Wasco Rotary Fall Festival returns

The annual Wasco Rotary Club Fall Festival, one of the community's most anticipated events, will take place on Thursday, Nov. 7, at the Wasco Elks Lodge. The festive evening promises a steak dinner, a silent auction, a reverse raffle with a grand prize of $5,000 and a 50/50 drawing. Tickets are available for a $180 donation per couple and can be purchased through any Rotary Club member.

Tony Stout, a Rotary member for more than 20 years, is the chairperson of this year's event, marking his 15th year in the role. Stout has helped guide the festival into a staple event in Wasco, one that continually draws a crowd.

"I enjoy the event, and all the work is worth it," Stout said. "Every year, we expect about 250 guests, plus another 50 people who stop by to pick up around 100 meals. Over the years, we've raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support not only events in Wasco but also global initiatives through Rotary. It's more than just Wasco; it's worldwide. This year, you can expect the same high-quality steak dinner and wine, along with the opportunity to mingle with friends from the community. It's always a special evening, and people have a good time."

One of the key draws of the event is the reverse raffle, where one lucky participant could walk away with $5,000. The raffle is conducted in a reverse format, meaning that as tickets are drawn, they are eliminated, leaving the last five ticket holders to decide whether to split the pot or keep drawing until one person claims the top prize.

In addition to the raffle, a silent auction, organized by Rotary members Carol Hamilton and Brad Maberry, will feature an array of items. Hamilton, a Rotary member for over a decade, expressed excitement about the selection of goods up for grabs.

"We usually have 20 to 30 items," Hamilton explained. "In the past, we've had barbecue grills, extravagant gourmet food baskets, decorative wreaths, tickets to sporting events, spa days, beach house rentals, wine baskets and gift cards. The silent auction is just one part of the fundraising that goes primarily to benefit the people in Wasco."

Proceeds from the Fall Festival will go toward supporting a variety of Rotary Club initiatives, both local and global. The funds will benefit local schools, the Wasco Community Scholarship Association, the Wasco Recreation and Parks District, the Wasco Rose Festival, Rose Queen candidates, and youth programs such as Boys and Girls Scouts, the Sheriff's Activities League, the Ronald McDonald House and Tomorrow's Leaders Today. Rotary's global impact also will be felt through contributions to programs such as Polio Plus, an initiative to eradicate polio worldwide.

The event wouldn't be possible without the support of community sponsors. Sponsorships are still available. This year's partners include Peter's Funeral Home, Almendros, Richland Chevrolet, Brown-Armstrong CPA, Supreme Almonds, Grocery Outlet and Strata Credit Union.

"We are honored to partner with the Rotary Club, whose dedication to serving the community aligns with our mission to give back," Amor Regis, owner of Grocery Outlet said. "Through this donation, we hope to support their ongoing efforts to make a meaningful difference for those in need."

Kelly Fargo, vice president of community relations at Strata Credit Union, echoed this sentiment. "We at Strata Credit Union committed to support Wasco when we opened our newest branch back in November. We love to support Wasco, and this is the best dinner in town!"

The Wasco Rotary Club is composed of leaders from the business, education, nonprofit and philanthropic sectors, all committed to making a lasting difference in the community.

For tickets or to learn more about the Wasco Rotary Fall Festival, contact Tony Stout at 661-758-6552.