Tide to Table: A Celebration of the Salish Sea Concludes with Resounding Success

The annual Tide to Table fundraising dinner benefitting the Coalition and Foundation concluded on Wed., April 13th with the rousing chorus “South Australia” , a popular sea-shanty, sung by Jon and Rika, guest Canadian musicians.

The scope of the fundraiser dinners was doubled this year, with four individual seatings, occurring over two days. The large scope meant double the needed logistics for hosting the gathering, as well as the need for auction items and desserts to fill each of them. Through a collaborative effort, all four seatings were nearly sold out, and the auction tables were stocked for all of them.

The gathering was hosted by Drayton Harbor Oyster Company (DHO), in Blaine, who welcomed all of us in their outside Oyster Dome, prepared food and beverages for the gathering, as well as facilitating the space and logistics. Steve and Mark Seymour, owner/mangers of DHO, also spoke during the dinner and provided insight as to how the Coalition has helped them, and the issues and concerns they experience operating a waterfront business (including continued water quality and more). DHO also served up a raw oyster bar and provided fresh oysters to each table in a towering platter of delicious, gourmet Oyster-goodness. The Coalition humbly thanks Drayton Harbor Oyster Company, Steve and Mark Seymour, and all their staff who helped out during the gathering.

Guests dined on delicious fresh seafood (Ahi tuna, oysters, shrimp, Sockeye salmon, Halibut) and grilled Caesar lettuce wedge salads, dashed for delectable desserts, chucked their shucks, and sang along with Jon & Rika. Bids on auction items and Paddles Raised for the support of our new Northwest Maritime Apprenticeship allowed the Coalition to raise operational funds and start-up support for the new apprenticeship. We are grateful to the generous donations and sponsorships received by friends, businesses and colleagues who share our passion for the waterfront, and for the vitality of working marine trades. We would like to thank all of our Sponsors and Donors for their continued support of our mission:

Sponsors:
Drayton Harbor Oyster Company
Vigilant - Counsel for Employers
DiMartino Associates
NW Explorations
The Celedo Fund
All-American Marine
Icy Strait Seafoods
Trident Seafoods
LFS Marine & Outdoor Supply
Bellingham Marine
Bornstein Seafoods
Cardinal Yacht Sales
Mackman Marine
Northshore Strategies
San Juan Sailing
Seattle Marine & Fishing Supply
Tri-County Diesel Marine
F/V Alaskan Girl
F/V Home Shore
Deckhand Logbook
Northwest Navigation
Bellingham Cold Storage

Item Donors :
Shirley Zuanich - Tom Crestodina - Jim Kyle - Niel Pfundt - Jayme Baxter - Landings at Colony Wharf - Frank Mustappa - Lummi Island Wild Co-op - Dunham Cellars Vineyards - Rock 'N' Rye Restaurant - Jim and Kathy Kyle - Lindsie Fratus-Thomas - Schooner Zodiac - DecoCeramics/AnneMarie DeCollibus - Community Boating Center - Captain Todd Shuster & Gato Verde Adventure Sailing - Northwest Navigation / David B Cruises - Jay Bornstein - Charlie Baker - F/V Alaskan Girl/Brannon Finney - Faith Worthley/Sea Jewel Cruises - Mackman Marine - Katherine Zuanich - North Bellingham Golf Club - Drayton Harbor Oyster Company - Goods Local Brews and Produce and Nursery - Fourth Corner Frames/Sheri Wright - Whatcom Working Waterfront Coalition - Just Say Yes!/Kerri Love - Joe's Garden - Deb & Pete Granger - Trident Seafoods, Inc. - Kent’s Nursery - Great Harvest Bread Company - Chocolate Necessities - I Wanna Moka -

Dessert Donors :
Keenan’s at the Pier - Community Food Co-Op - Sweet Bellingham - It’s the Sweet Things - Chuckanut Bay Foods Cheesecake - Barb’s Pies and Pastries - Mambo Italiano - Haggen Northwest Fresh - Pure Bliss Desserts -

Thank you to these generous businesses and individuals! As we wrap a successful Tide to Table Dinner/Fundraiser, we look forward to another year helping to advocate for, coordinate, and participate in our working waterfront. A waterfront that works, is a waterfront for all.