Christ the King Academy will hold its third annual Talent Show and Dessert Auction Fundraiser on December 5, 2023, at the historic R.E. Bennett School in Chehalis. This event is part of the Academy’s ongoing commitment to purchase and preserve the property, which has significant cultural and educational importance in Lewis County. The Academy stated, “This landmark building holds intrinsic value for those throughout Lewis County and has been a center for academic excellence for generations.”
The fundraising event will feature musical performances by brothers Arnold Livingston Geis and Raymon Geis, both professional operatic tenors who grew up in the area. They will perform together on the R.E. Bennett stage for the first time since their appearance in the 2004 production of *Les Misérables* at W. F. West High School. Joining them will be international soprano Oriana Geis-Falla, who is also part of the Geis family. All artists are donating their performances to support the preservation efforts.
Joe Stout, a founding board member and music director for Christ the King Academy, expressed enthusiasm about reconnecting the community with the Rhodes Auditorium. “Having such a glorious space to experience the blessing of the performing arts is an incredible asset for our community,” he said. Stout highlighted the potential of the auditorium as a venue for cultural enrichment.
The event will commence with a dessert viewing and auction at 17:00, followed by the talent show at 18:00. Admission is free, and the community is encouraged to participate. Donations can be made online at christthekingacademy.org/giving. The Academy emphasized that participation in this event will help ensure the historic space continues to serve as a place for learning and cultural gatherings for future generations.
R.E. Bennett School opened its doors in 1928 but ceased operations during the 2018-19 academic year. Subsequently, it was sold to private developers, who planned to convert the site into high-end apartments. The school, located at 233 S. Market Blvd, has an assessed value of $2,345,400, according to the Lewis County Assessor’s Office.
Christ the King Academy is an independent classical Christian school serving families throughout Lewis County. It focuses on a curriculum grounded in classical learning, Christian values, and the development of wisdom and virtue. The Academy’s initiative to preserve the R.E. Bennett campus aligns with its long-term goals to provide a stable educational environment and promote the performing arts in the community. More information about the event and the Academy’s vision can be found at christthekingacademy.org.
