Presenting ‘Dinner in White’

The annual Dinner in White event will take a literary turn as its focus shifts from serving as a benefit for the creation of art murals to providing an avenue to fundraise for a new library.

Dinner in White on the Columbia, set for Saturday, Sept. 10, from 4 to 10 p.m., at Marina Park, 24 S. “A” St., will benefit the Washougal Community Library Building Fund.

The Friends of the Washougal Community Library, Dinner in White Planning Committee, and Fort Vancouver Regional Library Foundation are joining forces to bring to Washougal the unique event that is modeled after the original “Diner en Blanc,” started in Paris more than 25 years ago.

According to a news release, each year Dinner in White has brought together upwards of 250 people, donned in all-white attire, ranging from casual to formal.

“I’m so thrilled to be working with Fort Vancouver Regional Library Foundation and the Friends of the Washougal Library for this event,” said Monique Quaranta, planning committee chairwoman. “Dinner, dancing, wine, lawn games, a silent auction and a gorgeous view — what a fun way to help raise funds for a much-needed new library.”

In the tradition of a fancy picnic, attendees decorate their tables, bring their own dinners and enjoy the scenery.

Dinner starts at 6 p.m. with the traditional “waving of the white napkin,” followed by music, dancing, wine, cocktails and a silent auction.

Rachael Ries, branch manager of the Washougal Community Library, is also excited about the fundraiser.

“We are so honored to be chosen as the recipient of the funds for this year’s Dinner in White,” she said. “The way the community is coming out and supporting the building efforts for our new library is heart-warming and inspiring.”

The first two years of Dinner in White were held on Northeast Fourth Avenue in Downtown Camas, while the 2015 event moved to Marina Park. All three years’ proceeds supported the Camas-Washougal Mural Project, which is associated with the Clark County Mural Society.

General admission tickets for the 2016 Dinner in White are $30 per person. Attendees must be ages 21 and older.

There is also a catered option for $75 per person, which includes entry to event, buffet dinner and a drink ticket for beer, wine or cocktail.

To purchase tickets, visit www.dinnerinwhiteonthecolumbia.com or www.facebook.com/dinnerinwhiteonthecolumbia.

Information about a new Washougal Community Library can be found on the Friends of Washougal Library Facebook page at www.facebook.com/FriendsOfTheWashougalCommunityLibrary.