A large crowd turned out for Lopez Island Historical Society’s “Big Event” on Saturday, July 26, netting the non-profit just over $30,000 for its programs.

Auction items included some unique experiences, such as a dinner for six of “paella,” a Spanish dish, cooked by Kim Bast, complete with music, dessert, and more. The night also saw some bidders giving back to the community. A Steve Hill painting, which had been temporarily hanging in a LOHO senior housing building, was purchased by Rip Van Camp. He then donated it back to LOHO for residents to enjoy. LOHO was the recipient of similar goodwill during last year’s LIHS auction, when Mike Halperin and Jodi Green bid on a player piano, which they donated to the senior living complex.

Another special item received strong community support. A “raise your paddle” bidding period for an LIHS program to benefit Lopez School students brought in $7,000. LIHS Trustees Ellin Evans and Laurie Latta created the curriculum, which will include Lopez Island’s history, geography, economics and local government for Lopez students in grades 3-4. It meets Washington State standards for studying local communities, and will include classroom activities to enhance the text. Evans and Latta will also develop a “Back Seat Driver’s Guide” for families who visit the museum. The guide is for children to explore and inform adults about exhibits at the museum and various sites around Lopez. It will include an island tour and information on places to visit.

Seattle auctioneers Dick and Sharon Friel, whose family has owned a house on Lopez for years, have donated their time leading the bids for the last three LIHS auctions. “Participating in the auction to benefit the museum is always so much fun. It brings together the best in the community: fellowship, delicious desserts from the island’s best bakers, fabulous art from the talented artists, and experiences that we can only enjoy on this island. We are always honored to be a part of this very special evening. And, we had the added pleasure of raising designated funds for third and fourth graders at the school, who will gain a perspective on Lopez Island and this very unique lifestyle,” said Sharon.

Executive Director Mark Thompson-Klein was also pleased with the evening. “The Big Event provides more than 25 percent of our annual funding, so we work hard to create an event people will enjoy. We’re encouraged that tickets sell out well ahead of time, and everyone I’ve seen since the event said they had a great time. Once again, donations at the Big Event exceeded our goals – we’ll be working on the new school curriculum and Back Seat Driver’s Guide in the coming year.”