Ray’s Partnership In Caring

August 1, 2013

by Doug Zellers, Ray’s General Manager

doug-zellers-chef-wayne
Chef Wayne Johnson and GM Doug Zellers

As the sunny days of August reach their peak, it marks the coming of what I consider to be the most meaningful task I complete each year.

Since 2004, I have volunteered  to assist with the Auction of Washington Wines (AWW) annual events. AWW is the philanthropic organization representing the Washington wine industry and the nation’s largest charity auction showcasing Washington wine.  The three-day event (Aug. 15-17)  is the wine industry’s annual gift to its communities across the state, benefiting Uncompensated Care for patients and families at Seattle Children’s Hospital and it has raised more than $26 million since its inception in 1988.

My role grew from that of a Sommelier to a Captain to the task I have now -coordinating more than 30 of Seattle’s best Sommeliers as they volunteer their time to serve patrons at 14 intimate winemakers dinners Friday night and at the Wine Gala live auction dinner ( 700 guests) Saturday night.

awwDZ
The team of sommeliers for the 2009 AWW events

Over the past nine years at AWW, I have worked side-by-side with some of the best service teams in our great city.  This year being my first at Ray’s, I have a partner in caring – Chef Wayne Johnson.  While Chef Wayne (and before him Chef Peter Birk) and I have been at opposite ends of the event in the past, I finally get the chance to work in tandem from within the same organization.  Ray’s is proud to support such a noble cause and I am more than proud to be co-leader with Chef Wayne as we present his offering – the main course entrée for the Gala.

Great things happen when teams come together and work as one. This year’s AWW auction, and the money we help raise for the children that need it most, should be nothing short of spectacular.  The partnership I have with Chef Wayne and the great things we do as a family at Ray’s is already leading to great things, and we are just getting started…

 

Christmas Eve & Christmas Day at Ray’s!

Join us at Ray’s for festive Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dining! Our first floor Boathouse and second floor Cafe will be serving up your favorite dishes and seasonal specials on Tuesday, December 24 and Wednesday, December 25, 2024! Reservations are available now and strongly encouraged for both dates for groups of 10 people or fewer (including highchairs): Reserve Boathouse Christmas Eve – first floor Reserve …

Steakhouse Pop-Up at Ray’s this December!

We’re thrilled to bring back our guest-favorite Steakhouse Pop-Up for a second year! Ray’s Steakhouse Pop-Up features a limited number of steaks per day served with classic steakhouse sides and the option to add special sauces or compound butter. Enjoy these delicious specials now through December 31 in our first floor Boathouse and upstairs Cafe (excludes 12/24 and 12/25)! Reserve your table today in the …

BOOK A TABLE  AT RAY’S BOATHOUSE

Ray’s Boathouse elevates local, sustainable seafood with global flavors and Northwest inspiration nightly.

BOOK A TABLE  AT RAY’S CAFE

Classic seafood dishes with seasonal preparations in our upstairs Café overlooking Puget Sound.

MAKE A RESERVATION

Simply choose either Ray’s Boathouse or Ray’s Cafe in the first drop down, then find your table.

EMAIL NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP

Book your Ray's Boathouse reservation on Resy
Book your Rays Cafe reservation on Resy