Saturday, September 10, 4 p.m., Morning Star Farm

— from Vala Ross —

Kaleidoscope is gearing up for their 11th Annual “Island Grown, Island Raised” Dinner Auction event. It will take place at Morning Star Farm on Saturday, September 10 at 4 p.m. The evening will include a gourmet picnic appetizers, dinner, and dessert, local wine and beer, and progressive silent auction items. Tickets are $50 each and may be purchased in advance by calling 376-2484 or emailing kaleiodscope@orcasonline.com.

Morning Star Farm is a beautiful setting that captures the island spirit of nature, nurture, peace, and plenty. For those who have never had the chance to see it for themselves, this could be the opportunity you have been waiting for. The menu for this “Island Grown, Island Raised” event will feature locally sourced, farm fresh produce, meats, and Salish seafood. Chef Madden Surbaugh (Orcas Food Co-Op, Quilted Pig, Step’s Wine Bar) will prepare delicious morsels to pass around during the cocktail and auction hour. Family-style service will bring guests together for a gourmet picnic dinner and friendly conversation. Dessert will be Kaleidoscope Kid-Picked Blackberry Pie with ice cream donated by Lopez Island Creamery. Complementary beverages include a selection of Lopez Island Vineyards wine, brew from Island Hoppin’ Brewery, and Local Goods coffee. Child care will be available during the event at Kaleidoscope, with pizza dinner for the kids. Please confirm the number and ages of children that will need care.

The silent auction and raise-the-pen tables will benefit the quality early learning education program that Kaleidoscope offers to the community. Kaleidoscope Preschool and Child Care Center works as a vital pillar in the island community, providing year-round child care services from 1 month – 12 years. In fact, Kaleidoscope is the only licensed infant care in all of San Juan County, and also the only licensed option for full-time care of all age groups on Orcas.

Approximately 60 children come through the doors of Kaleidoscope each day while their parents and guardians work in the community, keeping our economy and families thriving. Proceeds from the “Island Grown, Island Raised” event help to support this important mission in so many ways. Please join in our efforts to provide safe, affordable, high-quality, consistent preschool and child care services while supporting the families of Orcas Island. This is sure to be an unforgettable dining experience, and we hope that you can join us. Seating is limited, so please purchase tickets in advance.

If you did not get your invitation in the mail and would like to attend, please RSVP. No one will be turned away, in true Kaleidoscope fashion, but we would like to anticipate how many to prepare for. For more details or to reserve your seat, please call Kaleidoscope at 376-2484. Kaleidoscope is also accepting donations for our silent auction, let Vala know if you would like to contribute an item. We hope you will be able to join us on September 10 at Morning Star Farm for an evening of good friends, good food, good drinks, and good times.

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