By every measurable optic, the Living Well Gala was the BEST ONE YET!
We are beyond thrilled to report that with the help of 430 guests, 46 sponsors, dozens of volunteers, too many staff and people served to count, and months of preparation — we raised over $600K!!!! THANK YOU to everyone who helped us crush our goal.
When we gathered last Friday, we had a goal of making $425K. We had a program ready to inspire, a video to showcase the work of making a house a home, Dreammaker award winners to celebrate, and a script that relied heavily on the importance of having a dream. How the dream our founding families had of a better life for their children was inspiring and worthy of support to this day.
We asked everyone in attendance to help us DREAM BIGGER.
Let it be known that our wildest dreams were surpassed when it became clear that we raised over half a million dollars to support our mission of transforming the lives of people impacted by disabilities through the delivery of exceptional services. Our supporters and advocates showed up and sent a clear message that support for people living with disabilities matters, and for that night, was a priority.
Jamee Yung, Individual Giving Manager at Living Well, says, “What an unforgettable evening — our gala not only brought us together in celebration, but exceeded every expectation and goal. I am deeply grateful for the support from Donors, Volunteers, and Staff. The success of our gala is a direct reflection of our community’s belief in our mission and commitment to making a difference in the lives of people impacted by disabilities.”
Living Well Disability Services has spent 53 years caring for and supporting people with disabilities and helping their families navigate the complex services their loved ones require to be successful. We firmly believe that disability is diversity and that care beyond the basics should be the goal for all organizations dedicated to supporting people living with disabilities.
At the gala we announced that we raised over $530K, but money was still trickling in and at this time we have calculated over $600K. This gala was the BEST on record for Living Well and we are beyond grateful. It is not too late to donate, so if you are interested you can follow this link to make a donation to the gala.
A few highlights:
Mission Video: When we thought about what we wanted our gala program to showcase it was clear immediately that relationships were a key element. With that in mind, we wanted to share the story of what it takes to make a house a home. It takes a committed investment to helping people thrive via access to a house that feels like home. We all do better when we feel supported in our ability to move, communicate, and be part of our own lives with a quest for greater independence when possible. And we do all of this with an aging population and experiencing loss along the way.
Which is why this year our gala video introduced the folks at our Inndale home in Lakeville. Like many houses, the staff there are incredible and have decades of combined experience. They are a tight knit team. And they also know a thing or two about goodbyes and hellos. Their story beautifully tackles something near to our hearts–how to make our houses feel like HOMES. You can watch the video here.
Dreammaker Awards: The Dreammaker Award Winner videos also brilliantly showcased the people who dedicate so much of their time and energy to our mission of providing exceptional services to people living with disabilities. Self-advocate, Rodney Kaufer; Community Partner GAP School, a program of Change Inc.; Volunteer, Greg Solie; and Donors Beth Ryan and family. We are grateful to all of them for their advocacy and encouragement.
LIVE Auction: We had the best live auction items this year, including a 5-night stay to an exclusive private home in the Santa Lucia Preserve in Carmel, California that sold for a whopping $16,000 and a week stay in a luxury condo in Cabo that sold for a $10,000, and a Vikings Game that sold for $5500. The live auction items made an incredible $57,550 when you add in the Golden Tickets. Huge appreciation to all of our auction donors!
An Unforgettable Act of Generosity: One of the most powerful moments of the evening came during the Fund-a-Need portion of the program, when a guest quietly pulled aside a staff member to share their intention to donate $50,000.
As the news was relayed to the auctioneer and announced to the crowd, the room exploded with emotion—cheers, applause, and even tears. It was a moment of pure magic that elevated the night to something truly extraordinary.
To the generous donor: thank you. Your gift will have a lasting impact, and the way you chose to give—quietly, humbly, and from the heart—was inspiring.
You reminded everyone in that room—and caregivers everywhere—that care matters. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Thank you to all who helped us celebrate. If you are interested in helping Living Well go even further above goal, it’s not too late to donate. Use the links here to donate. It was a delight to gather with friends, old and new, and fully celebrate Living Well!
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