Mt. Hood Heritage Day was celebrated on Saturday, September 18, highlighted by an auction to benefit the Mt. Hood Cultural Center & Museum, held at the Starlight Room at Mt. Hood Skibowl.

Nearly 100 friends of the museum turned out to silent and live auction fundraiser, which raised over $11,000 for the Museum.

In addition to supporting the event by hosting local artisans and exhibitors during the daytime and providing space for both the silent and oral auctions, Skibowl owner Kirk Hanna made an additional donation of $2,000 to the support the museum, as announced by Hans Wipper, museum board member and operations manager at Skibowl. 

“We are happy to support the museum and its ongoing efforts to preserve and showcase the history and recreational legacy of Mt. Hood,” said Kirk Hanna.

Auction items included an actual chairlift originally installed in 1961 to accommodate early night skiing at Mt. Hood, which at the time, was the world’s fast lift.    Nearly every other Government Camp business and many individuals contributed items to the auction, including artwork, ski gear, ski passes dining gift certificates, jewelry, giftware and furnishings.

“It was a great event and we are so pleased with the response,” said Diane Lotking, MHCC&M  development  director

 Located in Government Camp, The Mt. Hood Cultural Center and Museum strengthens community, fosters arts and letters, and protects, stabilizes and showcases all aspects of the history of Mt. Hood. With interpretive exhibits, educational programming, and the arts, the Mt. Hood Cultural Center and Museum promotes an understanding about our shared history and the challenges of our future. The Museum includes early exploration and pioneer history, geology and natural history, forestry and the rich history of mountaineering and skiing and the remarkable individuals that helped shape the history of the mountain.