The Gathering Place Banquet: Supporting the Western Alaska Disaster Recovery Fund

On September 17, 2022 a devastating storm hit Alaska’s vulnerable west coast village residents, fish-camps, hunting grounds, villages, and ports. At one of the most crucial times of the year to prepare for winter, hardy Alaskans are without power, water, communication, and in some cases shelter and food. Some locations lost airfield and port access, and others lost their subsistence camps and stored harvests. The Western Alaska Disaster Recovery Fund was developed by our partner, the Alaska Community Foundation, to get resources out to residents and businesses in need immediately. All proceeds will be donated to Typhoon Merbok relief.
“Join us Saturday, October 1st at The Gathering Place on the Alaska State Fairgrounds to support our relatives and community impacted by Typhoon Merbok in Western Alaska. Enjoy an afternoon with FishOn! Camp Grill at The Gathering Place and help us get resources to those in need up North!” – Buffy Meyer, FishOn! Camp Grill.
 
The Banquet, beginning at noon, is provided by the generous donation of FishOn! Camp Grill alongside contributions made by local vendors and suppliers. A big thank you to Three Bears, Pepsi, and our partners at the Alaska Native Heritage Foundation. Banquet guests will receive exclusive access to the famous recipes at the grill, along with early entry and parking access, early viewing of the silent auction items, and a private door prize event. Stay to share in native performances and artistry at the Dena’ People’s Stage. Learn about subsistence foods and how they are gathered! See the beautiful art and exciting items at our silent auction, and keep an eye out for surprise speakers, indigenous educators, and opportunities to participate in song and dance invitationals! If you do not want to come early for the banquet, you can still enjoy the rest of the festivities with a general admission ticket, beginning at 1pm.  A discounted general admission ticket is available with a donation of canned goods or shelf-stable emergency food items. Come help raise funds and share the culture and spirit of the Alaskan community.
 
For more information, visit alaskastatefair.org or contact Chelsea Dischner at chelsea@alaskastatefair.org or 907-444-1410.