Saturday, August 27 at 5:30 p.m., Orcas Center Madrona Room

— from Virginia Erhardt and Judy Whiting —

OPAL Gala cakes 2

Tasting desserts ahead of OPAL’s upcoming gala on Saturday, August 27, are committee members (left to right) Lynne Greene, Helen Bee, and Anne Bertino. Twelve island bakers will be dishing up their best for OPAL’s legendary dessert dash to benefit affordable housing.

The time is nigh for the OPAL Community Land Trust’s annual benefit dinner and gala.

Join us on Saturday, August 27 at 5:30 pm for a fabulous opportunity to hear heartwarming stories, enjoy old friends, connect with people new to you, and have great fun … remember, this is the gala with the dessert dash, and the desserts are exquisite. We’ll be waiting for you at the Madrona Room, Orcas Center.

Response to last year’s dinner, prepared by the one-and-only Chef Jon Chappelle of Doe Bay Cafe, was so enthusiastic that we moved heaven and earth (OK, we moved the traditional date of the gala) in order to have Jon return to prepare another gustatory delight for you. He and his family are OPAL homeowners.

In the spirit of generosity that is so abundant in our community, you will be moved to continue to offer the support that has made the dream of affordable housing a reality for 132 OPAL households on Orcas.

This year, you will help us increase the number of affordable rental homes, so desperately needed here, and expand the availability of mortgage financing on the island. We couldn’t do it without you!

So come, join us for this evening of camaraderie and inspiration.

Purchase tickets online at www.opalclt.org/event/opal-gala-benefit-dinner/ or call (360) 376-3191 where operators are standing by.