2026 Gala, Auction & After Party

Inspired by the natural beauty that defines the Pacific Northwest, this year’s gala celebrates what lasts. Evergreens of the forest do not flourish overnight — they grow steadily, ring by ring, season by season, their roots intertwining together. In the same way, our education ecosystem is built over time, sustained by community, and strengthened through collective care.

This evening is a gathering under a shared canopy of educators, families, donors, partners, and advocates united by a belief that public education is a public good, and that when we invest together, students thrive for generations.

When we show up together, we create a canopy of support that allows 50,000 Seattle Public Schools students to grow and flourish.

Location

Hyatt Regency Seattle – Regency Ballroom
808 Howell St, Seattle, WA 98101 (google maps)

Schedule of Events

5:30 PM: Opening Reception, Silent Auction

7 PM: Dinner and Program featuring Seattle Public Schools staff and educators

• Ben Shuldiner, Superintendent, Seattle Public Schools
• Tracey Thompson, Social Worker, West Seattle Elementary
• Keenen Allen Ladd, Kingmakers Facilitator, Denny International Middle School
• Inez Tapia, Assistant Principal, John Muir Elementary School

7:30 PM: Live Auction, Raise the Paddle, Travel Frenzy,

8:30 PM: Public Education Advocacy Award, Alaska & Hawaiian Airlines Raffle, Dessert Dash, Closing Remarks

9 – 11 PM: After Party + Dancing: DJ Twilight, Madison Middle School

Gala Chair – Alice Shobe

We are honored that global and local social impact leader Alice Shobe will be the 2026 Gala, Auction & After Party Chair! Alice has spent her career helping organizations build what matters both across sectors and at scale. Read More About Alice!

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQS, including details about dress and parking, can be found here.