The “Women’s Celebration: Bridging Cultures” event was held Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at the Baker County Event Center (also known as the Old Armory Building).
Around one hundred forty women attended. Tonia St. Germain, professor of gender studies at Eastern Oregon University, was guest speaker. Other distinguished guests were AAUW State President Cynthia Rauscher, State Historian Judith Scott, and NE District Director Pat Hines.
Meredithe Felton and Sasha Gazely volunteered to oversee setting-up and decorating and were assisted by many others.
Wanda Raffety and Jordan Maiwald were in charge of tables. Debby Trapp-Rhoem, who helped with so much having to do with this function, filled in for Wanda while she was out of town.Table settings were quite attractive and creative. These settings were placed by many individuals and organizations from the area. Ann Bryan catered the event providing German cuisine. Outstanding students from Baker High School acted as servers and did an excellent job.
The Earth&Vine Art Gallery provided the no-host wine bar.
Inspirational comments were made by Rev. Aletha Bonebrake before Tonia St. Germain, professor of gender studies at Eastern Oregon University, spoke on relevant women’s issues.
Roxanna Swann, in her role as emcee, kept the program moving along.
Sandy Lewis and Danae Simonski kept track of and arranged all the items for the silent auction and raffle.
In charge of dinner ticket sales was Heather Rudolph who reported about 140 dinner tickets were sold at $25 each this year. Betty’s Books and Ryder Bros., as well as AAUW members sold tickets.
Barbara Warner kept in contact with the local newspapers with press releases.
Wanda Raffety, finance vice-president, reports these figures as proceeds from the silent auction and raffle:
Raffle – $ 750
Auction – $3041
Total $3791
Individual Checks to 9 grant recipients – $1170
Mickey Edwards, grants selection committee chair, announced those receiving grants are:
- Haines Improvement Club
- Mayday
- Baker Co. Health Dept.
- Baker Co. Literacy Coalition
- Child Care Resources
- Red Cross
- Haines Elementary School 5/6th grades
- Crossroads
- PEEF
- First Books
