For immediate release 11/14/19

Encompass Executive Director, Nela Cumming, addressing the ballroom at the 2019 Encompass Autumn Gala

Bellevue, WA – On November 2nd, the Hyatt Regency Bellevue’s Evergreen Ballroom was turned into a world of “All that Glitters” for the 2019 Encompass Autumn Gala. More than 350 guests turned up in their most blinged-out formalwear to generously support Encompass programs for children and families in our community.

Auction MC Shellie Hart brought a lively and fun atmosphere to the night’s festivities (Photo credit: Erik Alston Photography)

Shellie Hart, local radio personality and on-court entertainment for the Seattle Storm, once again entertained guests with her commentary. Executive Director Nela Cumming took to the podium to talk about the work Encompass does to be welcoming, kind, and treat everyone with respect, highlighting bilingual staff, the Mobile Therapy Unit, awareness of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and inclusive summer camps.

Sara and Lyone York sharing their story with the audience (Photo credit: Erik Alston Photography)

Family speakers Sara and Lyone York shared their emotional story about raising their daughter Paisley, a seven-year-old who suffers from Rett syndrome. By working with Encompass therapists in the Birth to Three Early Intervention program, the Yorks were able to see Paisley crawl, walk, and feed herself, milestones that they will cherish forever. Paisley also attends Encompass summer camps. The Yorks moved the entire audience to their feet as they told the story of how Encompass became part of their family’s village of support:

“We came to Encompass as first-time parents with many questions and very few answers. We were in no way financially or emotionally prepared at that time to raise a child with such extensive medical needs. Everyone at Encompass embraced us just as we were, without judgment. They gave us the tools and support we needed to help Paisley live her very best life.”

Auction guest Paul Ribary proudly shows off his swag from winning Sounders season tickets in the live auction

One of the hottest live auction items this year was a pair of 2020 season tickets to the Seattle Sounders. In the middle of bidding, the donors surprised the crowd by adding two tickets to the November 10th MLS cup onto the package, throwing the ballroom into a frenzy.

Encompass Board President Joan Vaughn and her husband Ken share a toast with their tablemates at the 2019 Encompass Autumn Gala

Twenty-five corporate event sponsors, including Premier Sponsors Brown & Sterling Attorneys at Law, Nintendo, and The Siwek Team, led the way in raising a record amount for Encompass pediatric therapy, early learning, and family enrichment services that Encompass offers throughout the year.

To view more photos from the event, view the 2019 Encompass Autumn Gala album on our Special Events Facebook Page.

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