Flappers and gangsters, who looked as they stepped out of a time machine, strolled into the Commons at Fort Worden and raised more than $260,000 for scholarships.

Named after Ernest Hemingway's 1964 novel, “A Movable Feast,” Centrum's annual gala Oct. 20 broke records in terms of how much was raised and how many were seated.

According to Centrum Director of Development Karen Clemens, 285 supporters for Centrum's programs and scholarships were in attendance, while more than $263,214 was taken in.

Last year, the event raised $255,423.

“It was the biggest number ever,” Clemens said. “The gala has become more popular and successful as a social and fundraising event every year.”

During the past five years, there has been an increase in the number of gala guests thanks to the Centrum board of directors and Gala Committee co-chairs Sarah DuBose and Carla VanderVen, whom Clemens credited with bringing “new people into the room.”

Also, a large part of the draw for attendees were auction items, both live and silent, which drew a diverse crowd.

“We try to have something at every price point at the gala,” Clemens said. “So whatever your interest or capacity is forbidding or your plans are, we have something there for you.”

Some of the most luxurious items ranged from tickets to a Holland America cruise, to a seven-night Caribbean cruise on the Sea Dream Yacht, which was one of the highest-priced items sold at $13,000. Other items up for grabs were a Club Med package and an evening event at the home of Jennifer and Scott Wilson with authors Adrianne Harun and Anna Quinn, of which every ticket sold.

Two trips to Protection Island sold for $3,000 each, Clemens said it has been available at events in the past, as a member of the board donated their tugboat for the purpose.

A Centrum Premiere Main Stage package for two went for $1,300.

“We had very few unsold items,” Clemens happily said.

To give the bidders more context about where their money would be going, Tiffani Jones, who made the trip from Des Moines for the event, spoke to the audience about her part of the Blues program for the past two years and as a Fund-a-Dream scholarship recipient, captivating the audience with her story.

“I thought she did a great job representing the need and opportunity for transformation from a Centrum experience,” Clemens said, adding the Fund-a-Dream scholarship total was more than $119,000 in paddle raises, a record for Centrum.

The Fund-a-Dream paddle-raises added up to $119,150 of the gross. All the proceeds go toward programs for scholarships, paying artist faculty, lease prices to the Fort Worden PDA and providing workshops at the lowest possible cost.

The Centrum Gala committee is made up completely of volunteers, whom Clemens gave kudos for the successful evening.

“If it weren't for all of that teamwork behind the scenes, it wouldn't have been as wonderful of a night,” Clemens said, also credited volunteers and staff who gave their time for the event, as well as those who contributed to the levity of the evening.

“We were pleased with the gala, with a record turnout of people in the room,” said Rob Birman, Centrum executive director.

From a logistical standpoint, Birman made note of the flow of the guests which was much more manageable compared to past events.

“This community is remarkable and we're really grateful,” Birman said. “It's all a testament to the community. It's the generosity of the community that makes it work.”