It’s always fun to get dressed up and mingle with friends for a night on the town. It’s even more fun when doing so raises money for local Veterans and their families in our community. On Friday, October 20, bring your pals, your coworkers, your sweetie, and yourself to the 2023 City of Lacey Mayor’s Gala and come ready to have fun in support of the Lacey Veterans Services Hub.
Celebrate for a Good Cause at the Lacey Mayor’s Gala
The Mayor’s Gala began in 2017 to coincide with celebrations for the City of Lacey’s 50th anniversary. 2021’s event was virtual, due to the restrictions of COVID-19, but the organization team is ready to roll out the red carpet once again for 2023’s partygoers.
The Gala will be held at the South Puget Sound Community College’s Lacey Campus, centrally located at 4220 Sixth Avenue SE. The night’s agenda includes a social hour beginning at 6 p.m. and the dinner program kicking off at 7 p.m. Dress is fun, flirty cocktail attire and you’re welcome to buy tickets individually or for a table of eight.
During your meal there will be inspiring speakers and plenty of ways to support local Veterans through the Lacey Veterans Services Hub. The Hub works with 138 different service providers and helps Veterans with local access to vital programs like VA benefits, housing, and nutrition; education, employment, and training; counseling and peer-to-peer engagement; and financial or legal help.
Festive Fundraising for Thurston County Veterans Programs, Services, and Support
It’s estimated that there are more than 500,000 Veterans in Washington State, almost 10% of our overall population. City officials report there are 32,000 Veterans in Thurston County, and they have very real and unique needs. In 2022 alone, more than 17,000 individual client appointments were made at the Hub. All proceeds from the Gala go to the Hub to assist local service members and their families.
The City’s Community Relations Specialist Jenny Bauersfeld says this Gala is special for its overarching commitment to such an amazing cause. “The Veteran’s Hub is truly a special and unique place,” says Bauersfeld, “where clients can come and get connected with resources for housing, benefits, employment, nutrition, mental health, and so much more. The Mayor’s Gala is an inspiring evening, seeing our community come together to support the Hub and the thousands of Veterans who live in Thurston County. It’s always a fun night.”
Raise Your Glass and Raise an Auction Paddle to Honor Local Vets
Members of the Lacey City Council and leadership team will join the fun, mingling with attendees and supporting local Veterans. Bauersfeld anticipates other Thurston County elected officials and state legislators will also drop by.
During the no-host social hour there will be raffle games for participants and a dessert auction right before dinner begins. Afterwards, guests can participate in a paddle raise to close the evening. When registering, sponsorship opportunities at various levels are also available for businesses wishing to do a little more.
Dig out your fancy(-ish) clothes, dust off your party shoes, grab your checkbook, and get your tickets today! A limited number of tickets will be available at the door, if seating still remains, but why take the chance of missing out? Book a seat – or eight – today and give back while having a fun night out.
Can’t attend but still want to help? The Hub welcomes volunteers or you can contact them directly for ways you and your business might be able to go the extra mile. Follow them on Facebook for more information and the latest updates.
In the second quarter of 2023, they’ve provided help with 375 requests for housing assistance, 160 for employment assistance, 133 mental health services and nearly 900 VA benefits requests. They offer a computer lab, shuttle service to appointments, alcohol and substance abuse counseling, financial management, and basic food support. Give Veterans a gala year when and how you can. But start by attending the City of Lacey’s Mayor’s Gala to really kick things off in style.
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