Cashmere Chamber event blends fundraising with community recognition

CASHMERE — The Cashmere Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the region's transition into fall with its annual Autumn Auction and Recognition Dinner this Saturday, honoring local businesses, organizations, and community members.

The Sept. 28 event at the Chelan County Expo Center, starting at 5:30 p.m., combines community fundraising with recognition of local achievements.

"Every community in the valley does an auction to raise money," said Jackie Rector, Chamber of Commerce Office Manager. "What I think makes ours a little bit different and a little bit special is we're honoring people in the community."

The Chamber will present awards in three categories: Business, Organization, and Citizen of the Year.

Almond Blossom Nuts and Eatery, a recently established downtown restaurant, clinched the 2024 Business of the Year title. Known for its cozy atmosphere, the eatery serves wholesome, handmade dishes including soups, chowders, and sandwiches.

Owner Tess Watkins expressed both gratitude and resilience. "I feel like so many people have discovered that we're actually here, so I'm looking forward to that added growth," Watkins said. "We struggled a bit, of course, because we started during Covid. You know, supply chain, employee issues, just all kinds of struggles, but we fortunately made it through."

The restaurant's Clam Chowder Thursdays have become a local hit. Rector recommends early arrival, as they often sell out.

Cashmere FFA, headed by local advisor Rusty Finch, earned the Organization of the Year award. The group consistently represents Cashmere in livestock showings and dedicated agricultural work nationally.

Eight Cashmere FFA students will compete at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis next month. The Milk Quality Team, comprising Brianna Castro, Sophie Hilla, Aztlan Oropeza, and Anna Flick, will be assessed on their understanding of milk production, processing, and marketing with a 40-question written exam while also solving milk production data problems and identifying cheese samples.

The Environmental Natural Resources team, consisting of Tony Bumgarner, Ivette Alvarado, Eliana Thomas, and Jesse Hall, will take a 50-question environmental science test, analyze waste management scenarios, and navigate GPS strategies.

Lisa Lawless, a local librarian, was named the 2024 Citizen of the Year for organizing community events and programs through the local library. Lawless has played a crucial role in linking Cashmere together through reading, DIY projects, and a shared love for the local ecosystem.

One of Lawless' standout contributions is organizing several salmon release parades during annual Founders' Days celebrations. The 2024 event was one of the most successful years.

"She was the head of the Family Fun Fair for Founders' Day," Rector said. "And so she's been an integral part of the community for quite some time."

The Salmon Release Parade and Fun Fair event allows local children to release salmon fry into the Wenatchee River while learning about the region's ecosystem.

The Autumn Auction will feature live music from Pacific Northwest group, The Nate Weakly Band, and catering by Wenatchee business, Stones Gastropub.

For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Chamber of Commerce Office at 509-782-74014 or info@cashmerechamber.org.

Will Nilles: (509) 731-3211 or will@ward.media