Pride celebrations in Seattle have become much more than a night out.
First time in life pride gala raised more than $142,050 through a live auction on June 13, bringing together community leaders, advocates, and allies for an evening dedicated to expanding access to health care, housing, and food programs across Washington.
The sold-out event, held at the Sanctuary, drew more than 200 guests and blended purpose and celebration, spotlighting LGBTQ+ changemakers while generating support for organizations serving thousands of people across the state.
Hosted by celebrity stylist and television personality Brad Goreski, the night featured performances from Grammy Award-winning artist Macy Gray, drag sensation Miz Cracker, and Jake Sears of Seattle’s Scissor Sisters.
The event also presented actress, producer, and advocate Laverne Cox with the Lifetime Pride in Action Award for her work advancing LGBTQ+ representation and visibility. Creator and advocate Chris Olsen received the LGBTQ+ Changemaker of the Year award for his work in elevating gay voices and encouraging greater acceptance.
An evening centered around community impact
Founded in 1983 during the AIDS crisis, Lifelong has been supporting people facing illness, housing instability, and barriers to care for decades. Today, the organization provides services such as access to nutritious food, medication assistance, HIV care, housing assistance, and case management.
According to Lifelong, proceeds from the gala will directly support the organization’s mission of “Health for All” and benefit funding programs serving more than 8,200 people across Washington. A portion of the funds raised will also benefit Seattle Pride’s youth programs, which provide affirming spaces, leadership opportunities, and connections for LGBTQIA2S+ youth ages 12 to 18.
“For more than 40 years, showing up has been the hallmark of this great organization. When someone in our community is in need, no matter who they are, we show up,” Lifelong CEO James Shackelford said on the night.
“We believe that food and health care are human rights, and we work every day to bring that support and care to every member of our community, from the streets of Seattle to the Capitol. Tonight is another way we’re showing up not only for the LGBTQ+ community during Pride, but for our neighbors across Washington who deserve basic human rights like nutritious food, stable housing, and accessible health care.”
Big auction moment and packed dance floor
While philanthropy remained the focus of the evening, guests huddled in the celebrations.
One of the most moving moments was seen in the memorial video honoring Frederick “Freddie” Foy Jr., who died of AIDS and whose legacy continues to resonate within the community.
The gala’s live auction, organized by Seattle Art Source, provided some great moments throughout the night.
The Tuscan villa sparked intense bidding and ended up being sold twice for a total of $22,000. Original artwork fetched up to $8,500, and Camp Pinchot’s cabin hideout sold for $8,000. The revelation of a “mystery envelope” sparked excitement before a five-night resort stay in Antigua ended for $5,000.
Additional donations poured in at the evening cash call, including a $10,000 individual donation.
And once Macy Gray took the stage, the guests reportedly stayed put.
During Gray’s performance, attendees filled the dance floor and sang along to a cover of Right Said Fred’s “I’m Too Sexy,” followed by a medley that included her signature hit, “I Try.”
Looking beyond Pride Month
For organizers, the gala was more than just a successful fundraiser.
“The inaugural Pride Gala demonstrated what is possible when communities come together to support health, equity and belonging,” said Seattle Pride Executive Director Patti Hahn.
“The impact of this event extends far beyond one night and will help strengthen critical resources for LGBTQIA2S+ individuals across the region.”
The event was produced by JWP in collaboration with Lifelong and supported by sponsors including Uber, Russell Investments, Miller Nash, Hoedemaker Pfeiffer, and BNBuilders.
If the inaugural gala was any indication, Seattle Pride was held with sequins and a standing ovation, making a tangible impact that will last long into June and beyond.
Source: Gayety – gayety.com
