JUSTIN RAFFA, Richland

About 120 festive folks attended the recent Mid-Columbia Mastersingers' annual fundraising gala. This year's holiday theme, "A Dickens Delight," included live performances of English Christmas carols by harpist Chelsea Spence, flutist Erin Menke, pianist Tara Swanson and members of the Mastersingers.

Guests dressed in Victorian era costumes enjoyed a wassail toast, Christmas crackers, a traditional yuletide English dinner and a rousing group rendition of The Twelve Days of Christmas.

Live and silent auctions were expertly conducted by Camille Booker and her family from Booker Auction Co. By the end of the night, more than $40,000 had been raised for the Mastersingers.

We are grateful for the support we have received over the past few years from the community, including the success of special events like these.

The professional, service-minded staff at the Tri-City Country Club have during the past two years provided us a unique, customized experience through excellent food preparation, beautiful building decor and willingness to accommodate our every need.

Likewise, our event chairwoman Jo Brodzinski, friend and advocate of the performing arts in the Tri-Cities, continues to do yeoman's work in generously sharing her time, talents and resources. Thanks Jo and everyone who made this a most memorable evening!