23rd ‘Gala at Riverhouse’ to benefit High Desert Museum

The 23rd Annual Gala at The Riverhouse, produced by the Central Oregon Visitors Association and The Riverhouse, announced Monday that the High Desert Museum has been selected as the beneficiary of the Gala at the Riverhouse set for January 18, 2016 at the Riverhouse Hotel and Convention Center.

“The High Desert Museum is an integral part of the fabric of our Central Oregon community,” said Alana Hughson, Central Oregon Visitors Association CEO.

“The Gala at the Riverhouse selection of the High Desert Museum as beneficiary helps ensure that the museum’s legacy of offering community-wide programs allowing schools, seniors, visitors with special needs and our military free access to the museum’s enriching experiences can continue. COVA is privileged to support the Gala at the Riverhouse and deeply appreciates the generosity of The Riverhouse and Vesta Hospitality in making this signature event possible.”

Celebrating its 23rd event, The Gala at The Riverhouse has raised over $2.3 million for local beneficiaries such as Bend La-Pine Schools Foundation, Grandma’s House, Sparrow Clubs, KIDS Center, Family Resource Center, Ronald McDonald House, Every Kid Fund, Deschutes Children’s Foundation, Tower Theater, Cascade Youth and Family Center, Habitat For Humanity, Volunteers in Medicine and Heart of Oregon Corp.

“We are honored to have been chosen as the beneficiary of next year’s Gala”, said High Desert Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “As a non-profit that is funded solely by donations, memberships and grants, this community support by COVA and the Riverhouse will help us continue to expand the educational programs we offer to our community and visitors to the area. We deeply appreciate this generous gift.”

The High Desert Museum, founded by Donald M. Kerr in 1982, is home to more than 100 animals, including birds of prey, otters, porcupines, a bobcat, reptiles and amphibians. It also features permanent exhibits about High Desert history and culture as well as ever-changing temporary exhibits. Living history characters bring the late 1800s and early 1900s to life at the Miller Family Ranch and 1904 sawmill.

The Gala at The Riverhouse has been a leading fundraising event in the community for the past 23 years. The Central Oregon Visitors Association, in partnership with The Riverhouse, produces the entire event from preliminary beneficiary selection, through donation procurement, ticket sales, and volunteer support for the evening of the event.

The Riverhouse donates all of the food and beverage, facility, and labor for the night of the event, thereby ensuring that 100% of ticket sales directly benefit the selected beneficiary. The Gala remains one of the most successful charity events in Central Oregon and continues to help local non-profits in a meaningful way year after year.

The Gala evening will include an elegant five-course meal, one-of-a-kind silent auction, and a special guest speaker to be announced in the fall. Corporate Sponsorships, tables and individual tickets are available via Heather Vihstadt at the High Desert Museum at 541-382-4754 extension 248.

For more information, please contact Shannon Hinderberger with The Riverhouse at shannon@riverhouse.com, visit http://www.riverhouse.com/bend-convention-space/gala-event or phone 541-389-3111.