Sold-out museum gala raises $56,000 as renovations begin

WENATCHEE — A sold-out gala raised $56,000 for Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center operations as the museum begins renovations and moves programs to alternate locations.

The museum’s annual A Night For The Museum fundraiser took place Sept. 25 at the Numerica Performing Arts Center because the main museum buildings are closed for renovations. The evening featured silent and live auctions and met the museum’s fundraising goal, according to an Oct. 6 news release.

“This was an incredible evening of celebrating the impact of the Museum,” Executive Director Marriah Thornock said in the release. “Our guests came together to raise money that will be used to support Museum programs such as the After-School Robotics program, Youth on the Columbia, Nick’s Bricks, and more.”

Thornock credited members, donors and guests for their support.

“The energy of the evening was high, and our entire Board and staff feels deep gratitude for the chance to celebrate with members, donors, and guests,” she said.

The museum has begun its Branch Out transformation, with plans to maintain operations and programming during construction.

Its art gallery, gift shop, guest services and administrative headquarters will move to the Downtown Branch at 30 S. Mission St., a short distance from the main museum buildings.

Other events and activities will take place at the Wells House and additional Wenatchee Valley College venues. Youth robotics classes will be hosted at the former Valley Academy of Learning through a partnership with the Wenatchee School District.

Annual events, including Multicultural Fest, Salmon Bake, Haunted Museum and Día de los Muertos, will continue at locations across the Wenatchee Valley with help from community partners.

The museum is a nonprofit organization supported by the cities of Wenatchee and East Wenatchee. More information is available at wenatcheevalleymuseum.org.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media