2024 WFEA Awards Dinner & Auction

Washington Festivals & Events Association

AWARDS DINNER & AUCTION

Hyatt Regency, Bellevue

Presented by:

Wednesday, October 30, 2024 5:15 PM

Presented by the WFEA Foundation a 501(c)(3) non-profit

Washington Festivals & Events Association

AWARDS DINNER & AUCTION

Tonight’s Auctioneer

Kevin Joyce, EnJoy Productions

WFEA is extremely fortunate to have one of the top entertainers, emcees and auctioneers in the country as its official host.

For over 25 years Kevin Joyce has served as an event host, spokesperson, master of ceremonies, and auctioneer for hundreds of organizations. As one of the region’s most sought-after presenter/performers.

He has auctioneered and host events, both as theatrical characters and as himself, for non-profits such as Harborview Medical Center, Islandwood, College Success Foundation, and scores more in all parts of the nonprofit world in the Pacific Northwest and across the country.

With his partner Martha at EnJoy Productions, Kevin has hosted events for corporations like Microsoft, Amazon, Costco, Visit Seattle, Cloud Computing, INTEL, POPCAP Games, and Russell Investing.

He is trusted by clients both on and off-stage to deliver precise messaging, create hugely entertaining live events, and customize style, writing and content, plus original songs to suite the project.

His work has been perfect for festivals and events, non-profit galas in the U.S., Latin America and Europe, corporate meetings, industry conventions and award shows. As an auctioneer, Kevin has raised over $100 million in the last 15 years for regional non-profits.

With each of these clients, he has helped establish the feel of the presentation, with a clear understanding of the audience, be it the general public, key donors, a sales team or valued clients. Delivered with a combination of humor, music, intelligence and insight, Kevin helps his clients achieve last results from events infused with meaning and value.

Silent Auction Item #105-107

WFEA wants to thank the following members of the WFEA Board of Directors who contributed to these auction items: Costco & Amazon Gift Cards (Items #105-110)

Silent Auction Item #108-110

Alby Allen, Kari Chance, Eric Corning, Craig Cooke, Dave Doxtater, Elizabeth Hooker, Melissa Jurcan, Victoria Jones, Amy Lindsey, Amy McGuffin, Erika Olsen, Michael Reicht, George Sharp, Jeanette Sieler, Jon Stone, Chris Swenson, Summer Taggart, John Thorburn, Shelly Tolo, Wendy Tyner

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Washington Festivals & Events Association

AWARDS DINNER & AUCTION

Special Thanks:

Tonight’s Event Chaired By: Deci Evans, Kind + Co Events, LLC Kind + Co Events, a Seattle-based event management company, is run by owner Deci Evans. Look no further than kind + co-events if you're organizing neighborhood celebrations, corporate events, or extraordinary fundraising events. The group under Deci Evans specializes in adding a surprise factor to all kinds of events. Creating connections and establishing a sense of community is what Kind + Co Events enjoy doing the most. They think that a successful event is directly tied to the experience of the guests. They prioritize quality over quantity and concentrate on offering great event management, event design, and event production services. deciten@gmail.com

Tonight’s Music Provided By:

DJ Indica Jones DJ Indica Jones is a veteran PNW DJ with well over 3000 shows and appearances at major festivals across North America under his belt.

He has an infectious energy that keeps the dance floor packed and makes fantastic memories for party people. DJ Indica is a resident DJ at multiple iconic dance clubs throughout the region including Nectar Lounge and Barboza.

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Here's How the Auction Will Work: *The quickest and easiest way to register is with our staff at the check in table.

Please visit them to quickly register or ask any questions!

01 Register

Register by going to https://wfea2024.ggo.bid or by scanning the QR code to the right of the page:

02 Get Started 02

Select the "Get Started" button and create an account or login if you have previously attended a Greater Giving event.

SCAN THIS QR CODE TO REGISTER

03 Verify Account & Create Account 02

Follow emailed link to verify account, then review account information. Once completed select "start bidding"!

QUESTIONS OR NEED HELP?

04 Browse Packages

Simply swipe down to show more packages until you find one you like.

The WFEA staff at the check in tables will be able to register or help you get bidding!

05 View Package Details

Take a closer look at the package: view the current bid price and read the description.

06 Buy or Bid on a Package

When you find a package you like, you can place a bid, bid more than the next increment or just buy it now

What Can You Bid On? Fund a Need

We continue to raise money for scholarships for students and organizations to continue their education.

BIDDING SOFTWARE SPONSORED BY:

Raffle

Purchase your raffle tickets for a chance to win!

Win a trip to the Hyatt in Portland or other prizes! $10: 1 Ticket, $20: 5 Tickets, $40: Arms Length of Tickets

Live Auction Items

Bid in person on these select live auction items including next years conference, an autographed Taylor Swift guitar, a historical Port Townsend stay, a flight anywhere Alaska flies, and more!

Silent Auction Items

Bid on our wide variety of silent auction items! From festival packages, sports memorabilia, wine and everything in-between.

Start bidding now! Bidding closes at 15 minutes after the close of the live auction on Wednesday.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30 5:15 PM

Hyatt Regency

Washington Festivals & Events Association

AWARDS DINNER & AUCTION

PRESENTED BY:

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#1 Enjoy a Three Day, Two Night Trip for 2 to the Spectacular Olympic Peninsula and Vancouver Island.

While on your adventure, you will explore the beauty of the Olympic Peninsula on your choice of a guided tour compliments of Olympic Hiking Co. and finish the day with a delicious dinner and drinks at the NextDoor Gastropub in downtown Port Angeles.

Two Nation Vacation You will then enjoy a trip aboard the historic M.V. Coho, and once in Victoria, enjoy the spectacular displays showcased at the Butchart Gardens.

Includes: 2 Round Trip, Walk-on Passenger Tickets for the M.V. Coho and 2 GA Day passes for the Butchart Gardens.

VALUE: $1,205 5

#2

5-Night Stay in a Luxury Beach Resort in Mexico or the Dominican Republic with an All-Inclusive Getaway Designed for You and Your Special Someone.

PACKAGE INCLUDES: 5-night stay in a luxury beach resort in Mexico or the Dominican Republic (Accommodates two adults) Choice of destination: Puerto Plata, Puerto Morelos, Riviera Maya, Mazatlán, or Cozumel All food and beverages (alcohol included) Booking assistance - 2 years to travel Resort fees ($100-$250) are not included and vary depending on location. Major holiday blackouts.

5 Night Paradise Escape for Two Choose from five exquisite destinations and revel in a five-night escape that promises unforgettable moments.

Indulge in a diverse range of activities that cater to your every whim. Dive into the mesmerizing underwater world with thrilling snorkeling adventures or unwind together at the rooftop bar, savoring your favorite drinks while enjoying live entertainment. For adventurous souls, there's ziplining through lush jungles and romantic horseback riding experiences. The allinclusive package ensures your culinary desires are met with delectable meals and a variety of beverages, including alcoholic options.

VALUE: $2,750 6

#3 2025 Conference Registration and Hotel Room for the Spring or Fall Conference.

Attend next years premier annual gathering of festival and event professionals for learning and networking in the Northwest, either at the WFEA Spring Conference at Suncadia Resort (March 24-26) or next year’s annual conference at the Hyatt Regency in Bellevue (October 29-31).

Three days of intensive workshops, educational sessions, and keynote presentations from local and national industry leaders.

Lock in Next Year’s Conference and Hotel Room Includes a 2025 full conference registration and hotel room.

You can choose between the Annual Conference in the fall or the Spring Conference.

Next years annual conference is scheduled for October 29-31, 2025 at the Hyatt Regency in Bellevue.

The spring conference is scheduled for March 24-26 at Suncadia Resort in Cle Elum.

VALUE: $1,150 7

#4 2 Night Stay in Historic Fort Worden Home

Donated by: FORT WORDEN HOSPITALITY Package includes a two-night stay in a four bedroom historic home at Fort Worden State Park operated by Fort Worden Hospitality.

Weekend Getaway to Port Townsend Fort Worden State Park and its epic natural setting of Port Townsend—dubbed “the Paris of the Pacific Northwest” by Sunset Magazine—is the kind of destination that stays with one for a lifetime. Originally designed as a military base to protect Puget Sound, Fort Worden has evolved into an iconic and cherished state park and lifelong learning center with Fort Worden Hospitality operating accommodations, venues, restaurants and catering services on site. Fort Worden’s magnificent setting encompasses 434 acres with 12 miles of forested hiking trails, two miles of walkable saltwater beaches and commanding views of the Olympic and Cascade mountains as well as views across the Strait of Juan De Fuca to the San Juan Islands. The Fort features 73 historic buildings with four museums and creative spaces for art and educational programs, yoga, woodworking and more. Eagleeyed observers will recognize the Fort as the filming location for An Officer And A Gentleman.

VALUE: $1,200 8

#5 Romantic Dinner, Jewelry Boutique, 3 or 4‐Night Stay for 2 in Cortona.

Cortona is among the most beautiful and romantic places in Tuscany. The amazing neverending views are enough in itself to create romantic moments. Add classic architecture, genuine hospitality, and farm-fresh foods and Cortona will capture your heart.

This Experience for 2 Includes: Your choice of a 3-night weekend or 4-night weekday stay in Tuscany (Cortona, Italy) Welcome bottle of Champagne Visit an artisanal jewelry boutique Romantic dinner Chocolate and wine tasting

Tuscany Lovers Jewelry Boutique Visit the very unique Del Brenna Jewelry, an artisanal boutique located in one of the oldest and most distinguished buildings in town.

Romantic Dinner Enjoy a 3-course meal at a romantic table in the intimate setting of Ristorante la Loggetta.

Luxury Apartment Enjoy a 3-night weekend (Friday – Sunday) or a 4night weekday stay (Monday – Thursday) in a charming apartment for 2 in the center of the stunning hilltop town of Cortona. Toast your arrival with a welcome bottle of champagne.

VALUE: $3,100 9

#6 1 Night Stay in 1 Bedroom Suite and Golf for 2 at the Stunning Suncadia Resort

Donated by: ADAM DYES, SUNCADIA One Night Stay at Suncadia in a Lodge Riverview One Bedroom Suite with Valet & One Round of Golf for Two at Rope Rider or Prospector Golf Course

Golf Escape to Suncadia Count the stars on a crisp clear night. Let the fresh, pine-scented air clear your mind. There's no place like Suncadia. A premier all-season mountain hotel and condo resort, Suncadia, near Cle Elum and Roslyn in Washington State is an easy 80 scenic miles east of Seattle on the sunny eastern slopes of Washington's Cascade mountain range. Pack your gear and your sense of adventure and let Suncadia take care of the rest.

VALUE: $955 10

#7 2 Tickets to Zach Bryan on Saturday, November 23rd plus 1 Overlook Parking Pass

The Quittin Time Tour at the Tacoma Dome Club 103

Donated by: TACOMA VENUES & EVENTS Best known for his single “Something in the Orange,” Bryan released a self-titled album in August featuring collaborations with Kacey Musgraves, The Lumineers, The War and Treaty, and more. Throughout his career, he has been recognized with an Academy of Country Music Award for New Male Artist of the Year and four Billboard Music Awards. Bryan has sold over 30 million albums and singles.

Club 103 is the newest hospitality area in the Tacoma Dome and includes the following: • Access to the Club 103 Lounge when event doors open and throughout the show • All-inclusive catering and soft drinks until the show begins • Private Entrance into Dome • High-Definition Televisions • Reserved seats in Section 103 at High Top Drink Rail • Parking pass for designated Overlook/Club Parking lot

VALUE: $995 11

#8 Take Home This Guitar Signed By 14 Time Grammy Winning Pop Megastar - Taylor Swift There’s no denying that Taylor Swift is one of the most influential musicians of her generation.

Musician Taylor Swift began earning renown as a country singer by the age of 16. Early hits like “Love Story” and “You Belong With Me” appealed to country and pop fans alike and helped fuel the multiplatinum success of her albums, including the award-winning Fearless.

Autographed Guitar (Taylor’s Version) Now a pop megastar with 14 Grammys, she is the first artist to win Album of the Year four times. Named Time’s 2023 Person of the Year, Swift is currently performing on her recordbreaking Eras Tour. The “Shake It Off” and “AntiHero” singer released her latest album, The Tortured Poets Department, in April 2024.

VALUE: Priceless 12

#9 Roundtrip for Two to the Destination of Your Choice!

Good for Two Years Take to the skies for your next big adventure!

With over 1,300 daily departures, Alaska Airlines has been named No. 2 for overall operational performance for the last three years by the Wall Street Journal.

Fly Anytime, Anywhere on Alaska Airlines In 2023 it was one of two airlines that topped 80% for on-time arrivals and finished with the lowest cancellation rate, at under 1%.

Roundtrip airfare for two. Good for two years

Hawaii, New York, Florida, Mexico, and many destinations!

VALUE: $1,875 13

#10 Experience Elephant, Leopard and Many Other Plains Game This is the trip of a lifetime – the winning bidder will experience the Zulu Nyala Game Reserve in South Africa. This is in the heart of one of Africa’s richest conservation regions – you’ll see elephant, rhino, leopard, buffalo, crocodiles, cheetah, giraffe, hippo, zebra, kudu and over 400 species of birds.

I Dreamed of Africa Safari The trip includes: Six days/six nights luxury accommodations Three meals per day Two daily open game drives in open Land Cruisers Good for two years from purchase date

VALUE: $5,950 14

Fund-A-Need

Scholarships for Young Professionals and Students

Scholarships are offered for young professionals and students to attend the upcoming WFEA conference.

They are awarded to persons who can't afford the registration fee, and to organizations who want to bring additional staff people to the conference.

Washington Festivals & Events Association

AWARDS DINNER & AUCTION

The WFEA Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit so donations are tax deductible 15

2024 Pacific Northwest

Presented by:

Summit Awards

Entries were judged among their peers in the same event budget category so they were competing with festivals with similar budgets.

There are two event budget categories: Award Categories: Education Program Under $150,000 Brochure / Postcard / Direct Mail Green Program Over $150,000 Promotional Poster Multi-Agency Collaborative Program / Event Guide Program Also Awarded: Event Recap / Annual Report Community Outreach Program Best in Show: Represents the best single Tickets & Invitations Sponsor Partnership entry in each budget category.

Newspaper Tabloid Best Programming Television Program (Ad, PSA or Social Media Ad Campaign Grand Summit: The Grand Summit is the YouTube Promotion Video) Outdoor Advertisement highest award given by WFEA in Radio Program (Ad, PSA) Photo (Black & White or Color) recognition of those Festival and Events Website Promotional Item who have a balance of all the elements Social Media Page T-Shirt necessary to ensure a successful Logistical Achievement Mobile App event.Award winners in each budget Volunteer Program Healthy Lifestyle Event category will be selected based on the Sponsorship Proposal overall excellence of a festival and event as presented in their entries in all the other Summit Award categories.

2024 Volunteer of the Year Presented by:

Gerald Lael, Ellensburg

2024 CLEP Graduates The CLEP (Certified Live Event Planner) program has offered in-depth educational sessions and hands-on experience at festivals and events to provide event professionals knowledge at the highest level of their field.

Upon completion of requirements, the following graduates have earned the title of Certified Live Event Planner (CLEP).

Washington Festivals & Events Association

AWARDS DINNER & AUCTION

Jill Babcock Amy McGuffin John Thorburn

Presented by:

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2024 Event Supporter of the Year

Presented by:

CHRIS SWENSON Film Program Manager, Interim Special Events Office Manager Seattle Office of Economic Development

Presented by:

Chris is the Film Program Manager and Special Events Office Manager with the City of Seattle’s Office of Economic Development’s Creative Economy program. As Film Program Manager, since 2008 Chris has overseen over 4,000 productions filming in Seattle including major motion picture “50 Shades of Grey” and television series “Grey’s Anatomy.” From 2012-2020, Chris served as the City of Seattle’s Citywide Event Manager and Seattle Special Events Committee Chair, developing the Special Events Ordinance updates, and overseeing more than 3,000 major Special Events, including NFL, MLS, and WNBA Championship Parades. Prior to his work with the City, Chris was a successful small business owner, including running an independent Seattle record label, an artist management company.

Chris owned a props & sets shop over his 13-year career in film production, where he led visual conception and production design on feature film, independent film, corporate, and commercial film productions across the country. Chris is a member of the Washington Festivals & Events Association Board, a Seattle Sports Commissioner, and member emeritus of Washington State Film Leadership Council, UW Film Advisory Board, and Artist Trust EDGE Advisory Board. Chris is a fourth-generation Seattle area native and makes his home in West Seattle.

2024 Event of the Year Olympic Peninsula Chapter Juan de Fuca Festival of the Arts

North Puget Sound Chapter Bellingham Seafeast

Greater Tacoma Chapter Porchfest

Southwest Washington Chapter Clark County Fair

Central Washington Chapter Central Washington Fair

Greater Spokane Chapter Spokane Hoopfest

South Puget Sound Chapter Procession of the Species

Southeast Washington Chapter Prosser Festival of Trees

Central Puget Sound Chapter Ukranian Festival Blastfest

All of these regional winners are finalists for the state Event of the Year Award presented by Alexander Party Rental.

Presented by:

Washington Festivals & Events Association

AWARDS DINNER & AUCTION

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2024 Event Organizer of the Year ERIKA OLSEN, WINTHROP RHYTHM AND BLUES

Presented by:

Erika Olsen is a native Washingtonian who grew up on Seattle’s Capitol Hill. Prior to devoting her professional life to music and festival productions, she worked in the non-profit sector as the Human Resources Director for the HMO Pacific Health Plans. She currently is the Festival Director for the Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival as well as the Assistant Artistic Director/Marketing & Production Coordinator for Portland’s Waterfront Blues Festival. Erika loves to run, dance, listen to live music, cook, watch the Seahawks, spend time with her family & friends and try and make the world a better place. Under Erika's leadership, she and the Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival received the coveted “Keeping the Blues Alive” Award in 2015. This prestigious national award from the Memphis-based Blues Foundation recognized Erika for her compelling work on the Winthrop R&B Festival, known as “the best little festival” and is the longest running blues festival in Washington state.

2024 Event Producer of the Year

Presented by:

PHIL MEGENHARDT, BOLD HAT PRODUCTIONS Phil is a creative event director with vast experience in event production and a passion for community building, brand activations, and flawless event execution. Phil founded Bold Hat Productions in 1997 on the roots of over 20 years of sales, marketing, and business development experience. As President and Creative Director of Bold Hat, Phil has created several signature Puget Sound area events, including nationally recognized Fremont Oktoberfest and Kirkland Uncorked, in addition to many corporate and municipal celebrations.

Presented by:

2024 Rising Star ASHLEY YOUNG, TACOMA VENUES & EVENTS With over a decade of experience in hospitality and event management, Ashley has served as a corporate and social event planner and venue manager. Her work in the public began in 2019 when she managed events for the Des Moines Beach Park and Marina. She now serves as the Special Events Coordinator for the City of Tacoma under the Tacoma Venues & Events Department, where she manages Special Event Permits and oversees the City Events and Recognitions Committee, who produce community events such as the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration and the City of Destiny Awards.

Presented by:

In her role, Ashley is also responsible for coordinating grant funding for free and open-to-thepublic events throughout Tacoma, collaborating with local event organizers, and community organizations, and helping in develop resources through the TVE SkillShop program, like the City’s Equity in Events Toolkit, Safety and Security in Events, and Grant Writing Workshops to help strengthen the events industry in Tacoma and prioritize inclusivity and accessibility in their planning.

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WFEA HALL OF FAME

22029 23RD DR SE, STE 105 BOTHELL, WA 98021 425-462-7368 WWW.GRANDEVENTRENTALSWA.COM

Presented by: Grand Event Rentals

MIKE BRENNAN (2001)

NORM LANGILL (2001)

DAVID DOXTATER (2002)

ED NEUNHERZ (2015)

AL SILVERMAN (2019)

BETH KNOX (2019)

SEATTLE CENTER (2019)

JERRY SCHMIDT (2020)

RICK BETTS (2020)

JEANNETTE BRENNAN (2020)

TERRY MORGAN (2021)

DON KARDONG (2021)

ROBIN KELLEY (2021)

BILL BURKE (2022)

CRAIG COOKE (2022)

STAR MOSER (2022)

MIKE PREBEZAC (2022)

GEORGE SHARP (2023)

PEGGY DOERING (2023)

JON STONE (2023)

SHELLY TOLO (2023)

STEPHEN RUFFO (2024)

CAROL RILEY (2024)

BRUCE SKINNER (2024)

PHIL MEGENHARDT (2024)

2024 WFEA Hall of Fame

Presented by:

CAROL RILEY Carol worked on the Olympia Harbor Days Festival and Tugboat Races (OHD), a 3 day event that attracts over 55K to the waterfront of Olympia. She started with the festival in 2016. The well known, and well loved, Olympia festival covers 7 blocks, has 3 stages, 2 food areas, 3 docks hosting 30 to 40 tugboats and historic ships, multiple demonstration locations, and 200 arts & crafts, commercial and non-profit booth spaces and of course host the World’s Largest Vintage Tugboat Races annually.

OHD is a non-profit event presented free to the community by the Olympia Kiwanis Club. Carol works on the festival alone, with volunteer help from members of the club. Carol is no stranger to organizing events. She was owner of Reunions Unlimited, a professional reunion planning company, and organized over 750 events in 20 years – 1995 - 2015. She started her working career in the fashion industry in NYC as a fashion buyer for Macy’s and merchandiser in women’s apparel in the late 70’s and 80’s. She then worked with professional art groups in PA as a grant writer, and later developed the Olympia Hands On Children’s Museum gift shop.

BRUCE SKINNER Bruce Skinner is a highly regarded consultant to the sports and special events industry with vast experience, entering his 54th year in the business.

As the director of the Olympic Medical Center Foundation, he oversees six fundraising events annually, including Red, Set, Go, a benefit for the OMC Heart Center, The OMC Foundation Duck Race, Hog Wild, the UW Sonny Sixkiller Husky Legend Golf Tournament, Harvest of Hope, a benefit for the OMC Cancer Center; and Festival of Trees.

He also has served as the Executive Director of the Washington Festivals and Events Association since 2017. WFEA is the State’s trade association for events, providing educational and networking opportunities.

He served as the Executive Director of the Fiesta Bowl in Phoenix, Arizona, (1980-1990) after serving as Assistant Executive Director for seven years (1973-1980). He then went on to serve as the President of the International Festivals and Events Association (1990-2001).

He is the author of the book, The Complete Guide to Selling Event Sponsorship, published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., of New York, and is the founder of the highly successful Arizona Rock n Roll Marathon in Phoenix, Arizona, and the Rock n Roll Marathons and Half Marathons in Seattle and San Antonio. The 2004 race was the largest first time running event in history, with over 29,000 participants.

Known as the "Bowl Director of the 80's," Skinner was instrumental in the Fiesta Bowl's successful bid to crack the New Year's Day bowl-game lineup, moving the game to January 1st in 1982. In 1985, the bowl signed a landmark agreement with Sunkist Growers to serve as title sponsor. The title sponsorship was a first for a Bowl game, and served as a model which bowls and most other sporting and event organizations later followed.

During a period when many schools were independent and not affiliated with a conference, the Bowl staged two national championships during a three year span – the 1987 game pitted Penn State vs. Miami, and the 1989 contest featured Notre Dame vs. West Virginia. The former was the most-watched college football game of all time.

He also was the Chief Revenue Officer for the 2016 College Football National Championship Game that was held in Phoenix in January of 2016.

Washington Festivals & Events Association

AWARDS DINNER & AUCTION

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2024 WFEA Hall of Fame STEPHEN RUFFO Stephen Ruffo is a veteran music producer and event organizer with over 40 years of experience, having made a significant impact on the bluegrass and music festival world.

He was the visionary behind Bluegrass at the Beach, a nationally renowned music camp that ran from 1992 to 2007 and grew into one of the premier bluegrass events in the country. Stephen's journey in music education began with the Haystack Program in Cannon Beach, Oregon where he first met bluegrass legend Laurie Lewis, who became the program coordinator for Bluegrass at the Beach and a key mentor in on how to run a successful music camp.

In addition to his work at Bluegrass at the Beach, Stephen has been an integral figure in Wintergrass, a highly regarded bluegrass festival. For nearly 30 years, he has been involved in almost every aspect of the festival, starting as a volunteer and then joining the Board of Directors and eventually serving as a collaborator, producer, operations manager, and production manager. His leadership and vision have helped shape Wintergrass into a beloved event within the Bluegrass community.

Stephen’s contributions to the bluegrass world extend even further. From 2009 to 2011, he served on the Board of Directors for the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) as the event producers' representative, lending his expertise to the organization and helping guide its mission. In 2012, he co-produced the prestigious International Bluegrass Music Awards in Nashville at the Grand Ole Opry, further cementing his reputation as a key figure in the bluegrass industry.

Additionally, from 2003 to 2015, Stephen partnered with mandolin legends David Grisman, Mike Marshall and Chris Thile to create the Mandolin Symposium at UC Santa Cruz, a globally recognized gathering that celebrated the versatility and beauty of mandolin music. They brought in Patrice O’Neill to help create the volumes of written Mandolin Music needed for this one-of-a-kind Music experience. The Symposium brought together top mandolin instructors from around the globe, covering a wide range of styles from bluegrass and jazz to classical and Brazilian music and included a Builders Track from the top Instrument Builders in the world. Stephen's contributions helped create a one-of-a-kind experience for all who attended.

Stephen is still involved with Wintergrass and also does work for the Wooden Boat Festival in Port Townsend managing the Music Stage and events.

Stephen Ruffo's passion for music, his deep involvement in event production, and his ability to foster learning communities have made him a respected leader in American bluegrass. His decades of dedication continue to inspire musicians and shape the future of the genre.

PHIL MEGENHARDT See Page 19 for Phil’s Bio

Washington Festivals & Events Association

AWARDS DINNER & AUCTION

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