MOSES LAKE — Get out the boat shoes and sailing togs and get ready to cruise in a good cause at the Columbia Basin Allied Arts annual fundraiser auction May 3. 

The theme is “Make Waves for the Arts,” and the background will be yacht rock music, said Shawn Cardwell, CBAA executive director. 

“It comes with its own soundtrack and dress code, casual, yuppie and summery,” Cardwell said. “(It’s) an afternoon event rather than an evening event to keep this chill vibe … it feels really laid back and accessible for everyone.” 

As in the past, the event will be held on the lawn at The Garden in Moses Lake, with tables and games set up under the shade of the trees. Paradise Bar and Grill will supply the food, dessert will come from Moses Butterflies and Bumblebees and Moses Lake Distillery will provide drinks. 

Last year’s event raised about $30,000, Cardwell said. The money goes CBAA’s Green Turtle and Premier series of concerts and shows, civic events like the Umani Festival, Art on Third and Music at the Market and arts presentations at schools throughout the region. 

For schools, Cardwell said CBAA is dusting off a program that was originally conceived in 2019 but had to be shelved because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Art Box Curriculum project will offer elementary schools a tote box containing all the supplies and lesson plans for teaching students visual arts, she said, at a very low price. The impetus behind the project is that many elementary schools no longer teach visual arts, she explained. 

“We feel like visual arts and the exploration that comes with visual arts is extremely important for students,” she said. 

She explained that the auction paves the way for other revenue sources besides helping pay for CBAA's programs. 

“This annual fundraiser is always a cornerstone of asking for other sponsorships and grants, because it is one way to indicate how much the community supports (us),” she said. “That becomes an important part of our narrative when we ask for more donations and grants throughout the year.” 

‘Make Waves for the Arts’ 

 May 3 12-4 p.m.

The Garden 

605 E. Nelson Road, Moses Lake 

Tickets and info: www.cba-arts.org 

    Columbia Basin Allied Arts Vice President Leslie Ramsden tosses a Velcro ball at a target in a bid for a prize at last year’s CBAA fundraiser. This year’s event will include games, an auction and lunch catered by Paradise Bar and Grill.
  

    Columbia Basin Allied Arts Executive Director Shawn Cardwell holds up an item while auctioneer Chuck Yarbro Jr. calls for bids at the 2024 Columbia Basin Allied Arts auction. Last year’s auction raised about $30,000 for performances, civic events and school arts presentations.