For immediate release 11/14/18

Encompass Executive Director, Nela Cumming, addressing the ballroom at the 2018 Encompass Autumn Gala (Photo credit: Erik Alston Photography)

North Bend, WA – On November 3rd, over 400 guests enjoyed an elegant night “Under the Stars” in support of Encompass programs and services at the 2018 Encompass Autumn Gala.

Local radio personality and on-court entertainment for the Seattle Storm, Shellie Hart, was back for her second year as Master of Ceremonies. Her witty banter with the auctioneer entertained and delighted guests. Hart called the event a “super fun evening” and shared “a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to all the guests who opened their hearts, generosity and continued support for Encompass. It’s all about our families and kids smiling and thriving, and your contributions make a HUGE difference.”

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

During the Fund-a-Dream portion of the live auction program, family speakers April and Mark Bennett shared how Encompass Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and summer camp programs helped their family thrive. The Bennetts moved the entire audience to their feet as they told the story of how Encompass became part of their family’s village of support:

“PCIT gave Isaac the tools he needed to be more receptive and more successful with other forms of therapy, such as occupational and mental health therapy. Because of Encompass, Peter can have regular kid experiences of summer camp with his siblings. These things have not always seemed like a possibility for our family.”

Mark and April Bennett sharing their story with the audience (Photo credit: Erik Alston Photography)

One of the most popular live auction items this year was a new addition: a Chef’s Studio Dining Experience for 12 at Salish Lodge & Spa. Denny Grosclaude and Faith Eadson from Salish came onstage to introduce this unique experience, and the package ended up selling twice, raising over $12,000 for Encompass in a matter of minutes.

Faith Eadson and Denny Grosclaude from Salish Lodge & Spa describing the auction item Salish donated (Photo credit: Erik Alston Photography)

Twenty-three corporate event sponsors, including Brown & Sterling Attorneys at Law, Hutt Construction Inc., and Nintendo, led the way in raising $460,000 for Encompass, which will directly support the pediatric therapy, early learning, and family enrichment services that Encompass offers throughout the year.

To view more photos from the event, view the 2018 Autumn Gala album on our Special Events Facebook Page.

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