United Way Shindig at Bargeway in TD rocks with giving spirit

Jessie Leigh headlined the show with an outstanding band that matched her vocal skills. The Clackamas native was introduced by Stan Fargher of Gorge Country Y102. Leigh thanked Fargher for being one of the first to play her music and getting her career going. Fargher was one of the first DJs to play Leigh’s Pink Umbrella Drink helping her break through.

The United Way of the Columbia Gorge held its annual Concert and Auction at the Bargeway Pub in The Dalles on Friday, July 21, bringing in a strong crowd of fun-loving donators who bid up items and bought into raffles to help 27 local nonprofits that focus on providing food, safety, and shelter.

Auction Sales Co. Auctioneer Shawn Wilkinson points to the highest bidder during the auction as Jeff Heater, United Way Board Member and President of the Wasco-Sherman Council introduces auction items. A dinner party hosted by Lisa and Mike Erland brought $2,600. Wilkinson also had a few tricks up his sleeve - like offering the last bidder in a donation drive the $100 bill in his pocket for the last $100 donation. The bidding went on and on. Wilkinson, himself, bought the Farm to Table dinner put on by Bargeway Pub for $2,200.

Are you in or out - Shane Wingfield asks a bidder if they want to bid again. Wingfield was offered up several times by Wilkinson to dance in exchange for a higher bid as well.

Jeff Heater and United Way of the Columbia Gorge honored David Griffith during the event, noting his years of volunteering and dedication to making the communities of the Gorge a better place to live. Below David is the Electric Bike worth $3,000 that was raffled off during the auction. Raffle tickets were $50 and only 104 were sold. Pretty good odds. The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce President Lisa Farquharson was the lucky winner.