2019 Auction Gala raises $640,000 for our children

At the dazzling Galaxy Gala, starry-eyed guests from Seattle and the Eastside attended Kindering’s 25th Annual Auction Gala at the Seattle Westin on March 30, raising more than $640,000 in support of children with special needs and their families.

The evening included a silent and cellar auction, as well as an entertaining live auction. Dennis Bounds, retired anchor for King 5 News, was the emcee for the evening. A surprise appearance and auction item from Jermaine Kearse, a former Seahawks wide receiver, was a highlight for many.

The Galaxy Gala was chaired by an esteemed group of fathers dedicated to supporting Kindering and the children served each and every day with therapies, special education and personalized supports. 2019 Chairs included: Michael Azose, REB Bangert, Phil Banta, Greg Benn, Kevin Gleason, Dustin True and Peter True.

The past year at Kindering has seen tremendous change and growth, as Dr. Lisa Greenwald moved into the role of CEO after Mimi Siegel’s retirement following 40 years of leadership and vision. In 2018, Kindering served 5,800 children with special needs and their families, representing a 25 percent increase over 2017. To underscore growing community needs, Kindering expects to provide developmental therapies and special supports for at least 6,000 children and families in 2019 and aims to meet community need by serving 10,000 children and families per year by 2022. The number of children and families needing services remains great, and the critical funds raised at the Gala help meet this ever-growing need.

Given the ever-increasing regional demand for these programs, funds raised at the auction will help Kindering to provide services at its new satellite campus in Redmond, opening in mid-April, as well as to hire and train more teachers and specialized therapists and purchase much-needed therapy equipment.