Nearly 600 guests gathered on Sunday, October 13, for FareStart’s 32nd Annual Gala Auction & Dinner at the Seattle Westin. Together we celebrated student transformations, enjoyed a curated dinner by Seattle’s top chefs and raised over $1.82 million to support FareStart’s mission. We are incredibly grateful for the community’s generous support!
It was a lively evening as guests bid on live and online auctions, including culinary experiences, trips, sports adventures, cooking classes and more while learning more about FareStart. A few of the crowd-pleasers included a private cocktail class at Canlis followed by drinks on the rooftop and dinner in the dining room; an exclusive after-hours party at a private speakeasy featuring a culinary adventure with James Beard Award-Winning Chef Brady Williams of TOMO; once-in-a-lifetime trips to Taiwan, Australia and New York City; and an impromptu live auction item featuring Top Chef Shota Nakajima who offered to cook a private dinner at the winner’s home.
FareStart CEO Patrick D’Amelio talked about the progress we’ve made in the last year as we launched multiple social enterprises — the FareStart Restaurant for breakfast, lunch and private events as well as FareStart Box Lunches — while supporting students. He also reminded guests that FareStart provides so much more than job training. “Students in our programs aren’t just learning job skills; they are rediscovering their self-belief, dignity, and sense of purpose. Our work shows us that everyone deserves a chance to succeed. Every student represents a story of determination, and each success proves that investing in people and fostering a sense of belonging brightens the future for all.”
The evening was centered around FareStart students, who are at the heart of everything we do. We were honored that three FareStart graduates shared their powerful stories. Tennessee (2017 Adult Program Graduate), Jessi (2019 Adult Program Graduate) and Janice (2024 Barista Program Graduate) came from varied backgrounds and circumstances, but they all shared a desire to chart a new path and create a brighter future for themselves. You can watch the video here.
The evening also honored the passing of Chef Wayne Johnson and his profound impact on FareStart and the broader community. “He [Wayne] mentored countless staff, students, and chefs, not just in Seattle but across the country. He brought his warm laughter, generous spirit and distinctive chef pants to everything he did. Amid the kitchen hustle, he always found time to connect, listen, and nurture the talents of others.”
A huge thanks to the Gala Auction Committee chaired by Claudia and Rob Leslie, Board of Directors, volunteers and staff; to our generous donor; to our culinary partners Taylor Shellfish Farms, Elliott’s Oyster House, Chef Janet Becerra of Pancita, Chef Brendan McGill of Hitchcock Restaurant Group, Chef Francis Ward of the Westin Seattle, Chefs Luke Kolpin & Quinton Stewart of Cedar + Elm at The Lodge at St. Edward Park and our very own FareStart chefs and students.
This evening would not have been possible without our generous sponsors, including Amazon, BECU, Microsoft, Nayamode, Alaska Airlines, Boeing, Cornerstone Architectural Group, Griffis Residential, The Gates Foundation, KPMG, Symetra, Bargreen Ellingson, Hermanson Company LLP, Starbucks and U.S. Bank.
If you weren’t able to attend the gala, there is still an opportunity to donate in support of FareStart’s mission. Click here to donate.
