Nestled just over the West Seattle Bridge is the beautiful and historic Youngstown Cultural Arts Center in the Delridge neighborhood. Every year, the Delridge Neighborhood Development Association, one of our favorite local non-profit organizations, pulls together their fundraiser party of the year, Destination Delridge. This year, it was on a gorgeous Friday evening, early June at Youngstown with highlighted representation of their programs + community vendors inside the building and on the grounds of Youngstown. More than 200 neighbors and friends gathered as though it were the garden party of the year (really, it was.) with the sweet and whimsical theme of Connect the Dots, for an exciting time of reflective celebration of all the accomplishments of the past and looking forward to all that lies ahead.
If you didn’t make it to DD23 or if you just want to take a peak into the general scene so you can mark your calendar for future years with a little more readiness of what you could expect, read on… but also you can peek here for the full gallery!
Upon entering the historic building on sunny Friday, June 2nd, you were serenaded by the sweet sounds of Benjamin Hunter’s sweet notes and vocals being carried through the corridor, setting the most wonderful scene for guests as they arrived – his music is gorgeous, but he’s no one note song. Visit his site to learn more about all he offers. As you strolled through the hallway, there was definitely a “pick your own adventure” allowance as DNDA facilitates magic in the neighborhood gala-meets-festival experience! First, the outdoor party zone included live painting by Youngstown Resident Carolyn Hitt, funky grooves by Blue Wave Band, and wonderful food – the every-vore’s delight: fish, meat, veggies grilled served up with culinary perfection by Chef Mulu of Phresh Eats followed by scoops being served by West Seattle’s fave ice cream slinger who embodies many of the same values as DNDA, Full Tilt Ice Cream.
Moving inward, folks could grab signature cocktail, mix + mingling with neighbors, and play a game of Wine Ring Toss, join in the interactive art activity created by their EcoArts program, and bare witness to the talent and artistry of local poets, musicians, dancers and aerialists. Represented were: Seattle Civic Poet Shin Yu Pai, Acrobatic Conundrum , Malicious Vixens and Totem Star or step into the open-air photo booth to mark the occasion, all while partaking in nibbles and libations along the way.
There was recognition of community partners, board of directors, highlights of the Arts + Nature + Neighborhood programs, and a welcoming of DNDA’s new co-Executive Director, Mesha. There was a sharing of the goals and visions for the years to come by leadership, and stories of personal testimony of supports offered to individuals within the community, and all the the powerful examples of impact that is happening through the efforts of DNDA and the community of support. From there, a raise the paddle ensued to sustain the efforts and continue the awesome that occurs through this center… there was $110,000 raised with deep, deep gratitude for all of the folks that hold the Delridge Neighborhood dear.
