Seattle Hotel Association Raises $640,000

2007 'Evening of Hope' Bolsters Plymouth Housing Capital Campaign to Help End the Cycle of Homelessn

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. October 14, 2008

SEATTLE, WA, February 13, 2007. The first formal gala of the year brought together 350 guests to raise $640,000 at the Seattle Hotel Association's (SHA) tenth annual "Evening of Hope" Gala on Saturday, Feb. 10 at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel Spanish Ballroom. The evening's beneficiary, Plymouth Housing Group, will use the funds to complete permanent supportive housing for Seattle's homeless as part of its "Building Hope" Capital Campaign.

"The Seattle Hotel Association's commitment to the city of Seattle in making it a better place to live and visit is well supported through Plymouth Housing Group," said Karl Kruger, president of Seattle Hotel Association and managing director of The Edgewater. "The organization transitions thousands of Seattle's homeless into permanent residences and fosters self-sufficiency, a cause we're proud to help through the 'Evening of Hope.'"

During the evening, Mayor Greg Nickels was on hand with a city proclamation to honor Seattle Hotel Association for its contributions and economic impact within the City of Seattle.

Dan and Cindy Brettler (Car Toys, Inc.) were honorees of the "Evening of Hope." The two have helped bring visibility to the serious condition of Seattle's homeless population and have tirelessly served with organizations that work to end the cycle of homelessness.

Always highly anticipated, celebrity auctioneers Dick and Sharon Friel presented the evening's live auction packages which brought enviable trips and experiences, including a Tuscany trip at Villa Maddalena in Montisi, which sold twice for $10,000 each, and a "Little Italy in Seattle" package with a Vespa scooter and Sorrento Hotel overnight for $6,500. An opportunity to "power lunch" with Seattle's top female business leaders sold twice, at roughly $3,000 per package. A Big Apple shopping spree along New York City's 5th Avenue grossed $5,000, and a 10-night "Hawaii Trifecta" brought in $3,000. Also coveted was an "Instant Wine Cellar" item, which earned $8,500 from the winning bid for a generous wine collection.

"Evening of Hope" Co-chairs Paul Ishii, general manager, Mayflower Park Hotel and Rene Neidhart, general manager, Crowne Plaza Seattle, along with countless volunteers from the Seattle Hotel Association and Plymouth Housing Group, worked year round to make this fundraiser a success.

Fabulous fashions stole the spotlight a few times during the evening. Escada, Mario's, Sway & Cake, Turgeon Raine and Gene Juarez Salons & Spas all showcased looks on models throughout the evening. The night ended with dancing and live music from Picoso.

The 2007 event was presented by Escada and sponsored by Washington Mutual. Leveraging the collective strength of 53 downtown Seattle hotels, the Association gathers an impressive roster of products, services and live auction items each year. The Association has raised more than $3.7 million in its charitable efforts.