EDMONDS, Washington (STPNS) -- Dave Earling has worked tirelessly for the Edmonds Center for the Arts for a number of years.

He is thought by many to be one of the main reasons the Center stands as the important community facility it is today.

Edmonds Public Facilities District held a reception at the Center Monday for retiring board member Earling. The reception celebrated his six years of leadership and service as a member of the EPFD board.

A large number of local arts enthusiasts and civic leaders showed up to thank Earling for his service to the community.



"Without Dave Earling's leadership and wise council in all phases of this project, Edmonds Center for the Arts would not have become as successful and impactful a facility as it has become," ECA executive director Joe McIalwain said.

"ECA serves 45,000 patrons each year, brings 25 exciting presentations to the stage annually, serves as a home for Cascade Symphony Orchestra, Sno-King Community Chorale and Olympic Ballet Theatre, and has a nearly $3 million annual economic impact in Edmonds.

"Dave and his fellow board members can be very proud of the gift they have given to our community."

As a former City Council president, Earling was an advocate for the creation of Edmonds Public Facilities District and voted to establish the district in 2001. He was appointed to the EPFD board in April 2004.

In his nearly six years of service, Earling played a leadership role in the Capital Campaign to raise funds for the renovation of the original Edmonds High School Auditorium, advised on the design and construction phases of the renovation project, and helped guide the new Edmonds Center for the Arts through its first three years of operation.

In just three seasons, ECA has presented more than 90 top artists from around the world, including Al Jarreau, Smothers Brothers, Harlem Gospel Choir, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Don McLean, Karla Bonoff, George Winston, Ricky Skaggs, Shawn Colvin, Roger McGuinn and Peking Acrobats.