A model blows a kiss to the crowd during the fashion portion of I-5 Toyota's Valentine's Day Wine Mixing on Thursday night at the Chehalis car dealership's showroom. The evening consisted of the fashion show, which featured attire from Bartel's and Ciao Bella, along with a silent auction and the unveiling of I-5 Toyota's 2015 raffle vehicle. This year's vehicle was a lifted 2011 Toyota Tundra with a Seattle Seahawks inspired wrap around it.
A lifted 2011 Toyota Tundra with a Seattle Seahawks inspired wrap is unveiled as I-5 Toyota's 2015 raffle vehicle at the dealership's Chehalis showroom on in February 2015. The event, held every year, raises money for local students.
People mingle at I-5 Toyota's Valentine's Day Wine Mixer at the Chehalis dealership's showroom on Thursday evening.
A model spins along the catwalk during the fashion portion of I-5 Toyota's Valentine's Day Wine Mixing on Thursday night at the Chehalis car dealership's showroom. The evening consisted of the fashion show, which featured attire from Bartel's and Ciao Bella, along with a silent auction and the unveiling of I-5 Toyota's 2015 raffle vehicle. This year's vehicle was a lifted 2011 Toyota Tundra with a Seattle Seahawks inspired wrap around it.
Centralia Mayor Bonnie Cannaday shows off her manicure as she struts along the catwalk during the fashion portion of I-5 Toyota's Valentine's Day Wine Mixing on Thursday night at the Chehalis car dealership's showroom.
A model wearing bright pink rain boots walks along the catwalk during the fashion portion of I-5 Toyota's Valentine's Day Wine Mixing on Thursday night at the Chehalis car dealership's showroom.
For many, Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to show the one you love how much you care. But for one area event, it’s about much more than that.
The annual I-5 Valentine’s Wine Mixer provides area residents and organizations a fun social event to give back to Lewis County youth.
The event is free to attend, but silent auction items and raffle tickets purchased for a vehicle giveaway go to support local schools.
“It supports a fundraiser that no one else does in our area that benefits our youth,” Heidi Pehl, owner of I-5 Toyota, said. “Entirely 100 percent of all the proceeds go to the youth; we’re proud of it.”
While the wine mixer provides a good opportunity to get together with friends and socialize, there are also two ways it raises money for students in the area.
The silent auction, a part of the event that has grown immensely since its launch, helps fund the I-5 Scholarship Fund. All the proceeds from the locally donated items go toward the fund, which has awarded 77 scholarships so far.
The scholarships have typically gone to Lewis County students, but this year, after opening a new dealership in Olympia, scholarships will also be made available for Thurston County students.
“It’s just fun,” Pehl said of the silent auction.
A large variety of items are available, from Seahawks packages to fishing trips. All items are on display at the dealership prior to the silent auction, and those interested can start bidding on the items days before the event even starts. The auction winners are finalized during the wine mixer.
The second way the event raises money for area youth is through the vehicle raffle.
The vehicle is donated by I-5 Toyota. Those wanting to know what vehicle will be up for grabs this year will have to wait until the unveiling at the wine mixer, as it is a surprise every year.
Pehl did say the vehicle will be a Toyota product.
For the past 10 years, the owners of I-5 Toyota have donated a vehicle. Student groups sell raffle tickets at $10 apiece, helping to raise money for their given cause.
Over the past several years, the I-5 car raffle has helped local schools raise more than $350,000.
This year, raffle tickets are being sold by the W.F. West High School wrestling team.
“Local high schools that choose to participate sell raffle tickets and keep 100 percent of the proceeds,” Pehl said. “If they sell 10 raffle tickets, they get $100 dollars and keep it for whatever they want to use it for.”
In the past, the debate team, cheerleading squads and equestrian teams have used the opportunity to help raise funds.
Along with raising money for a good cause, attendees at the annual wine mixer will be able to watch a fashion show. This year, that portion of the event has been expanded to include both baby gear and maternity wear.
Although the event is free to attend, Pehl said, people are encouraged to take part in the silent auction, purchase raffle tickets or tip the bartender to bring in money for youth.
“You don’t have to buy anything and do anything other than come and have fun, but it’s nice to support the kids of our area,” Pehl said, adding the event also helps show the dealership’s appreciation for customers, families and local residents.
