The ballroom at The Westin Seattle was alive with energy and purpose on October 5 as over 600 guests gathered for FareStart’s 33rd Annual Gala Auction & Dinner. By the end of the night, the event raised more than $2 million — a record-breaking amount for the Gala — to support FareStart’s mission of transforming lives through food and job training.
The evening was a true celebration of community — filled with exquisite food, spirited bidding, and a sense of excitement. Guests enjoyed a multi-course menu from some of Seattle’s most beloved chefs and restaurants, including Ben Campbell of Ben’s Bread, Johnny Courtney of Atoma, Victor Steinbrueck of Local Tide, Francis Ward of The Westin Seattle, Grayson Pilar of MariPili Tapas Bar, Elliott’s Oyster House, Taylor’s Shellfish and FareStart. The live auction featured once-in-a-lifetime culinary, travel and sports experiences, including a tour of Martha Stewart’s famed farm in Bedford, New York, a Jamie Oliver-themed food adventure in London, a world-class Thailand adventure and more. And of course, throughout the night, guests cheered on the Seattle Mariners as they won their playoff game.
One of the evening’s most powerful moments came when guests watched the story of Jennifer, a 2024 Food Pathways graduate who now works at Le Panier in Pike Place Market. Her journey of resilience inspired the entire room, showing the power of perseverance and hope. Through her story, guests also gained a deeper understanding of the vital support students receive from their case managers — tireless advocates who walk alongside them every step of the way.
FareStart CEO Patrick D’Amelio captured the spirit of the evening, reflecting on the heart of FareStart’s mission, our students. “What truly defines our impact is our students. Every day, they bring courage and determination into our classrooms and kitchens…They bring a wide diversity of experiences, backgrounds and strengths. What unites them is the belief that tomorrow can be different, that change is possible. This is a belief we share at FareStart, fueling everything we do alongside our students.”
We are incredibly grateful to our guests and everyone who made the evening possible. Thank you to our dedicated Gala Committee, led by co-chairs Rob and Claudia Leslie, as well as our Board of Directors and the more than 100 volunteers who made the evening possible. Our thanks to our generous sponsors: Alaska Airlines, Amazon, BECU, Microsoft, Nayamode, Boeing, Brettler Family Foundation, Charlie’s Produce, KPMG, Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, Symetra, Bargreen Ellingson, Fidelity Investments, Gates Foundation, GGLO/Amy and Jon Hall, Hermanson Company LLP, ISOutsource, Starbucks, Plymouth Housing and Visit Seattle.
If you couldn’t make it, you can still support FareStart’s mission here.
