The Rotary Gala is returning after a four year hiatus due to COVID.
Two years ago, the Rotary Club of West Liberty had a Gala scheduled and partnered with the West Liberty School Districts fine arts boosters club chosen but due to COVID the Gala was canceled, said Rotary Gala committee member Ken Brooks.
On Saturday, June 4, the Gala will return ad the West Liberty Community Club hosts the biggest fundraiser, partnered with the West Liberty Fine Arts Boosters.
“We’re really focusing on the sense of community and giving the people the opportunity to interact and have fun because for many this will be the first big event they’ve had since COVID hit a couple of years ago,” said Brooks. “I hope everybody comes out and has a good time.”
Doors will open at 5 p.m. with performances from groups in the fine arts department of the school district starting at 5:30 p.m.
“I am really grateful for the opportunity to hold the Gala this year,” said West Liberty High School band director Ashley Smith.
Los Cometas Mariachi will be the first group to play, she said. Then the beginning and intermediate mariachi groups from the high school will be performing. The improv group from the high school The Part Time Simpletons, will perform a set at 6:30 p.m., directed by Dorianne Rees and the final performance will be given by a student led band called L7.
“They play a range of music from funk to jazz to New Orleans style brass band jams,” Smith said.
There will a live auction held and a silent auction held at the Gala, where there will be more than 100 on display to bid on.
“Some of the live auction items include really neat destination prizes or trips,” Brooks said. “Different hotel and resort stays. Things like that. You do have to be there to bid or convince somebody to bid on your half.”
There are several benefit drawing items available as well with a grand prize of Walt Disney World vacation for four including airfare and the lodging, he added.
“We’ll draw that first,” Brooks said. “We’ve got a nice patio set that will be a part of that raffle.”
Other items in the raffle include a big screen television, Oculus Quest Two virtual reality headset, a pellet and grill smoker by Traeger bought in town by Fred’s Feed and a couple more large items.
All funds, once the expenses are paid for the event will be split in half between the Rotary club and the fine arts boosters club.
“I know they’re fundraising for some new band instruments,” Brooks said. “They need some new instruments to provide for students.”
Drawing tickets are still available for $25 each or $100 for four, Brooks said. Gala admission tickets are also still available to purchase through any Rotary member or through Brooks at the WeLead office and included Hor d’oeuvres and an open bar. Call the WeLead office to reserve your ticket at 319-627-4045.