Christ the King Academy will present its third annual Talent Show and Dessert Auction Fundraiser on Friday, Dec. 5, at the historic R.E. Bennett School as part of its ongoing effort to purchase and preserve the property.
“This landmark building holds intrinsic value for those throughout Lewis County and has been a center for academic excellence for generations,” Christ the King Academy said in a news release. “The Academy is uniquely positioned to partner with community leaders and stakeholders to purchase this building and ensure its continued intended use as a school and performing arts center for generations to come.”
This year’s event features musical selections by professional operatic tenors and brothers Arnold Livingston Geis and Raymon Geis, who grew up in Chehalis and first performed together in R.E. Bennett’s Rhodes Auditorium in the 2004 W. F. West High School production of Les Misérables.
This is their first time singing together on this stage since that production.
The brothers will be joined on stage by international soprano Oriana Geis-Falla.
All three artists are donating their performances to strengthen the fundraising effort and to pay tribute to the community, Christ the King Academy said in the news release.
“We can’t wait to reconnect the community with the amazing Rhodes auditorium,” said Joe Stout, one of the founding board members and music director for Christ the King Academy. “Having such a glorious space to experience the blessing of the performing arts is an incredible asset for our community. We have so many ideas for unlocking the incredible potential in that one-of-a-kind auditorium and are thrilled to have the community come alongside us in support to bring our vision to life.”
The event begins with a dessert viewing and auction at 5 p.m. followed by the talent show and other performances at 6 p.m. Admission is free.
R.E. Bennett School is located at 233 S. Market Blvd. in Chehalis.
Donations to the preservation effort can be made online at christthekingacademy.org/giving.
Participation in the Dec. 5 event and the broader campaign “will help ensure this historic space continues to serve the community as a place for learning, gathering, and shared cultural life for generations to come,” Christ the King Academy said.
Christ the King Academy is an independent classical Christian school serving families throughout Lewis County.
The Academy is committed to a curriculum rooted in classical learning, Christian formation, and the cultivation of wisdom and virtue.
Its work to preserve the R. E. Bennett campus aligns with its long-term plan to provide a stable home for academic instruction and the performing arts in Chehalis.
R.E. Bennett Elementary School opened in 1928 and closed during the 2018-19 school year. It was later sold to private developers along with Cascade Elementary School, with plans to turn the buildings into high-end apartments. R.E. Bennett is located at 233 S. Market Blvd. It has an assessed value of $2,345,400, according to the Lewis County Assessor's Office.
More information is available at christthekingacademy.org.
