The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

WAITSBURG - Waitsburg's Friends of the Pool with Rural Youth Enrichment Services (RYES) hosted a Pool Kick-off celebration and fundraiser at the Royal Block Wine Bar on Thursday, November 16. The event featured a silent auction, Walla Walla DJ music, and Daniel Rossi catering.

Pool Committee member Wendy Carter and Waitsburg Mayor Marty Dunn made speeches on the efforts to build a public pool in the city. Jesse Brown was recognized for her ideas and energy in making the well-attended event successful.

The silent auction offered six items, including a total yard makeover by Mayor Dunn, dinner for six at the Perry & Darlene Dozier Ranch, a family photo session with Tracy Daniel, a Hells Canyon jetboat tour, a birthday party event with dunk tank hosted by Waitsburg Firefighters, and an overnight stay for two at the Royal Block with an exclusive wine tasting.

Before the event, the Friends of the Pool raised $50,000, which is enough to begin a feasibility study to build of a new pool. Waitsburg Parks and Recreation Commissioner Beth Daves will be meeting with PBS Engineering and Environmental, Inc. in Walla Walla on November 30 to begin work on the study.

According to City Council Member Jillian Henze, donations coming in between October 16 and November 20, excluding final silent auction bids, totaled $9,305. An additional $10,000 gift from the Waitsburg Lions Club was announced at the evening's celebration.