Basket social raises funds for history museum

Sue Loiland

Special to the Gateway

A Pierce County Tacoma Narrows Airport hangar was transformed from grease to glam in the matter of a few hours on Sept. 26 to benefit of the Harbor History Museum.

The museum’s Basket Social Auction and Dinner drew nearly 350 supporters to raise funds for the new museum at the corner of Harborview Drive and North Harborview Drive in downtown Gig Harbor.

“Our community gathered tonight to generously support our new museum,” auction chair Jannae Mitton Jolibois said. “We raised more than $184,000 to support museum operations and complete construction on the new Harbor History Museum.”

Procurement chair Cheri Johnson said it takes an incredible group of volunteers to put on such an event.

“We had a terrific event committee who worked tirelessly to make sure every detail was considered, from procuring amazing items to designing the decor,” Johnson said. “Despite the economy, we raised more in our auction this year than last year, thanks to the committee’s efforts and our supporters’ generosity.”

More than 25 Windermere real estate agents volunteered at the auction.

The Harbor History Museum has raised almost $9.3 million toward its $11.4 million goal. Sale of excess property this fall will bring the total raised to more than $10 million.

The remaining $1.4 million must be raised from the community in order to complete the project and open the museum.

Those who are interested in donating may e-mail Campaign Director Sue Loiland at sue@harborhistorymuseum.org. For more information, call 253-858-6722.