17th Annual Wild Fish Soiree Raises $51,000 for Wild Fish Conservation
The Wild Fish Conservancy celebrated its 17th annual Wild Fish Soiree and Benefit Auction on May 17th at the Chateau Ste. Michelle winery in Woodinville. Incredibly generous bidding in both the silent and live auctions raised nearly $51,000 for Wild Fish conservancy’s science, education, and advocacy programs and initiatives.
WFC members and supporters began the festive evening with a champagne reception and silent auction in the Chateau Ste Michelle’s newly remodeled Barrel Room. Lively and generous bidding characterized the silent auction which featured items from the Château Ste. Michelle, Ex Officio, Filson, Flying Fish Bar & Grill, Lost River Winery, Orvis, Patagonia, Seattle Art Museum, Seattle Symphony, and Wild Ginger restaurant just to name a few.
After the silent auction, Soiree guests adjourned to the main dining room and enjoyed an exquisite multi-course gourmet dinner complete with wine pairings. Following dinner, auctioneer Jerry Toner lead the competitive and spirited live auction.
This year again, Myrna and Michael Darland of Southern Chile Expeditions donated a total of three trips to Yan Kee Way Lodge in the Chilean Patagonia raising nearly $16,000 for wild fish conservation. Other highlights of the live auction included: guided fishing trips with Jack Cook and Bob Triggs; photography from Jeff Edvalds and Bill McMillan; a private wine tasting from E.B. Foote Winery; a hand-crafted bamboo fly rod with a WFC commemorative inscription from Fetha Styx Rods; a C.F. Burkheimer spey rod; a Sage trout rod donated by Patrick’s Fly Shop; and a striking traditional atlantic salmon fly, “Silver Ardea,” hand tied by master tier Harry Lemire and matted and framed by Steve Brocco.
The tens of thousands of dollars raised in this one evening will support Wild Fish Conservancy programs which seek to preserve, protect, and restore the Northwest’s wild fish resources. Wild Fish Conservancy wishes to extend its sincere appreciation for the support and commitment demonstrated by all of the donors, volunteers, and attendees who made the 2008 Soiree a tremendous success. See you next year!
Complete List of 17th Annual Wild Fish Soiree & Benefit Auction Donors
