The 26th Annual Great Food Better Lives Gala Auction

October 31, 2018

We  gathered together to celebrate the work that FareStart participants have done so far in 2018. This year, our students were even more optimistic about the futures that they were creating through the opportunities that FareStart had put into place. Those opportunities came directly from the enthusiatic support of our community.  

It was a night of joy, camaraderie and record-breaking support at the Washington State Convention Center that raised more than $1.9 million.

One of the highlights of the event was when Nikole, a Youth Barista Graduate, stepped onto the stage in the middle of the room and addressed the audience. 

“Being a part of this community has been so amazing,” Nikole, a Youth Barista Graduate, said. “Everyone in this room is so important to what FareStart does and to what FareStart means. Thank you.”

Nikole had graduated from the program a year before and the audience was able to watch her journey, from living on the streets from age 12 until she found FareStart, through a video.

Our Auction Committee outdid themselves this year. Throughout the night supporters bid on an assortment of exclusive and diverse auction items all donated by organizations and individuals who believe in our mission and work. 

Angela Stowell thanked the room in her first public appearance as FareStart CEO. She talked about her first few weeks and how she had a newfound respect for the mission of FareStart as she talked and worked alongside the staff and students. 

“I’ve spent time in the kitchen preparing meals. I’ve spent time with our Youth Culinary students who are all hilarious, capable, wonderful young people and I even spent some time running the register or making coffee down with our Apprentices at Rise and Community Table. These last few weeks have inspired me, not just about what we can accomplish, but what can happen when we believe in people, when we empower people. That’s what FareStart does. That’s the heart of FareStart.”

This amazing night could not have been such a success without the support of our community, our amazing volunteers, our dedicated & passionate Board, the FareStart Auction Committee and our restaurant/hospitality partners.  

We want to thank: Amazon, Microsoft and all the other corporate supporters who helped make this event such a success.

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