Clear Lake and Lakeport Regional chambers of commerce joined efforts to bring a lively, festive fundraiser to Lake County. Luau by the Lake, held Saturday at Rolling Knolls Vineyard, was a wonderfully successful event that assisted in raising funds for Independence Day fireworks displays in the cities of Clearlake and Lakeport.
Rolling Knolls provided a beautiful, serene setting for the event with guests enjoying a breathtaking, bird”s eye view of Anderson Marsh State Historical Park. Polynesian dancers from “Halau Ha a Kea O Kinohi” dance school and other companies entertained the crowd with traditional hula dances prior to guests breaking out the big money for purchase of their favorite bachelors and bachelorettes.
“Everyone had a great time at the event and it was a pleasure teaming with the Lakeport chamber to bring this creative fundraiser to the community,” Clear Lake Chamber executive director Lori Peters said. “The dancers were amazing. They came from all over Northern California, right down to the adorable two-year-old who shook her butt. And the auction was so much fun; participants really got into the auction this year.”
To begin the dance performance Instructor Cheryl “Kelela” Blake, led a group of hula dancers in an ancient dance, which requested permission to dance. Other selections celebrated love for the Hawaiian Islands, habits of native species and the beauty of Kauai.
Auctioneer Bill Kearney, who matched a $1000 donation from Wal-Mart with the same from North Lake Medical Pharmacy, kept the bids rolling on “celebrity” bachelors and bachelorettes to rake in a total of $8,360. Tammi Silva, of Sutter Lakeside Hospital and Sutter Wellness Group was the top bid-getter with her vivacious package sold for a whopping $1660. The package included photo sitting, massage, chiropractic care, legal consultation, private cooking party, one year membership for two to Sutter Lakeside Wellness Center and three days, two nights in Las Vegas with limousine service.
Several bachelors and bachelorettes received amiable bids; $1000 each bought packages offered by Marie Beery, owner of the Saw Shop Gallery Bistro and Ari Lopez, Janelle Davis and Holly Levine, of Lake Event Design. Orchard Park”s Kimberly Kent”s wine extravaganza package also sold for $1000.
Other celebrity participants included Lakeport Police Chief Kevin Burke, Clear Lake Chamber President Joey Luiz, Kelseyville Lumber CFO Mike Gayeski, Hospice Services of Lake County Executive Director Kevin Garvey, CPS Country Air Property Realtor Rob Ishihara, Paul Axtell, MD and Riley Gossett of Gossett Alarm.
Final numbers from the event were not available as of press time; however, Peters said that Clearlake”s fireworks fund is almost sufficient to cover costs. “I think we are about three quarters of the way to funding this year”s fireworks display,” she said. “We are still looking for sponsors of the event who can see their business information on radio, newsprint and banners.”
For more information regarding fireworks sponsorship opportunities call the Clear Lake Chamber at 994-3600 or the Lakeport Regional Chamber at 263-5092.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
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