The Enterprise - White Salmon, Washington

GorgeOut to finish Bingen skatepark

With help from the community

March 05, 2013

The City of Bingen is putting on a dinner and auction fundraiser called GorgeOut on March 23 to raise remaining funds to finish the community skatepark.

The City hopes to raise enough money to add to the existing structure; increasing the size of the popular skate space for youth and adults which will include adding a series of bowls for different ability levels.

GorgeOut tickets are on sale now ($15 each or $25 for two). Ticket price includes admission and dinner.

The Bingen School House will be packed with fun: the contagious energy of auctioneer, David Griffith, live music by Rainier Billingsley, food, drinks, great auction items and community spirit.

Tickets can be purchased at Bingen City Hall or at the door. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. with a social hour and time to view and bid on silent auction items. The buffet dinner will be from 6 to 7 p.m., followed by a live auction.

Local restaurants will be preparing the food and the participants include: Angel's Bakery, Beneventi's Pizza, El Rinconcito, Everybody's Brewing, Feast, Henni's Kitchen & Bar, Katina's, Los Reyes, Muggs Coffee, Solstice, Subway, and Sweet Things by Julie.

The GorgeOut theme may sound familiar and that is because it is.

"The community was so generous in 2012 and loved the food at the GorgeOut, that we decided to bring it back again," said Bingen Mayor Betty Barnes. "I know it is a lot to hope for, but we are aiming to raise $70,000 because that's what we need to complete the project."

The City is well on its way to that goal with pledges from Innovative Composite Engineering (ICE) and SDS Lumber Company to match all funds raised up to $10,000 each.

"This a huge gift," said council member Catherine Kiewit, "and we are motivated to make the most of it."

The auction has an enticing lineup which includes fishing trips, spring cleaning, weekend getaways, rafting trips, artwork and the list goes on.

The city is grateful to have the support of residents and local businesses who have chosen to make this park a priority for our community, Barnes added

Contact the City of Bingen to reserve tickets or make a contribution, 493-2122.