Southwest Seattle Historical Society would like to thank the Community for coming out their 2017 Champagne Gala Brunch at Salty’s on Alki. Among the highlights, former Executive Director Clay Eals was awarded a “Power of Community” hand-blown glass ornament created for the occasion by Avalon Glassworks, long-time supporter, John Bennett, owner of Luna Park Cafe, lead off donor support this year as the Presenting Sponsor. This is in addition to the help John has always given in the upkeep and care of the Log House Museum.

The Gala Committee worked tirelessly to put on the event, including creating four “Fun in the Junction” auction packages for the Morgan, Alaska, and Admiral Junctions, as well as the Alki business district. Some packages included things like B’s Po Boy on Alki contributing a five-course meal for six with wine parings; Wiseman Appliances providing a stainless steel Frigidaire 38-bottle cooler for the Admiral Junction package; and, in the Morgan Junction, Thriftway making up a huge Seahawks-themed gift basket.

One donor Tony Anderson of Emerald City Media LLC donated $5000.

The event featured an interview by KOMO TV4's Connie Thompson who interviewed Husky Deli owner Jack Miller. Among the little known facts he shared was that the name was determined in 1937, has nothing to do with the UW, but in fact came from a small "husky" chocolate dipped ice cream cone that his grandfather sold, that he then transferred to the entire store. \

Ron Hippe was the live auctioneer for the event.

 A panel of West Seattle experts played "Wait Wait, West Seattle...Don't tell me" with Joe McDermott, Ron Koch, Aurora Bennett, Tracey Conway and Dave Montoure. The panel was moderated by John Maynard. Montoure won with the right answer about the building height limit in the Junction, which happens to be 85 feet.

Between challenge funders, exciting live auction & raffle items, the community came together to help them raise over $82,000.