Once again, the Island’s Preservation Association is working on its two key summer fundraisers—its Silent Auction and Summer Gala—in support of the BIC Center and WVBI.

The Silent Auction will be at the Center from June 15 to July 17 this year—with the summer Gala scheduled for July 17. The Gala includes the silent auction as well as a live auction following the Gala Dinner.

We hope Island residents and visitors will make the Silent Auction successful again by donating significant items. Some of the most popular donations given before included a charter fishing trip, Sunset Cruise, air tour, local art, local woodworking, and local business packages. Owners of unique homes have donated a week’s rental, while others included a golf package, cord wood, driveway gravel, power washing, pizza package, aerial photos, and framed photos. We hope to have most items received, and ready for bids by mid-June.

The July 17 Gala Celebration will again include a $100 a plate sit-down dinner, as well as the auctions. Our 2019 goal is to sell 100 seats. You can make reservations and buy tickets at the BIC Center front desk or by calling the Center at +1 231-448-2022.

Ron Wojan is in charge of gathering items for the auction this year. He serves on the PABI Board and says the Center and WVBI play vital roles in bringing entertainment, information and enjoyment to our Island community. “These two events are two of the Island’s key summer fundraisers,” says Ron. “They generate the funds that cover most of the operating expenses for the Center and radio station—while adding to the wellbeing of the entire Island.  And, please remember: no tax dollars are levied to run the Community Center or WVBI.  Rather, they rely fully on fund-raising activities to keep the doors open and the transmitter on.”  Ron thanks all who have helped with these fundraisers in prior years, and urges folks to contact him at (231) 645-2284 with any questions or suggestions—or send him an email at ron.wojan@biccenter.org.

Meantime, our summer entertainment calendar is full of great events.  Our first featured performance The Dave Bennett Quartet on June 29.  Always an island favorite, Dave’s band plays a broad variety of music from jazz to boogie and beyond.  July includes the RFD Boys, two Baroque on Beaver Gala Concert events plus two CMU Summer Theater shows. August brings stand up comedy on homecoming weekend with The Hobbit Trail and Erin Coburn at the end of the month.  Tickets for these events are on sale now.  You can get them at the BIC Center front desk or by calling +1 231-448-2022.  (Baroque tickets are available online at mynorthtickets.com.)

Summer Yoga classes start June 24th, and look for Tai Chi, Kick Boxing and Self Defense classes, too, starting the same week.  Meantime, our regular weekly events continue with the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10 to 11 (changing to 10:30 to 11:30 on June 25th), and Games Galore Thursday afternoons from 1 to 4. And, there are movies every Saturday at 4 and 7 (except when there is a show in the house). Check here for trailers and details.

We look forward to seeing you at your Beaver Island Community Center.