Christ the King Academy is set to host its third annual Talent Show and Dessert Auction Fundraiser on December 5, 2023, at the historic R.E. Bennett School. This event is part of the Academy’s ongoing initiative to acquire and preserve the property, which has significant cultural and educational value for the Lewis County community.
In a statement, Christ the King Academy emphasized the importance of the building, noting, “This landmark building holds intrinsic value for those throughout Lewis County and has been a center for academic excellence for generations.” The Academy aims to partner with local leaders and stakeholders to ensure the building continues to serve as a school and performing arts center for future generations.
The upcoming event will feature performances by professional operatic tenors and brothers Arnold Livingston Geis and Raymon Geis. The duo grew up in Chehalis and previously performed together at R.E. Bennett’s Rhodes Auditorium during the 2004 production of *Les Misérables*. This marks their first return to the stage since that production. They will be joined by international soprano Oriana Geis-Falla, with all three artists generously donating their performances to support the fundraising effort.
Joe Stout, a founding board member and music director for Christ the King Academy, expressed enthusiasm about the event, stating, “We can’t wait to reconnect the community with the amazing Rhodes auditorium. Having such a glorious space to experience the blessing of the performing arts is an incredible asset for our community.” He mentioned the potential for the auditorium, stating, “We have so many ideas for unlocking the incredible potential in that one-of-a-kind auditorium and are thrilled to have the community come alongside us in support to bring our vision to life.”
The event will commence with a dessert viewing and auction at 17:00, followed by the talent show and performances at 18:00. Admission is free, allowing community members to engage and support the cause. R.E. Bennett School is located at 233 S. Market Blvd. in Chehalis, and donations for the preservation effort can be made online at christthekingacademy.org/giving.
Participation in this event and the broader campaign aims to ensure that the historic site continues to serve the community as a hub for learning, gathering, and cultural enrichment. Christ the King Academy is an independent classical Christian school dedicated to families throughout Lewis County. Its mission focuses on classical learning, Christian formation, and the cultivation of wisdom and virtue.
The effort to preserve the R.E. Bennett campus aligns with the Academy’s long-term vision to provide a stable environment for academic instruction and the performing arts in Chehalis. Opened in 1928, R.E. Bennett Elementary School closed during the 2018-19 school year and was later sold to private developers who intended to convert the buildings into high-end apartments. According to the Lewis County Assessor’s Office, the property has an assessed value of $2,345,400.
For more information about the event and efforts to preserve R.E. Bennett School, visit christthekingacademy.org. This initiative reflects a commitment to maintaining the rich educational heritage of the community while fostering a vibrant cultural space for future generations.
