Roughly 400 Islanders came out dressed to the nines last weekend for “Bond with the Arts” — a James Bond-themed, two night auction to benefit Vashon Allied Arts. The gala netted approximately $120,000.
The money, organizers said, will help cover operational costs, pay VAA’s stable of teachers, be doled out to artists for commissions on their work and replenish a scholarship fund that last year awarded approximately $40,000 to Islanders.
Some 150 items were auctioned off during the two-night affair, including artwork, trips and other experiences.
On Saturday night, a wine tasting trip to Italy garnered the most most money for VAA, with a winning bid of $10,500. Other top-selling items that evening included a painting by Olivia Pendergast that sold for $5,000, a Ted Kutscher painting that brought in $4,300, a Mike Urban sculpture that sold for $3,200 and a David Erue sculpture that went for $2,600. A block of VIP tickets to an upcoming Neil Young concert sold for $2,700, and a one-week stay at a vacation house in Palm Springs brought in $2,750.
Fine food, flowing wine and secret agent-themed entertainment by Steffon Moody, David Godsey, Esther Edelman and Martha Enson completed the festivities.