Evening at the Depot a cool summer success

DAYTON-The smoke cleared, and the weather cooled down just in time for the annual Evening at the Depot on August 7. Raising more than $39,000, Depot Event Coordinator Shellie McLeod said that the event was the most successful fundraiser to be hosted by the Historic Dayton Depot.

The event included dinner, a silent auction, and a live auction. This year, McLeod said that the items were available for online bidding before the event.

"Something new this year- we included a Murder Mystery Dinner Party for eight couples," said Mcleod. "It did so well that we were able to sell two of them, and they each sold for $2,700."

The Murder Mystery will take place at the Depot in the future, with McLeod facilitating the private event for the lucky winners.

Other successful auction items included a seven-night stay at the winner's choice location around the world, donated by Coldwell Banker of Walla Walla, sold for just under $2,000, McLeod said.

"Mary Luce donated a hand-done flower arrangement from her garden," McLeod shared. "Next year, the winners will receive a flower arrangement each month from April through September. That sold for $750."

The winners of the floral arrangements had visited the Depot in June for the first-ever Garden Tour and toured Luce's garden.

"We had a fabulous event. People were ready to get out and get together," she said. "I think because it was outdoors, people felt a little bit better about gathering."

McLeod said that the Historic Dayton Depot is grateful for the support it received for the event.

"We had wonderful people who donated, wonderful people who purchased," McLeod said. "It was wonderful from every aspect!"