The Sammamish Chamber of Commerce’s annual fundraiser, the BRAVO! Dinner and Auction, is not new to the Plateau.

For the last four years, the BRAVO! event has been a hit with Sammamish residents and has ensured the Chamber is able to keep contributing to community events like the SAMMI Awards, Fourth on the Plateau, and the weekly Farmers Market, May though September.

But this year, BRAVO organizers have put together something very different — a partnership with local farmers that will put the spotlight on the great fresh and organic produce of growers in the area.

“It’s going to be really different this year,” said Chair of the organizing committee Corynne Wiediger. “It kind of feels like we are reinventing the wheel.”

The BRAVO! Dinner and Auction will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 30, following the final Farmers Market of 2009.

Inside the adjacent City Hall, patrons will be treated to a buffet of fresh and cooked food, all made from local produce and cooked by the demonstration chefs that man the Farmers Market.

While for a long time people have recognized the health benefits of eating fresh and organic produce, only recently has the economic benefit of local farms been fully appreciated.

According to the Sammamish Farmers Market Web site, a shift of just 20 percent of our food dollars into local producers would result in nearly a half billion dollars annual income in King County alone.

Buying and eating locally also has a direct impact on reducing the use of fossil fuels, eliminating energy intense transportation and refrigeration.

As well as the fine fresh local food, the big attraction of the evening is the fundraising auction.

Up for grabs are some amazing items, including two week-long ticket passes for the 2010 U.S. Senior Open Golf Championship at Sahalee Country Club, a photography session with veteran photographer, Barry Hartman, and your own special performance by the Master Chorus Eastside Chamber Singers.

Remember to bid generously, as proceeds from the auction not only support important local events, but also support Sammamish students — each year the Chamber of Commerce offers two scholarships to students excelling in the DECA business program.

Wiediger said that there are still plenty of opportunities for those wanting to get involved in this popular Sammamish event.

“We are always looking for sponsors and volunteers, or for donations,” she said. “Anyone that wants to help out is more than welcome.”

For more information on the BRAVO! Dinner and Auction, go to www.sammamishchamber.org, contact info@sammamishchamber.org, or call the Sammamish Chamber at 425-681-4910.