Tide to Table '2 a Roarin' Success

The Tide to Table ‘23 Roarin’ 20s Gala kicked off this past Saturday at the Bellingham Yacht Club.

The event was marked by glitz & glam, as guests filtered in dressed to the nines with ‘20s attire. The decor and the Brothers K really set the mood for the golden era as Drayton Harbor Oyster Company had oyster shells flying off their bar while guests bid and bet on items and raffles. The photo-backdrop saw plenty of action, as well as the nearby bar, where drinks were making the rounds as revelers captured that golden-era feeling in front of our props and display.

Tide to Table Dinner is held annually to celebrate the waterfronts in Whatcom County, and the fishermen, builders, technicians, vessel operators, all others who help keep our waterfronts economically diverse, and working. Gratefully, during the pandemic, we were able to gather at Drayton Harbor Oyster Company outside in their Oyster Dome. With the Pandemic behind us, we returned to an indoor venue and celebrated the Roarin’ 20s in style!

Opening the doors this last Saturday at the Bellingham Yacht Club was the culmination of many months of planning, meeting, and fun ideas shared. On behalf of the Coalition Board and staff, a big shout out to the planning team for preparing a lively, fun, and engaging event!

The meal was magnificent as guests were treated to a delectable feast of seafood with a host of sides. The Salmon and Black Cod, generously donated by Peter Pan Seafoods , and Seafood Producers Coop , were masterfully prepared and served by Crave Catering. The buffet was simply delicious — no one left hungry. Thank you, Crave Catering!

The live & silent auction offered a diverse and fascinating selection of items, and every single one of them was sold. We had over 50 items, comprised from over 60 individual donations, with something to appeal to everyone. Popular items included the Chainsaw Sculpted Own from Proud Squirrel Art, as well as a multitude of shelf-stable seafood items, a condo-stay on Kauai, beautiful hand-made canvas bags, and rare art prints. Gift certificates to local cafes, dance lessons, spas, luxury restaurants and custom portrait studios completed the offerings. The Coalition would like to thank all the item and auction donors who participated with us this year. Their contributions were invaluable in making the event an exciting and memorable auction.

Our Raise the Paddle appeal was truly humbling. We had many generous donations, and surpassed our goal for Apprenticeship Program this year. These donations will continue our effort to assist maritime businesses in providing their employees the training and support they need to keep up with the demand for skilled workers on our waterfronts. We look forward to keeping you informed on the progress of the Northwest Maritime Apprenticeship this year.

The one activity of the evening that really took the cake, was the dessert dash! (Really - the cakes were all taken!) We were grateful to have so many local ‘SweetEasies’ in Whatcom County represented this year, with some truly fantastic desserts that capped the evening in decadent delight.

Favorites included brownies, cheesecakes, cupcakes, a Peanut-Butter-Bar Tray, Lemon Cloud Cake, and many more! The planning team worked with several local bakeries and shops to procure the desserts, with a wonderful spread of what Whatcom County has to offer the sweet-tooth of anyone!

Thank you to the following donors for wonderful contributions to this year’s Dessert Dash:
Sweet Bellingham ; Crave Catering ; Mambo Italiano ; Pure Bliss Desserts ; It's the Sweet Things Bakery ;
The Community Food Co-op ; Chuckanut Bay Foods ; Barb’s Pies & Pastries

This event is important to the Coalition as we look to connect with peers and members, celebrate our network and our accomplishments together, and also to help make sure we can continue to do the work ahead of us with adequate resources.  We’re grateful to our partners, donors, sponsors, guests, and volunteers for their attendance and support.

The sponsors we lined up prior to the event are all important members of our community who generously supported our mission and the evening.  These partners are a diverse group from all over county and beyond, and it was a reminder that our influence in the community reaches far beyond the waterfront and our member base.  The evening could not have happened without their generous partnership.

To the following sponsors, thank you:
Admiral Level:
Vigilant Counsel for Employers ; Premera Blue Cross

Captain Level:
DiMartino & Associates ; The Celedo Fund; San Juan Sailing ; Parker, Smith and Feek

Mate Level:
All American Marine ; LFS, Inc ; North Shore Strategies; Tri-County Marine Diesel ; Seattle Marine ; Bornstein Seafoods ; Bellingham Marine Industries ; Vimly Benefit Solutions

Deckhand Level:
Bellingham Cold Storage ; Ludtke Pacific Trucking ; F/VHome Shore; Seaview Boatyard

In-Kind Sponsorships:
Peter Pan Seafoods ; Seafood Producers Coop ; Drayton Harbor Oyster Company , Bellingham Yacht Club , Crave Catering

The Coalition humbly thanks all of our sponsors, donors, volunteers and helpers who made this event a ‘roarin’ success, and all of the guests who attended.  Your support has given us a great evening to remember!
From all of us at the Coalition, our Board members, and staff, thank you!

Sincerely,
The Whatcom Working Waterfront Coalition