SEATTLE HOTEL ASSOCIATION’S 20TH ANNUAL “EVENING OF HOPE GALA” 

 

DENIM TO DIAMONDS: TAKING A STAND AGAINST HOMELESSNESS—TRANSFORMING ONE LIFE AT A TIME

Benefiting Mary’s Place on February 4, 2017, at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel 

The Seattle Hotel Association (SHA) is pulling out all the stops for their 20th annual fundraiser “Evening of Hope Gala” presented by Delta Air Lines, which will take guests on a rewarding ride from “Denim to Diamonds” on Saturday, February 4, 2017, at the glitzy Fairmont Olympic Hotel. This year’s Gala will be even more sophisticated and colorful, with some down-home fun, full of exciting surprises at every twist and turn from the Ozarks to Beverly Hills.

The evening begins at the transformed Spanish Ballroom with the High Society Saloon Hour (social hour), featuring an air of elegance with hoedown surprises that will make the Clampetts and high society city folk feel right at home. Guests will be greeted by none other than Miss Manuela Horn as they ascend the stairs to the entrance of the party. Nibbles on trays and a flowing full bar of sophisticated cocktails will be served.

During supper, guests will sample some of Chef Paul Shewchuk’s inspired dishes, paying tribute to all things simple and grand. Donors from around the city will take part in a hurly-burly time of country music, featuring denim duds and glamorous fashion at this unique and unforgettable evening where a big ole grand live auction and inspirational raise the paddle will benefit Mary’s Place.

Mary’s Place empowers homeless women, children, and families to reclaim their lives by providing day and night shelter, nourishment, healing, and hope in a safe community. Established in 1999, Mary’s Place works to keep struggling families together and provides the tools and resources to help them begin the journey out of homelessness.

“Working with Mary’s Place and its incredible team has shown me what can be done every day to make a difference in the lives of our homeless population. The incredible foundation of their work helps to recharge individuals with a renewed faith in life and the opportunities that lie ahead. The rewards are endless for all involved,” states René Neidhart, Gala Chair and General Manager of the Renaissance Seattle Hotel.

2017 Honoree: The Bartell Family 

Bartell’s is the oldest and largest family-owned drugstore chain in the nation. With its 64 locations in King, Snohomish, and Pierce counties, Bartell’s is Puget Sound’s premiere pharmacy. The family run company provides jobs for more than 1,800 employees, which are all extremely important to the fabric of the company and the surrounding communities.

Currently, Bartell’s offers international travel clinics, 24-hour stores, digital kiosks, walk-in care clinics, and utilizes technological advances enabling customers to track their own immunization records. The Bartell family regularly supports local charities with a focus on programs that directly benefit the region.

ELEGANT SHINDIG:

GRAND GALA TICKETS: Priced at $350 per person, Gala tickets are available by visiting the Seattle Hotel Association website or by calling Event Director, Suzanne Hight at 206 236-6167.

HIGH SOCIETY SALOON HOUR: Priced at $100 per person, this ticket includes entrance to the social and silent auction from 5 to 7 pm. Tickets are available by visiting the Seattle Hotel Association website or by calling Event Director Suzanne Hight at 206 236-6167.

ATTIRE: 

Wanted: Ladies, Cowgirls, Gentlemen, and Cowboys

It’s going to be the event of the year with full-length party gowns, denim jackets, tuxes, blue jeans, rhinestones, and enough diamonds to choke a horse. At this shindig, high heel shoes and cowboy boots are always an option.

Participating Sponsors: Jay and Terry Ackley, Aramark, Bartell Drugs, Clipper Vacations, Columbia Bank, Delta Air Lines, Gravity Payments, Holland America Line, Henbart Commercial Real Estate, K&H Printers, KeyBank, KING 5 TV, Maserati of Seattle, Parker Smith & Feek, Seattle Magazine, Starbucks, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, The Fairmont Olympic Hotel Seattle, Vertical Bridge, W.G. Clark Construction Company.

About Evening of Hope 

The Seattle Hotel Association created the “Evening of Hope” gala in 1996 to showcase the organization’s effort to make a difference for people in the community. Over the past 18 years, proceeds from this annual event have benefited many local charities by leveraging the collective strength of 58 downtown Seattle member hotels. All proceeds from the Gala benefit a selected charity. To date, the Association has raised more than $5.4 million.

About Mary’s Place

Mary’s Place empowers women, children, and families to reclaim their lives by providing shelter, nourishment, and hope in a safe community. Services include resources for employment and housing, medical care, as well as five emergency night shelters that keep homeless families safe and together.

About Seattle Hotel Association

Established in 1986, the Seattle Hotel Association promotes tourism, street safety, industry related education, and reinvesting in the local Seattle community through philanthropy. The Association works closely with the Seattle Police Department, homeless advocates, local business organizations, and human service providers to reduce the city’s homeless population. The objective of the organization is to develop an effective working relationship between hotel member properties; promote the highest standards of the lodging industry among the association’s members; provide legislative and regulatory advocacy on matters pertaining to the lodging and tourism industry, and create a favorable climate that promotes the economic well-being of the hospitality industry.