Celebration raises funds for SOAR

Bigg Eddy entertained party-goers at SOAR's fund-raising Cinco de Mayo fiesta.

A Mexican-themed fiesta on Saturday, May 4, netted $16,000 for SOAR (Sisters Organization for Activities and Recreation). The money will go toward youth scholarships and activities.

One hundred seventy guests filled the Sisters Rodeo clubhouse, where they dined on a fine south-of-the-border meal and danced to the music of a traditional Mexican band.

A meal of carne asada, chicken enchiladas, Spanish rice and salad was catered by Ronda Sneva, event chair, who donated her cooking services and a staff for the event. A variety of desserts were donated by local food vendors.

While diners in the clubhouse enjoyed Fantasia, a six-member group from The Dalles, another 100 diners enjoyed the music of Sisters' own Big Eddy in a heated, decorated tent.

Dancing commenced as soon as the dinner ended, with a live auction called during the intermission. About $5,000 was raised in the live auction and another $3,000 in raffles and a silent auction, according to event organizers.

The music kept celebrants dancing until almost midnight.

SOAR board member Bonnie Malone reported that members of the fund-raising group Sisters Community Chest and the SOAR Foundation were very pleased with the response to the event and the money raised for the recreation district.

They hope to make Cinco de Mayo an annual event.