Doghouse Roadhouse
October 21 2023 – The Roadhouse fundraiser for the Valdez Museum held on Saturday, October 14 was attended by Museum supporters and those intrigued by the theme, Doghouse Roadhouse. In the tradition of the roadhouses of the Richardson highway, friends gathered around to eat, socialize and bid on the auction. The Doghouse theme remembered pets and their place in history. The Friends of the Valdez Animal Shelter, a private nonprofit, were present to promote the work of the VAS, signal pets up for adoption and volunteer in support of the event. Shana Anderson, former Valdez animal control officer, was the guest of honor. The Valdez dog park named after her pays tribute to her twenty plus years of service as an advocate for animals. U.S. Coast Guard service members along with community members pitched in as Roadhouse volunteers. Local businesses and those located outside of Alaska generously supported the event with their dollars and donations. The VMHA Board, led by Roadhouse Chair, Michelle Cullen, and championed by Museum staff, worked tirelessly to craft the fundraiser. Everyone came together to create a fun and memorable evening!
Long-time VMHA Board member, Rich Dunkin offered up the evening’s entertainment that was punctuated with dog jokes and received by a jovial audience. Gary Minish, the VMHA Board President, organized a delightful slide show that featured historic photos of pets from the Museum’s archive paired with pictures of heartwarming dogs roaming the wilds of Alaska. Minish also recognized the Board and staff’s appreciation of Faith Revell, Interim Executive Director of the Museum, and gifted her with a beautiful photograph of Worthington Glacier. Revell and Museum staff welcomed thousands of visitors to Valdez during the busy summer season and offered each a memorable Alaskan experience.
During the evening fantastic desserts organized by BOD member Karen Allred and made by local bakers filled table tops and were auctioned off as part of the ‘Dessert Dash’ event. Each table tried to outbid their neighbor in a “cash for the dash.” High bidders had first choice on the sweet treats. The meal was a scrumptious affair served up family style by local chef, Matt Kress of the Serendipity Supper Club. Soup and dressed greens started things off. For the entre, local halibut, donated by Peter Pan Sea Foods was served with medallions of beef alongside roasted root vegetables and smashed potatoes.
Faith Revell was the mistress of the live auction. Travel excursions by water and rail along with works of art, halibut and salmon were up for grabs and went to the highest bidders. The event raised funds to help the Museum continue to serve the people of Valdez, the Copper River Basin and Prince William Sound, Alaska, and to further the preservation of the history and culture of the region. The Museum was grateful to all of those who attended the live event and for those who bid during the online auction.
One of the happiest people to leave that night was Mo Raddotich, who won the McCarthy Experience Raffle. She and one other lucky person, I’m betting Steve her husband, will spend two nights in the Currant Ridge Cabins, take a 50 minute flightseeing trip for two people with Wrangell Mountain Air and tour the Kennecott Stamp Mill with St. Elias Guides. They will also enjoy a meal at the Roadside Potato in McCarthy.
Now that summer is over we need to keep the spirit of the Roadhouse as we gather with friends, family and food to enjoy the slower pace of winter in Alaska.
