The Hot Ticket: Fundraiser goes Country at United Way shindig on July 21 in TD
Jessie Leigh is bringing her Rock ‘N Roll attitude and country music to the United Way Auction and Concert at the Bargeway Pub in The Dalles on July 21. It is the largest fundraiser of the year for the Wasco-Sherman Council of the United Way of the Columbia Gorge. Last year locals donated some $30,000 at the event which then went to local nonprofits helping youth, victims of violence and people without food and shelter.
By Tom Peterson
It’s good to give.
Even better when you can do it with 400 friends.
Add a live show, great food, and adult beverage, and a chance to go big at a live auction in the best venue in The Dalles.
Well, now, that’s a recipe to get you on the dance floor.
The United Way of the Columbia Gorge kicks it into high gear in The Dalles at the Bargeway Pub for its biggest annual fundraiser on July 21 with a power punch of country music and fun from skyrocketing country performers Jessie Leigh of Clackamas and Reno-based Huckleberry Road.
Jeff Heater
The event is growing bigger and better each year, said Jeff Heater, United Way Board Member and President of the Wasco-Sherman Council.
“This is our third or fourth year working with Steve Kane at the Bargeway. Their event space is unique being right on the river… and this is the first time we’re having country bands. We’ve got two headliners, and I have heard them both - they’re really good.”
Tickets are on sale now, and they’re going fast as the Wasco-Sherman Council of United Way is putting together the prizes and surprises for the Concert and Auction. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. It’s a 21 and older event.
Heater said the event raised some $30,000 last year, about $8,000 more than the preceding year. That money then goes to 27 vetted local nonprofits such as Meals on Wheels that spend the money wisely to help locals.
Last year the event drew about 300 people, and with recent expansions at the Bargeway, there is potential to increase it to 400 this year, Heater said.
Tonya Brumley
Tonya Brumley with the United Way Wasco-Sherman Council said that was the best part of the event.
“It is not a huge crowd… That makes it palatable for people,” she said. “It is a fun and enjoyable time to eat and partake in auction items and adult beverages and then do some dancing - It’s great on the waterfront, and you get to see top-rated bands. It’s a high-energy night, and there is a ton of positive energy to do the best for United Way.”
Who’s on Tap?
Jessie Leigh
Jessie Leigh
Jessie Leigh of Clackamas, Oregon has been bending her vocals for years through church and gigs, and finally making the step from small-town teacher to big-time musician after college at Eastern Oregon. She infuses her rock and roll attitude into her country style and has been praised for her fresh, unique sound, and her small-town big-heart appeal through songs such as Small Town Fight which details the struggle of Clackamas residents under siege by wildfire in 2020.
Huckleberry Road based out of Reno will hit the stage with great songs and musicianship.
Huckleberry Road
“Even in duo mode, Huckleberry Road centers on great songs and musicianship. Both Robert Clark and Anthony Vairetta are excellent pickers. Vairetta in particular can shred like a metal maniac when it’s warranted. Add on the duo’s gift for deft lyrics—presented in Clark’s rich, tuneful voice—and you have a recipe for great country rock that sucks you in with its classic song-craft and storytelling, according to a story written by Mark Earnest in the Reno News & Review. They are joined on stage by longtime friend and drummer Dillon Secklin.
What’s Up For Bid?
“A new thing this year is a balloon ride and then a winery visit,” Heater said. Hosted dinners for groups of 10 or 12 are also on the block among other items.
Heater said he bid on and won a dinner last year that was hosted by Fun Country’s Mike and Lisa Erland who then put on a seafood boil at their party barn complete with vintage motorcycles.
“We invited 8 friends along and had a blast,” he said. “There were a bunch of Honda Trail 90s. I wanted one of those in the worst way as a kid. My parents said they were too dangerous and they bought me and my brother three-wheelers. We rolled them all the time.”
Don’t Forget the Raffle
They will also be raffling off another E-bike this year, which was hugely popular in 2022. And odds are good. Only 104 tickets will be sold.
You Don’t have to Break the Bank
Brumley said a paddle raise will be held where people can commit to contributions as low as $50 if bidding is not within the budget. “Usually items are further along in the auction of what I want to spend,” Brumley said laughing. “It usually does not take that long.”
A Very Good Cause
United Way of the Columbia Gorge concentrates our energy and focus into 3 main areas, said United Way Executive Director Caroline Grew.
Basic Human Needs: providing food, housing, transportation for medical needs, self-sufficiency and finding access to housing, jobs and treatment
Keeping Youth on Track: teaching youth the skills needed to make smart choices and become responsible, productive, caring members of our community
Safe from Violence and Abuse: Keeping families safe; protecting our most vulnerable citizens; reducing isolation and providing resources for victims
“United Way of the Columbia Gorge was started in 2006, and since then has given over $2.75 million towards our focused causes. We are run by a board of local volunteers and have councils in each of our 5 counties (Hood River, Klickitat, Sherman, Skamania & Wasco). The power of all of these community members working together is the magic behind our fundraising and we are so grateful for our donor support,” Grew said.
In 2022 United Way of the Columbia Gorge distributed over $200,000 back into our community, to help 27 non-profit groups in need of funding in Hood River, Klickitat, Sherman, Skamania & Wasco Counties.
The United Way of the Columbia Gorge is a registered 501(c)3 with FEIN #93-0834020.
These are the organizations that it funded in the 2023-2024 funding cycle. It distributed $75,000 to these organizations in our 1st quarter. We will be distributing a similar amount of funding in the next 3 quarters.
WAGAP
Columbia Gorge Food Bank
Helping Hands Against Violence
CASA
Skamania Council on DV
SafeSpace Children's Advocacy Center
The Dalles Community Back Pack Program
Klickitat Senior Services
CultureSeed
The Dalles Meals on Wheels
FISH
The Dalles Farmer's Market
Youth Empowerment Program
Six Rivers Dispute
Hood River Valley Adult Center
Community Meals
Columbia Gorge Discovery Center
HR Xmas Project
HR County Prevention Dept
New Hope Farms
Play Frontier
First Book Wasco
Keeping Kids Involved in Developmental Sports
Backpacks for Kids
First Book HR
SMART Reading
Boy Scouts of Goldendale
