New waterfront venue perfect year-round
Gig Harbor Marina & Boatyard’s new waterfront venue was aglow with candlelight and goodwill on a drenching evening last Saturday for Harbor WildWatch’s first annual fundraising dinner. Some 80 attendees turned out to support the marine environment education program at The Club @ The Boatyard, braving a heavy downpour to get there. Once inside they stayed cozy and warm in the inviting canvas-curtained space warmed by two gas fireplaces and several well-placed ceiling heaters, making it perfect for year-round use.
Gig Harbor Marina’s New Venue Perfect Year-round
The dinner at Gig Harbor Marina & Boatyard’s attractive new venue featured local fare from Brix 25 and oysters on the half-shell by Taylor Shellfish Farms. Attendees sipped their “Sea Star on the Rocks,” a special mango-flavored drink by Heritage Distilling Company, and wine selections from Henry Earl Estates while local harpist Moriah Rees provided background music. Michael Behrens, Ph.D., chair of Biology at Pacific Lutheran University, gave the keynote speech praising the valuable service provided by Harbor WildWatch.
Gig Harbor Marina’s New Venue Perfect Year-round
Event organizers with Harbor WildWatch were pleased with their evening at The Club @ The Boatyard on the historic waterfront at Gig Harbor Marina & Boatyard. “The event went well, especially it being our first fundraising event of this nature and size,” said Lauren Sewell, development associate with the marine environment education program. “Many people commented on this wonderful new event space. Guests had heard about it around town and they enjoyed experiencing it for the first time. Though our event collided with some stormy weather, the curtains and heaters made everything much better.”
Gig Harbor Marina’s New Venue Perfect Year-round
Stena Troyer, science specialist with Harbor WildWatch, had praise for Danielle Taylor, manager of The Club @ The Boatyard for Gig Harbor Marina & Boatyard. “Danielle was wonderful to work with,” she said. “She and her team were so helpful and the venue was beautifully set up.”
Danielle herself was very pleased with the evening in the new venue. “People were SO thrilled with the warm and inviting space and (Harbor WildWatch) is such a great cause.”
Gig Harbor Marina’s New Venue Perfect Year-round
Keynote speaker Mike Behrens has been with Harbor WildWatch for many years, Sewell said. He assisted with the editing of their “Wildside” book, has served on the board of directors, and he currently works with science specialist Troyer to create the group’s Citizen Science program. He began his talk focusing on the concepts of climate change, pollution and ocean acidification, but the second half of his talk focused on “the brighter side of things,” said Sewell.
“Using Harbor WildWatch as an example, Mike emphasized the different types of community engagement that help spur positive change. As an educator himself, he focused on the importance of educating our youth and public, ” she said.
Be sure to check out reserving The Club @ The Boatyard for your own special event, any season of the year. (Photos by Danielle Taylor)