(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)

5:33 PM: We stopped by Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor) at midday for photos just as the Southwest Seattle Historical Society‘s champagne gala brunch was getting started. Above, new SWSHS executive director Jeff McCord and board president Karen Sisson; below, former executive director Clay Eals and former City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen:

Another West Seattleite retired from politics, former Mayor Greg Nickels, was there with wife Sharon Nickels:

Husky Deli proprietor Jack Miller was scheduled to be a star of the show, in a conversation with broadcast journalist Connie Thompson:

As with many galas, donated one-of-a-kind auction items were a major attraction. This one is a classic Pearl Jam poster:

Donations big and small are the lifeblood of nonprofits like SWSHS – that includes lots of volunteer power, so you can give time to support its work – and/or you can give money, too.

ADDED 8:23 PM: From Jeff McCord, a wrap-up with words of thanks:

Southwest Seattle Historical Society would like to thank the Community for coming out today to our 2017 Champagne Gala Brunch at Salty’s on Alki. We had some great highlights, like former executive director Clay Eals being awarded a “Power of Community” hand-blown glass ornament created for the occasion by Avalon Glassworks, and long-time supporter John Bennett, owner of Luna Park Cafe, leading off donor support this year as the Presenting Sponsor. This is in addition to the help John has always given us in the upkeep and care of the Log House Museum.

The Gala Committee worked tirelessly to put on the event, including creating four “Fun in the Junction” auction packages for the Morgan, Alaska, and Admiral Junctions, as well as the Alki business district. Some packages included things like B’s Po Boy on Alki contributing a five-course meal for six with wine pairings; Wiseman Appliances providing a stainless steel Frigidaire 38-bottle cooler for the Admiral Junction package; and, in the Morgan Junction, Thriftway making up a huge Seahawks-themed gift basket.

Between challenge funders, exciting live auction & raffle items, we are proud to announce that the community came together to help us raise over $82,000.