The Silver Wings will host its annual Gift Galleria on Dec. 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the ninth grade center. A silent auction will be held with over 75 vendors, and breakfast and lunch will be offered to attendees. Admission is free.

“We only have a few vendors returning,” head director Anne Bowling said. “Many [previous] vendors went out of business because of COVID-19, [but] we have added 40 new vendors and are very excited to have them join us.”

Last year’s Gift Galleria was held virtually due to COVID-19. The silent auction is typically held during the first week of December, however, the 2020 Gift Galleria was hosted on Nov. 7. 

“[Since] we were not able to host [the gift galleria last year, our] plan B [was hosting the] silent auction portion online,” Bowling said. “We did very well consider the limitations [at the time].”

The Silver Wings have been hosting the Gift Galleria for 13 years, with the exception of last year’s virtual platform. The Silver Wings’ booster board held the first Gift Galleria in 2009. 

“We used to host a dance competition, and it was very difficult to prepare, plan and execute,” Bowling said. “The board decided to try something new, so [the] Gift Galleria was created.”

Vendors rent out a booth space from the Silver Wings in order to participate. Funds from the Gift Galleria will go toward the Silver Wings’ annual spring show in April, “Silver Wings Highlights.” The show costs around $40,000 to put together.

“We invite all to attend and get all their holiday shopping done in one spot,” Bowling said. “Admission is free, and we are so ready to return to in person.”