“Toast to Talent” in Milton-Freewater includes inductions into the hall of fame and raising funds to support Mac-Hi athletics and arts.

MILTON-FREEWATER — McLoughlin High School will hold the annual Toast to Talent on Saturday, Oct. 26.

The Mac-Hi Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and fundraiser will start at 6 p.m. in the Milton-Freewater Community Building, 109 NE Fifth Ave. It continues until 9 p.m.

Recognition of some of Mac-Hi’s outstanding graduates, groups and former staff is something the community looks forward to each year. This year’s honorees include Ed Eaton; Dr. Jeffrey Stevens; the 1964-1965 and 1966-1967 McLoughlin Union High School basketball teams coached by Don Parker; and the 2001 Crimson & Black Choir, led by George White.

The people and groups were selected based on their impact on the high school and/or their community or nation and will be inducted into the Mac-Hi Hall of Fame.

The Toast to Talent social, which is not a district event, features a silent auction, drinks, food and entertainment. The special night raises money to support athletics and art at the high school and to ensure future Toast to Talent nights.

Organizer Jay Rodighiero recalls that the celebration was born out of a desire to honor people and teams that have made a significant impact.

He and other Mac-Hi staff at this time, including Susie Ellis, Kim Huling, and Michelle Snyder, Rodighiero said, they felt it was important for today’s students “to see the characteristics of hard work, commitment, and grit could have on one’s lives during high school and beyond.”

“In addition, we have amazing student artists and musicians, and we thought we could showcase some of this talent,” he said.

In past years, choir members have sung during the event, some band members have played, and some artwork has been available for bid in the silent auction.

“The goal of the program is to honor people and achievements considered exceptional at the high school level or those with exceptional and impactful careers,” Rodighiero said. “We have had positive feedback and the energy during the event has been amazing. The reminiscing of classmates and friends creates real excitement and chatter as people talk about their ‘years.’ It is fun to hear all the buzz.”

The Hall of Fame committee hopes to see more community participation at the event.

“People should want to come. We are celebrating people who have had a huge impact. We wanted Mac-Hi kids to see there is an abundance of opportunities beyond high school,” the committee said. “We have had a lot of successes with Mac-Hi graduates, and if we didn’t do this, and the Hall of Fame, who would really know?”

Tickets to the event are $10. For more information, or to purchase tickets, email Rodighiero at jay.rodighiero@miltfreesd.org or call Kim Huling at 509-301-1716.