Unlocking Dreams: 2017 Fundraising Gala

We have had so much fun at this year’s Unlocking Dreams Gala & Auction. Over 200 of our friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues joined us at the historic Sodo Park. 

We all had so much fun having bidding wars over exciting live and silent auction items, savored delicious entrees and drinks courtesy of Herban Feast, and sprinted for dazzling desserts from local bakeries during our Dessert Dash. We were all moved our student speakers, Michael Darrington and Spencer Oberg, talk about their how our courses provided at the prison changed the way they think about education, and how crucial higher education is for their futures. We heard inspiring words from Adam J. Foss, co-founder and President of Prosecutor Impact, a non-profit that improves community safety in the United States through a better understanding of the most important actor in the criminal justice system. Adam talked about the importance of education for individuals who are incarcerated and showed us how important it is to provide those with a second chance to succeed in life.

We had such a wonderful and heart-felt evening. We are super excited to announce that we raised over a record-breaking $121,000, 22% more than last year! Because of your generosity and continued support to University Beyond Bars and our students, these funds will continue to empower them to fulfill their potential through communities of higher learning that transcend prison walls.

Once again, local businesses and organizations amazed us with their generosity by providing enough in sponsorship contributions to cover all of the expenses for the event. This means every dollar raised from ticket sales, auction bids, dessert dash, raffle, raise-the-paddle donations go directly to supporting our students at the prison. We cannot thank our sponsors enough for their generosity!

Thank you to our board of directors, speakers, outstanding volunteers, everyone who attended the event, and all of YOU who helped make the night a success and a memorable one!