Recently, 31 guests gathered at the home of Debra and Colin Campbell  South Whidbey to hear Grammy-nominated jazz singer Sylvia Bennett.

The show was a part of the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts Star Gala Auction. All proceeds from ticket sales went to WICA, as did a portion of CD sales from the event.

Vincent Nattress provided catering.

Debra Campbell, friend of Bennett, said in a recent press release, “Sylvia’s beautiful soul shines through her music and her day-to-day life. …She was immediately receptive to this fundraiser when I asked her and was passionate about her support of Whidbey Island Center for the Arts.”

This year’s Star Gala Auction netted nearly $150,000 in donations, the highest amount raised to date at the organization’s annual fundraiser.

According to Whidbey Island Center for the Arts executive director Stacie Burgua, the event had an aura of “pre-recession auctions” with friendly bidding wars and several items selling above suggested value.

The fundraiser is responsible for providing 20 to 30 percent of the center’s budget, supporting programming, facility care and general operations.