With catering and decorations by Freeland’s Fare Market, WICA was transformed into a whimsical floral landscape. Beginning at 5:00 p.m., 120 gala attendees mingled over creative hors d’oeuvres and specialty beverages in WICA’s Zech Hall, standing beneath delicate and transparent umbrellas brimming with vines and flowers. Guests were treated to music by Whidbey Island local Philip Van Seters while previewing the Live Auction and taking part in the Wine Grab and 50/50 Raffle.
During the Cocktail Hour, WICA was presented with the Theatre Puget Sound (TPS) People's Choice Award for North Puget Sound, 2020-2023, by Crystal Yingling, Executive Director of TPS in Seattle. During this time, one of WICA’s Bridge Family Scholarship recipients, South Whidbey High School graduating senior Ethan Heather-Ford, treated attendees to a jazz performance with his jazz trio, and spoke to guests about his plans for the future.
Whidbey Island musician Philip Van Seters
The event then moved to the mainstage, which was decorated with life-size floral arrangements that were reminiscent of a scene out of Alice in Wonderland. Attendees took over the stage, which featured large rounds of tables decorated in a pastel color scheme that glowed under the stage lights.
The setting served as a backdrop for the Live Auction, which featured items ranging from full festival passes and soundcheck access for DjangoFest Northwest 2024 to a VIP event with Pacific Northwest Ballet. Spirited and generous bidding took place, all while catering staff served food prepared with local ingredients—from Whidbey Island Seafood Company salmon to Whidbey Island Grown greens. Attendees also took part in the Paul & Pam Schell Producers Circle Raise the Paddle, with Executive Artistic Director Deana Duncan inviting everyone to “Be a Producer” and contribute to the arts programming at WICA.
“It was an inspiring experience,” says Duncan. “We are a community arts organization, and this event directly supports our programming, students scholarships, accessibility efforts, and Whidbey Island partnerships. We are feeling the generosity of spirit and encouragement across the entire organization right now and are so fortunate to exist within a community that values arts programming and the important role it plays in our lives.”
As the highest grossing WICA fundraiser to date, the Aspire Gala was a clear reminder of the island’s support for the arts organization and proof that at 28 years old, the nonprofit remains a relevant and important part of the community.
