
2023 Fall Gala & auction
Event details:
Saturday, October 7 at 5pm
Catholic Church Parish Hall
1002 L Avenue
La Grande, Oregon
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GHCC’s 2023 Annual Fall Gala will be on October 7th in La Grande. Join us for an evening of merriment, including dining on locally sourced foods, socializing with neighbors, and chatting up GHCC staff and board. We are thrilled to share exciting program updates on our efforts to protect, connect and restore this speculator region. We hope to see you there!
The event will include the inaugural launch of GHCC's new Wild Blues AiR (Artist in Residence) Program with an exhibit "Refugia of the Blue Mountains" featuring art by Robin Coen and writing by Marina Richie. GHCC Conservation Director Jamie Dawson will present the event keynote “Big Enough to Matter" on the state of NE Oregon wildlands, including challenges and opportunities on this key landscape.
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There will be no formal "hand raise" for funds – this will be a celebration of conservation and community in the Blue Mountains.
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The online auction runs from October 3rd-9th. Bid on vacation and adventure packages, guided trips, and more. There will also be event-only opportunities to purchase native plants, Wild Blues AiR prints, branded merchandise and more.
This year's Gala includes a Golden Raffle. We sell just 99 tickets at $100 each. The winner can select from one of the four featured auction prizes: A 5-night rafting trip on the Lower Salmon River, a 3-night stay at Good Bear Ranch in the Elkhorn Mountains outside of Baker City, a 4-night stay at a Bend vacation home, or a 3-night stay at Barking Mad Farm in Enterprise at the foot of the Wallowa Mountains.
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Gala tickets are $40. Premium tickets are $60 and include a GHCC-branded MiiR Wine Tumbler and a drink of your choice at the bar.
Don't Miss These Featured Auction Packages​ and More...
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These are just a few of the amazing items that we are auctioning off this year. One of these featured packages below will go to the Golden Raffle winner on October 7 (see above or click here to purchase tickets).
We are honored to work with so many individuals and businesses who support our work in the Greater Hells Canyon Region.

5 day rafting trip for 2 on thE lower salmon river
Soak up the sun. Ramble with the river. The Lower Salmon River in Idaho meanders warm, wide and mellow, making it a great rafting getaway for families and first-time rafters. Idaho's Lower Salmon River is home to some of America's most beautiful inland river beaches, super-sandy and sprawling alongside clear, mellow pools which are perfect for stand up paddleboarding and playing in inflatable kayaks. There's no shortage of thrill seeking either. Some of Idaho's most famous whitewater rapids, gorges and viewscapes—like Demons Drop, Snow Hole and Blue Canyon are just around the bend. Restrictions apply.

3 Nights at Good Bear Ranch for up to 10 people
This one-of-a-kind log home tucked into the base of the Elkhorn Mountains is located on 250 acres bordered by the Wallowa Whitman National Forest. Grab this 3 night getaway in this gorgeous home that sleeps 8 with a gourmet kitchen, pool table, and incredible views. Close to the Elkhorn Crest trailheads with shuttle access options. Restrictions apply.

3 Nights at barkinG Mad Farm for 2 people
Come see what makes winter so special in the heart of the Wallowas. Barking Mad Farm combines the quiet serenity of the gorgeous Wallowa Mountains with a fantastic lodging experience in a restored farmhouse that gives you the best of outdoor wonder and indoor comfort. Close to Wallowa Lake and trailheads into the Eagle Cap Wilderness, as well as many dining options in Enterprise including Terminal Gravity.
This stay also Includes one-on-one time with Emily Cain (Executive Director of Greater Hells Canyon Council) and Rob Klavins (NE Oregon Field Coordinator for Oregon Wild). Prepare your questions about environmental topics in NE Oregon and chat with the experts over one of Emily' famous Barking Mad Farm breakfasts or happy hour on the porch! Restrictions apply.
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4 nights at bend home for up to 6 people
Take a trip to Bend and enjoy the best of Central Oregon. Spend your days exploring the rivers and mountains and then relax in this spacious and serene space that is nicely furnished and located in a quiet, peaceful and desirable neighborhood. You'll love the natural light from the abundance of windows, and the easy access to the Deschutes River trail located just above the property. Restrictions apply.
Auction items have been generously donated by:
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OARS - Good Bear Ranch - Barking Mad Farm - Linda and Bill Barrett Courtney - Sawyer - Six Moon Designs - Wallowa Lake Lodge - CNOC Outdoors - Weston Mountain Lodge - Norm and Shelley Cimon - Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort - MiiR - The Trailhead - Blue Mountain Outfitters - Side A Brewing - Skaut Coffee Roasters - Go Wild: American Adventures - Wild Carrot Herbals - Quail Ridge Golf Course - Sawyer Products - Catherine Dickson and Shawn Steinmetz - Patagonia
The online auction will run from
october 3rd-9th
golden raffle tickets will be available september 21st until october 7th. winner will be announced at the gala!
Wild Blues AiR (Artist in Residence) Program ​
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We are thrilled to announce the inaugural exhibit of our Wild Blues AiR program “Refugia of the Blue Mountains” will be featured at the Gala this year. This exhibit will share the beauty of the places we work to protect and tells the story of why the Blue Mountains Region is so significant. The exhibit features Robin Coen (artist/painter) and Marina Richie (writer).

thank you to our Fall Gala Sponsors!
You're cordially invited to
Greater Hells Canyon Council's Fall Gala