They settled into their seats. A server came by with menus and took drink orders. After that, Roan and Reese told the others about the events of the week, including how each of the four kids seemed to be responding favorably to attention and care.
Drinks came and everyone ordered their dinners from the elevated Italian dishes offered. Mia was said to be in the kitchen tonight, which meant everything would be delectable.
Once the server was off to send in their orders, Grace said she wanted to update everyone on the gala. She pulled out a notebook, flipping it open. “So, the date is set for December eighteenth. Mia has graciously offered us the restaurant for the evening. We’ll have the main floor for dinner and dancing, and the balcony for the silent auction.”
“That’s wonderful,” Mrs. Chen said.
Grace consulted her notes. “We’re charging a hundred dollars per person. That includes dinner and entrance fee, plus two drink tickets. Half of every ticket sale goes directly to The Bridge Program.”
“A hundred feels reasonable,” Pastor David said. “Especially with half going to the program.”
“We’ve already sold thirty tickets,” Walter said. “Mostly to our kids and word of mouth. But we need to get the word out more broadly.”
“I can help with that,” Kris said. “I’ll sell it to everyone on my route. If you give me some tickets, I could sell them right then. And my wife’s in every book club and knitting circle in town. She’ll spread the word.”
“Perfect,” Grace said. “I’ve reached out to some local businesses. Clever Fox Books is donating a gift basket with current bestsellers. Max is offering a cheese of the month club from his store. Bean Counters is giving us a month’s worth of free coffee and an espresso machine. Jack Rabbit Cycle is offering a new bike, which is very generous. Sugarville Slice is offering a pizza party for eight. Hungry Bunny Kitchen is giving us a standing mixer. Treasure Chest Toys has given us a dollhouse. And, of course, our farm is putting together a basket of our syrup and candies.”
“Aunt Grace, you’ve been really busy,” Roan said.
Grace grinned. “That’s how I roll.”
“What about bigger items?” Reese asked. “Something huge that would really draw people in?”
Grace looked slightly worried. “That’s where we’re struggling. I’m not sure what it would be.”
An idea struck Roan. “What about Jason?”
Everyone looked at him.
Roan looked around the table. “He’s famous. His show has millions of viewers. What if we offered a Hollywood experience as the grand prize? A trip to L.A., visit the set, watch him film an episode, meet the cast. That kind of thing.”
Grace’s eyes widened. “Would he do that?”
“I think so. He’s already committed to helping with the program. And he loves this kind of stuff—connecting with fans, showing them behind the scenes.”
“That would be incredible,” Mrs. Chen said. “A prize like that would draw people from all over the state.”
“We could raffle it separately,” Pastor David said. “Maybe fifty dollars a ticket? Keep it affordable so more people can enter, but make it a significant fundraiser.”
“I love that idea,” Grace said, scribbling notes. “Roan, can you talk to Jason? The sooner we can announce it, the better.”
“I’ll tell him the minute I get home,” Roan said. “He’ll be happy to help. I’ll have him call you tomorrow, Aunt Grace.”
The conversation shifted to logistics—how to handle ticket sales, decorations, music. Someone suggested live music, and Kris mentioned a local band that might donate their time. Reese offered to help with decorating, and Mrs. Chen volunteered to coordinate with the auction donors.
“Do you think we need a theme?” Reese asked. “Or just keep it simple and tell people Black Tie Optional?”
“That’s best,” Grace said. “Plus, we don’t have time to put together a whole theme.”
“I don’t know about anyone else, but I’d love an excuse to dress up,” Mrs. Chen said.
“Me too,” Reese said.
Roan was temporarily distracted, imagining Reese in a ballgown.
“This is really coming together,” Grace said, beaming. “I think this gala is going to be truly special. Perhaps even become a tradition.”
The rest of the evening passed quickly, ideas for the gala mixing with personal stories. By nine o’clock, they’d finished dessert and paid the dinner bill, then gathered their things. Grace hugged everyone goodbye, making them promise to stay in touch during the week. Kris headed out first, then Mrs. Chen, then Pastor David.
