The Nanaimo and Area Land Trust is organizing a gala fundraiser and auction to support the Save Mount Benson Campaign.  The fun begins a 6 pm on Saturday, February 17th in the ballroom at The Coast Bastion Inn, 11 Bastion Street, in downtown Nanaimo.

The gala's theme is Mountain Moments:Past, Present and Future.  Highlights of the evening include a First Nations fashion show, a screening of the Hike Up Benson DVD, silent and live auctions (live auction with award wining professional fund raising auctioneer Barb Richards of A Touch of Class Auctions), arts, crafts, live music and entertainment, dancing, socializing, and a fabulous buffet dinner.  The Coast Bastion's ballroom will be decorated to look like the forest in the new Mount Benson Regional Park.

Live Auction Highlights:

Getaway Package

Package Trip to Orlando, Florida (6 nights for 2 people)

Car rental for 7 days;

$100 discount on airfare for 2 people

Option: 2 tickets to 2 days at a major attraction (TBD)

Ucluelet Package

1 Night Hotel Stay

Jamie’s Whale Watching – Admission for 2 adults 2-3 hours

Tofino Botanical Gardens – Admission for 2

Bottle of Sparkling Wine – Windward Pub

Fishing Charter- Good for Local or West Coast Trip (3-4 hrs) - Intrepid Charters

Picnic basket lunch from Good 2 Go Catering

South Winchelsea Island

2 Nights at TLC Cabin on South Winchelsea Island

2 gourmet pre-packaged dinners for two for Good 2 Go Catering

Bottle of Sparkling Wine– Windward Pub

One way Guided Kayak Trip to SWI; return trip provided by TLC boat

Summer Music Festival Package

2 VIP Tickets for Music for the Mountain 2007

Pyrography artwork of the mountain, done by local artist at 2006 Festival

Picnic in a gift basket or Gift Certificate to a gourmet vendor at the festival (G2G)

2 folding picnic chairs and lawn blankets from Dream with Me

Downtown Nanaimo Package

Overnight Accommodation for 2 at Painted Turtle Guesthouse

Overnight Accommodation for 2 at the Coast Bastion Inn plus dinner

Firing The Cannon at the Bastion (noon)

Drift Restaurant - $100 Gift Certificate

Tickets for 2 to a Port Theatre 2007 season event

Bottle of Sparkling Wine– Windward Pub

Victoria Package

2 night stay in a 1 bedroom suite at the Executive House Inn, Victoria

Tall Ship Cruise from the Inner Harbour (3hr?)

Picnic lunch on board from Sam’s Deli

Bottle of Sparkling Wine– Windward Pub

Dinner at a local restaurant in Victoria

Mini Getaway 1

Overnight at the B&B White House (on Long Lake)

2 rounds of golf at Nanaimo Golf Course

Bottle of Sparkling Wine– Windward Pub

Helicopter Ride from Westcoast Helicopters for 4-5 people

David Foster- Michael Bublé Platinum framed CD display autographed by David Foster and Michael Bublé and an autographed DVD from Michael Bublé

Attendance at the NALT gala is a great way to support the preservation of Nanaimo's signature mountain while having an unforgettable evening.  To order tickets or become a sponsor, contact Nanaimo and Area Land Trust, Madrona Building, Suite 8 (rear), 140 Wallace Street, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5B1, Canada.  Telephone 250-714-1990.