Redmond Chamber Gala and Auction helps fund annual budget, connect community

Redmond residents and business leaders bid on a variety of items as local celebrities John Curley and Jim Dever entertained the crowd as masters of ceremonies for the Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce's sold-out 66th Annual Gala and Auction last Friday night at Willows Lodge in Woodinville.

February 29, 2012 5:37 pm
John Curley cranked up the fun at last Friday's Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce Gala and Auction at Willow Lodge in Woodinville.
John Curley cranked up the fun at last Friday's Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce Gala and Auction at Willow Lodge in Woodinville.

Redmond residents and business leaders bid on a variety of items as local celebrities John Curley and Jim Dever entertained the crowd for the Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce’s sold-out 66th Annual Gala and Auction last Friday night at Willows Lodge in Woodinville.

Curley, the former host of King 5’s “Evening Magazine” and current Sammamish City Councilmember served as the auctioneer and Dever, a reporter for “Evening Magazine” was the master of ceremonies.

The event featured a silent auction with more than 170 items, including wine tastings, sports and art experience tickets and various gift certificates for local services. The live auction featured 40 items, including a lunch and a ride in a Zipcar with Redmond Mayor John Marchione, a visit from Santa Claus and a one-year lease on a new Accord from Honda of Kirkland.

The gala is an important annual event that brings in 20 percent of the funding toward the chamber’s annual budget, according to a chamber press release.