Kirkland Chamber to host annual gala May 8

The public is invited to sail on board the Royal Argosy on Friday, May 8 a

The public is invited to sail on board the Royal Argosy on Friday, May 8 as the Greater Kirkland Chamber of Commerce hosts a dinner gala, auction, and casino to help raise operating funds. As is the custom in this annual event, another nonprofit will also benefit. This year, Hopelink will be given money collected in a ‘raise-the-paddle’ segment of the auction.

The Royal Argosy, with mahogany trim and spectacular chandeliers, is the premier ship in the Argosy fleet and is primarily used in Seattle. For this event, it will dock at Carillon Point near the Woodmark Hotel on Lake Washington. The boat will arrive at 5:30 pm and set sail at 7 pm. It returns to dock at about 9:30 pm though festivities will continue for those staying on board until 11 pm.

An extensive dinner buffet will include Chevre and Champignon Stuffed Chicken Breast, Baked Salmon, Beef Burgundy, Mushroom Ravioli, Salads, and Desserts.

The silent and live auctions will feature more than 125 items including Woodmark and Heathman Hotel packages, restaurant certificates, gift baskets, a private wine tasting for 40, interior design packages, theater tickets, Seahawks team photo signed by former Coach Mike Holmgren, and other new items arriving daily. The live auction has been scaled back this year to about 10 items, leaving time for casino action. Event Source Northwest is supplying ten tables with its trademarked Twisted Casino entertainment. There will be several raffle prizes offered as part of the casino action.

A number of sponsors have contributed to help bring the Royal Argosy to Kirkland. Union Bank of California is Title Sponsor for the event. Supporting sponsors include Sterling Savings Bank, Evergreen Healthcare, Puget Sound Energy, Kirkland Lodge at Lakeside, Carillon Properties, and Event Source Northwest. Gregorek and Associates is a sponsor and contributors also include Frontier Bank and Milloy and Associates.

Everyone 18 and older is invited to join in the fun. The event makes for a great employee party, girls’ night out, family get-together, or client reward. Tickets are $150 per person, which includes dinner, complimentary wine at the tables, and parking at Carillon Point.

To reserve a space, call the Kirkland Chamber office at 425-822-7066, e-mail judim@kirklandchamber.org or register online at www.kirklandchamber.org. Click on the 2009 Casino Royal ad.