during the 2008 Summer Olympics, exposing her to a huge audience and greatly increasing her album sales. Carlile had officially become a critical darling and a star!

VALUE: Priceless

#2

Four Night Stay in a 4 Bedroom 2 Full Bath that Sleeps 10 at a Central Oregon Coast Vacation Home

Donated by:

HEATHER GOBET & DAVID POMEROY WESTERN DISPLAY FIREWORKS

The Anchor House was custom designed and built to provide a special beach retreat for multiple generations. Located in the private gated community of South Beach in Neskowin, within a short walk to the secluded sandy beach (path to the beach from the home), and surrounded by natural beauty. It has been carefully appointed with quality furnishings, original artwork, and interesting objects for all to enjoy.

A Wave From It All

The home provides intimate spaces for quite enjoyment of the spectacular views, as well as spacious gathering areas. These include a game room with shuffle board, living room with fireplace, and charming dining areas, with seating for 10. All with amazing coastal views! One of the most unique features of this beautiful home is the “tower”, a two-story covered deck area that provides sweeping views of the ocean, Proposal Rock, and the surrounding hills.

Within walking distance of charming Neskowin Village that offers fine dining, a farmers’ market, gourmet grocery store, and delicious wood fired pizza Neskowin also provides ample outdoor recreation including a historic golf course, horseback riding, hiking, and kayaking, just to name a few.

VALUE: $2,000

#3

2024 Conference Registration and Hotel Room for the Spring or Fall Conference

Lock in Next Year’s Conference and Hotel Room

Attend next years premier annual gathering of festival and event professionals for learning and networking in the Northwest, either at the WFEA Spring Conference at the Historic Davenport in Spokane (May 2-4) or next year’s annual conference at the Hyatt Regency in Bellevue (October 29-31).

Three days of intensive workshops, educational sessions, and keynote presentations from local and national industry leaders.

Includes a 2024 full conference registration and hotel room.

You can choose between the Annual Conference in the fall or the Spring Conference.

Next years annual conference is scheduled for October 29-31, 2024 at the Hyatt Regency in Bellevue

The spring conference is scheduled for May 2-4 at the Historic Davenport in Spokane.

VALUE: $1,050

#4

3 night stay in historic Fort Worden home

Donated by:

FORT WORDEN HOSPITALITY

Package includes a three-night stay in a four bedroom historic home at Fort Worden State Park operated by Fort Worden Hospitality.

Plus a few items to round out this one of a kind experience!

Weekend Getaway to Port Townsend

Fort Worden State Park and its epic natural setting of Port Townsend dubbed “the Paris of the Pacific Northwest” by Sunset Magazine is the kind of destination that stays with one for a lifetime. Originally designed as a military base to protect Puget Sound, Fort Worden has evolved into an iconic and cherished state park and lifelong learning center with Fort Worden Hospitality operating accommodations, venues, restaurants and catering services on site. Fort Worden’s magnificent setting encompasses 434 acres with 12 miles of forested hiking trails, two miles of walkable saltwater beaches and commanding views of the Olympic and Cascade mountains as well as views across the Strait of Juan De Fuca to the San Juan Islands The Fort features 73 historic buildings with four museums and creative spaces for art and educational programs, yoga, woodworking and more. Eagleeyed observers will recognize the Fort as the filming location for An Officer And A Gentleman.

VALUE: $2,000

#5

Two VIP tickets for P!nk next week, October 17th at the Tacoma Dome

Donated by:

Enjoy two tickets to P!nk Live on October 17th at the Tacoma Dome. You will also receive full VIP access to Club 103 where you can dance the night away!

A VIP Night with P!nk!

Three-time Grammy Award-winning singer, performer, and international pop icon P!NK is coming to the Tacoma Dome as part of her tour for her new album TRUSTFALL.

The P!NK will be in Tacoma on Oct. 17 along with alternative rock band GROUPLOVE and hip-hop group KidCutUp.

“This might be the album I’m most proud of,” said P!NK. “Get in your coziest pair of sweats, grab yourself an hour of self-care, and start on track one Two ingredients needed: tissues and dance shoes.”

VALUE: Priceless!

ASHLEY YOUNG, TACOMA VENUES & EVENTS

Fly on Alaska Airlines for 2 to Hawaii, New York, Florida, Mexico, and many destinations

Choose With over 1200 daily departures, Alaska Airlines has been named No. 1 for overall operational performance for the last three years by the Wall Street Journal, while Virgin America, who recently merged with Alaska, has placed No. 2. For the last two years.

Good

VALUE: $1,800

#8

Which of the following would you like to experience in the next two years?

Your options are:

Exploring the beauty and serenity of Bali with a one-week stay in your own private airconditioned cottage nestled in a lush rural setting that looks toward a mountain range and river valley, amongst unparalleled natural beauty

Watching elephant, rhino, leopard, giraffe, hippo, zebra, cheetah and buffalo during an incredible six day/six night South African photo safari with four-star accommodations

Pick Your Own Paradise

Living “Under the Tuscan Sun” with a sevenday stay in a 1-bedroom apartment just a short walk to some of the finest restaurants in the charming Tuscan hillside town of Cortona

Tough choice, isn’t it? But tonight’s winning bidder will be able to select which part of paradise they want to enjoy.

All stays are for two people. The Bali stay is good for three years from today while the Africa Photo Safari and Italy stay are good for two years.

VALUE: $3,100-5,950

PickYourOwnParadise

Seven nights’ accommodations in Casa Patti – a newly renovated, charming 1-bedroom residence in the Tuscan hillside town of Cortona

Casa Patti is an adorable, newly renovated 1bedroom home located just minutes away, up a slight hill, from one of the main streets leading into central Cortona. Casa Patti is ideal for those wishing to have easy access to their accommodations from the center of town.

With creative furnishings and light décor, the home feels fresh and luminous. Casa Patti is compact and cozy, a perfect nest from which to base yourself during your Tuscan holiday.

Under The Tuscan Sun

Trip includes:

Seven nights’ accommodations in Casa Patti –a newly renovated, charming 1-bedroom residence in the Tuscan hillside town of Cortona.

Authentic Tuscan wine, dinner and dessert on arrival

Airfare is NOT included

Bedroom has queen-size bed and a balcony that looks onto the street and the homes below

Walking access to areas made famous by the book/movie “Under the Tuscan Sun”

Expert assistance in arranging personalized tours and local area cooking classes

VALUE: $3,100

PickYourOwnParadise

Spend a week at Golden Buddha Resort located on the tranquil eastern coast of Bali

Your Trip Includes:

Seven nights’ accommodations in an airconditioned 1- bedroom cottage Maximum sleeping for three Round trip airport transportation to and from hotel (airfare NOT included)

Beauty and Serenity of Bali

Daily breakfast for two in Garden Cafe

Complimentary bottled water in room

Daily housekeeping service

One special dinner for two, prepared and served at Golden Buddha

Two full body massages at on-site spa

One diving excursion accompanied by a master diver, for two people. All equipment is included*

*Note: a choice of one half-day tourist excursions for two people, or a snorkeling excursion for two may be substituted for the diving excursion, if desired

VALUE: $3,100

PickYourOwnParadise

This fabulous six day/six night South Africa photo safari for two with four star hotel accommodations awaits!

If you’ve ever seen the South African landscape and wondered what it would be like to see it for yourself, this is for you This fabulous six-day/sixnight South Africa photo safari for two with four star hotel accommodations awaits you!

You’ll see the plains’ abundant game elephant, rhino, leopard, giraffe, hippo, zebra, nyala, cheetah and buffalo during your daily open Land Rover trips with the experienced guides.

I Dreamed of Africa Safari

Six nights in a standard room for two people in your choice of the following luxury accommodations:

Hemmingway Safari Tent Camps

Heritage Hotel

Twice daily open Land Rover trips with experienced guides

All meals included (personal beverages and phone calls are not included, nor is airfare) Transfers to and from the airport in Durban can be easily arranged

See abundant plains game including elephant, rhino, leopard, giraffe, hippo, zebra, nyala, cheetah, buffalo, kudu and more

Internet access is available on site

Good for two (2) years from tonight’s auction

VALUE: $5,950

FUND-A-NEED

Scholarships for young professionals and students

Scholarships are offered for young professionals and students to attend the upcoming WFEA conference.

They are awarded to persons who can't afford the registration fee, and to organizations who want to bring additional staff people to the conference.

Presented by:

2023 PACIFIC NORTHWEST

Summit Awards

Entries were judged among their peers in the same event budget category so they were competing with festivals with similar budgets.

There are two event budget categories:

Under $150,000

Over $150,000

Also Awarded: Best in Show: Represents the best single entry in each budget category.

Grand Summit: The Grand Summit is the highest award given by WFEA in recognition of those Festival and Events who have a balance of all the elements necessary to ensure a successful event.Award winners in each budget category will be selected based on the overall excellence of a festival and event as presented in their entries in all the other Summit Award categories

2023 VOLUNTEER of the year

Award Categories:

Brochure / Postcard / Direct Mail

Promotional Poster

Program / Event Guide

Event Recap / Annual Report

Tickets & Invitations

Newspaper Tabloid

Television Program (Ad, PSA or YouTube Promotion Video)

Radio Program (Ad, PSA)

Website

Social Media Page

Logistical Achievement

Volunteer Program

Sponsorship Proposal

Presented by:

Education Program

Green Program

Multi-Agency Collaborative

Program

Community Outreach Program

Sponsor Partnership

Social Media Ad Campaign

Outdoor Advertisement

Photo (Black & White or Color)

Promotional Item

T-Shirt

Mobile App

Healthy Lifestyle Event

GAIL RALSTON, OMC FOUNDATION

Gail has volunteered for nonprofit events for 33 years and her enthusiasm is contagious. She regularly recruits more volunteers which, of course, multiplies her impact. Recognized by Soroptomist as “Woman of the Year” for volunteerism, and the County for her Service Gail has provided leadership and fund-raising for: the Olympic Medical Center’s Duck Race, Festival of Trees, Sonny Sixkiller Golf Tournament, and Seattle Children’s Hospital Guild, and more. She also serves on the Board and raised funds for a new performing arts center the Field Arts & Events Hall which is changing the face of Port Angeles special events. But… she saves the real magic for the kids at Christmastime, when she magically makes Mrs.Claus come to life for schools and the Teddy Bear Tea.

Presented by: 2023

CLEP graduates

The CLEP (Certified Live Event Planner) program has offered in-depth educational sessions and hands-on experience at festivals and events to provide event professionals knowledge at the highest level of their field Upon completion of requirements, the following graduates have earned the title of Certified Live Event Planner (CLEP).

Jaquelyn Ball, City of Covington

Maia Goranson, City of Covington

Abby Walser, Nez Perce County Fair

2023 EVENT SUPPORTER of the year

FRANK SEBASTIAN

Presented by:

His experience volunteering for a performing at festivals, especially those in smaller communities over the last 40 years led him to proposing a festival an events grant program to support the rebuilding and restarting events across the State Because of his work, many of you in the audience tonight have been the recipient of the $3 5 million grant for festival and events that was administered by WFEA and ArtsWA. He was the one who realized more than almost anyone that the events industry was devastated during COVID.

He is Commerce’s ex-officio member on the Washington Tourism Marketing Authority, and shepherded the start of the Creative Economy Sector as Commerce as an official position with a mandate to build the creative economy’s role in the state’s economy.

2023 EVENT of the year

Olympic Peninsula Chapter Grand Opening of Field Arts and Events Hall

Southwest Washington Chapter Vancouver Wine and Jazz Festival

South Puget Sound Chapter Lacey Spring Fun Fair

Presented by:

North Puget Sound Chapter Sedro Woolley PRCA Rodeo

Central Washington Chapter Kruisin’ Kittitas Car Show and Burnouts

Southeast Washington Chapter Pasco Taco Crawl Middleton 2023 Fall Festival

Greater Tacoma Chapter Washington State Fair

Greater Spokane Chapter Crave NW

Central Puget Sound Chapter Bumbershoot Madaraka Festival

All of these regional winners are finalists for the state Event of the Year Award presented by Alexander Party Rental.

Presented by:

2023 EVENT ORGANIZER of the year

CAROL RILEY, OLYMPIA HARBOR DAYS

Carol works on the Olympia Harbor Days Festival and Tugboat Races (OHD), a 3 day event that attracts over 55K to the waterfront of Olympia She started with the festival in 2016 The well known, and well loved, Olympia festival covers 7 blocks, has 3 stages, 2 food areas, 3 docks hosting 30 to 40 tugboats and historic ships, multiple demonstration locations, and 200 arts & crafts, commercial and non-profit booth spaces and of course host the World’s Largest Vintage Tugboat Races annually. OHD is a non-profit event presented free to the community by the Olympia Kiwanis Club. Carol works on the festival alone, with volunteer help from members of the club Carol is no stranger to organizing events She was owner of Reunions Unlimited, a professional reunion planning company, and organized over 750 events in 20 years – 1995 - 2015 She started her working career in the fashion industry in NYC as a fashion buyer for Macy’s and merchandiser in women’s apparel in the late 70’s and 80’s. She then worked with professional art groups in PA as a grant writer, and later developed the Olympia Hands On Children’s Museum gift shop.

2023 EVENT PRODUCER of the year

Presented by:

DAVID DOXTATER, THE WORKSHOP

David Doxtater founded The Workshop in 1997 with a vision for inspiring people to connect with new ideas, celebrate achievement, and participate in making our world a better place. Following this vision, The Workshop has produced hundreds of events, concerts, galas, festivals and community celebrations that strive to build stronger engaged community. Concurrent to this work, David has also served as Director of Events at the University of Washington, overseeing hosted experiences for offices of Advancement and the President; and also served Executive Director for the Tacoma Tall Ships Festival David has been very busy. Prior to The Workshop, he began his career as a "One Reel Vaudeville" pioneer helping create the Bumbershoot Arts Festival and building it into a world-class multi-million dollar entertainment brand. During this time, he also developed the iconic "Summer Nights at the Pier" concert destination, as well as Seattle's annual 4th of July Fireworks show on Lake Union.

2023 RISINGStar

Presented by:

DECI EVANS, KIND + CO EVENTS, LLC

Kind + Co Events, a Seattle-based event management company, is run by owner Deci Evans Look no further than kind + co-events if you're organizing neighborhood celebrations, corporate events, or extraordinary fundraising events The group under Deci Evans specializes in adding a surprise factor to all kinds of events. Creating connections and establishing a sense of community is what Kind + Co Events enjoy doing the most. They think that a successful event is directly tied to the experience of the guests. They prioritize quality over quantity and concentrate on offering great event management, event design, and event production services

WashingtonFestivals&EventsAssociation

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

TUESDAY,

PRESENTED BY:

Hall of Fame

PEGGY DOERING, VALLEYFEST

Peggy is the Executive Director of Valleyfest, the City of Spokane Valley’s premier event. Peggy started working on Valleyfest as a community volunteer 28 years ago; has led the expanding nonprofit since 1996 Valleyfest began a one day festival in 1990 and has grown into a three day fall festival; five years ago the July Cycle Celebration was added This nonprofit has twenty six committees, over 200 volunteers, and partners with other community nonprofit to invite visitors to the City of Spokane Valley to shop, play and stay.

With Peggy’s interest in nonprofit work, she was the volunteer coordinator for MidCity Concerns Meals on Wheels Spokane, and an adult trainer with several Girl Scout Councils In Spokane, Peggy has served on the YMCA Advisory Board, Greater Gonzaga Guild President, GU School of Business Dean’s Advisory board, and Washington State Festival Association.

GEORGE SHARP, THURSTON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

George has had a thirty-five plus year career in community and economic development He was the Washington Economic Development Association Economic Advocate of the Year in 2019. He is a founding member and past president of WFEA, developed the first WFEA Chapter, former executive director of the National Lentil Festival, Co-creator of Tumwater Artesian Brew Fest and the Bucoda Boo-Coda Spook-Tacular, is a past President and Board Member of Capital Lakefair and Cocoordinator of Tenino Oregon Trail Days, Tenino Christmas Tree Lighting, and Tenino Chamber Holiday Auction Sharp has won numerous awards from IFEA and WFEA over the years for marketing. gsharp@thurstonedc.com

Hall of Fame

JON STONE, JON STONE CONSULTING

Jon has been a fixture in the event industry for over 30 years, working in myriad areas including festivals, concerts, cultural infrastructure, civic placemaking, theater and multidisciplinary arts To date he has performed key roles in the creation and execution of over 3500 events and performances, some of which have become iconic His work and leadership have touched over 10 million audience members, participants, artists, vendors, staff, and crew.

Jon is a first-call advisor on all matters relating to our industry to local, regional, state, and tribal government and institutions, and across both non-profit and forprofit sectors His consulting practice specializes in strategic planning, project management, business development and interim leadership When people and organizations are ready to launch new ventures, enable bold change or need help navigating difficult challenges, they call Jon Stone.

Volunteerism is a priority to Jon. He was appointed by Seattle City Council to two terms on the Seattle Music Commission where he served on the executive committee and chaired the Youth and Community committee for 6 years, creating the City of Music Career Day program He has served on the board of directors of WFEA since 2008 including two years as board president. As board chair of 501c3 Totem Star, he has guided the organization from an operating budget of $30K to over $600K and through completion of a multi-million-dollar capital campaign to build a new home at Seattle’s King Street Station.

SHELLY TOLO, TOLO EVENTS

Shelly Tolo launched Tolo Events in 2002 after a 12-year career as a development officer and event planner for nonprofit organizations. Her business mission is to maximize events through strategic planning and creating fabulous atmospheres and programs. She holds a Master’s Degree in Public Management from Carnegie Mellon University with a concentration in nonprofit organizations. In addition to her business savvy, Shelly has a keen eye for design and is recognized as a leading event designer in the industry When asked what she hopes a potential client would say about her after an interview, Shelly responded, “more than anything I would hope they’d say she’s really nice – we want to work with her!”. Did you know Shelly was a synchronized swimmer in high school, considers herself an Olympics junkie and loves to binge watch Naked and Afraid?

MIKE BRENNAN (2001) NORM LANGILL (2001) DAVID DOXTATER (2002)

EDNEUNHERZ(2015) AL SILVERMAN (2019) BETHKNOX (2019) SEATTLECENTER (2019) JERRYSCHMIDT(2020) RICKBETTS(2020) JEANNETTE BRENNAN (2020) TERRY MORGAN (2021)

DONKARDONG (2021) ROBIN KELLEY(2021) BILL BURKE (2022)

SHARP (2023)

(2023)