Clallam Mosaic to host benefit gala

Published 11:51 am Wednesday, November 4, 2015

“Empowering, encouraging and enriching the lives of Clallam County families with special needs” — this has been the goal of Clallam Mosaic for over 17 years.

In order to continue to provide educational programs, support groups and recreational activities for individuals and families with developmental disabilities, the 2015 annual gala fundraiser will be at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6.

This year’s event, the “Tour of Italy,” will be held at Vern Burton Community Center, 308 E. Fourth St., Port Angeles.

The dinner gala will feature catering by the Port Angeles Golf Course, Clallam Mosaic-labeled wine produced by Harbinger Winery, music by deejay RoBoTix, theatrical skits performed by individuals with developmental disabilities and both live and silent auctions.

Tickets for the Tour of Italy gala are $30 for advance purchase ($35 at the door) and are available through Common Grounds Café, 525 E. Eighth St., Port Angeles; Mystery, 108 E. First St., Port Angeles; Danny’s Nails, 461 W. Washington St., Sequim, or Clallam Mosaic at 797-3602 or info@clallammosaic.org.

Sponsorship from Strait View Credit Union and Macy’s and donations from numerous Clallam County businesses are ensuring that this year’s event is the biggest in Clallam Mosaic’s history.

The evening will kick off at 5 p.m. with a beer/wine social hour and auction item viewing. Dinner will start at 6 p.m. with sponsor tables serving first. During the dinner hour, theatrical skits will feature performances by the Snappy Players Troupe, showcasing the abilities of individuals with developmental disabilities.

During dessert, silent auctions will close with the first announcements at 7 p.m. and the second at 7:30 p.m. The live auction will commence at 7:45 p.m. and will include overnight stays at various locations, Seattle sports team tickets/memorabilia, excursion packages and much, much more.

“Engagement of the local community in support of our fundraiser has been incredible this year!” said Lisa Connolly-Petrisin, Clallam Mosaic board member and chairman of the fundraising committee. “

Kim Yacklin, another Clallam Mosaic board member, has raised funds through a Go Fund Me campaign to enable attendance of 30 Clallam Mosaic participants. These clients live on very limited incomes and would not otherwise have the means to attend such a gala. “Having our participants come enjoy the evening side by side with our donors is critical to our mission!” said Yacklin.

About Clallam Mosaic

Formed in 1998, the organization then known as Special Needs Advocacy Parents (SNAP) was envisioned as a place for individuals with developmental disabilities to go once the “school bus stopped coming” so that they could have a sense of belonging and where they could continue to grow rather than lose precious skills they had worked to achieve.

What started out as one recreational class offered once a week to fewer than 10 individuals has evolved to a program that offers 15 to 20 hours per week of programs to more than 60 individuals.