Soaring Dragon Benefit Raises Over $42,000 for Seattle Chinese Garden

Through the generous support of volunteers, supporters, board and staff, the Soaring Dragon Benefit raised $43,000 at the Gala event this year.  "The night was a really impressive show of teamwork and collaboration. Seeing so many key supporters in one place at one time was really heartening and should give us all renewed conviction of our ability to rally people to the Garden cause," said Garden president Jonathan Geiger. The money raised will help support enhancements to the Garden and expanded cultural and educational programs for 2014.

Lion Dance by Sifu David Leong and Northwest Kung Fu and Fitness opened the evening

An evening like this, as we all know, does not happen without the huge input from volunteers, many of whom have been long-time participants in the Garden.  The Boeing Company was one of this year's largest supporters.

Garden volunteers made sure the evening was a big success.

Karan Dawson wins the Madame Chiang Kai Shek portfolio donated by Margaret Pageler

Guests Gary and Jeanine Bodenstab (left) with SCG president Jonathan Geiger and wife Heidi

Peggy and Gary Tribble check out the beautiful brush paintings of Madame Chiang Kai Shek

The Brockey Center at South Seattle Community Center is a great place to host the Gala – feedback reported great reviews on the fantastic setting and delicious food. Next year, the Garden is hoping to secure a date in October. The programs, slide shows, decorations, food, raffles, and auction items seemed to move flawlessly thanks to an incredible corps of volunteers and board members who put in long hours before the event.

Back Row: Jonathan Geiger, deputy mayor Darryl Smith, Gary Tribble, Liz Hattemer, Margaret Britton, Phil Wood, Jim Dawson. Front Row: Ka Ka Chan, Kimberly Chang, Hien Nguyen, Maggie Gilbert

Mary Hsu, Sifu David Leong, and Margaret Britton chat at Margaret's table just before the Lion Dance

Steve Erickson admires the Qing Dynasty bench donated by Darcie Furlan

Heidi Geiger's beautiful flower arrangements were a big hit