we will be hosting a virtual gala that we are calling our first annual “Stayla”. The name was derived from “staying home” and “gala”. With the gala being virtual, we can keep overhead costs low and have a higher percentage of the donations go toward the work of United Way of Thurston County. Join us in our new approach, as we look to address the roots of poverty, not just the outcomes. All tickets will go toward these areas of focus:

Navigators Program – United Way of Thurston County is building a High School Career and Pathways Navigators Program to help underserved students realize their post-secondary career and educational opportunities. Help us get a Navigator in every area high school by 2026 through your donations and change the future of hundreds of students.

Trades Training – United Way of Thurston County is working to bring a trades training program to Thurston County. Your donations help to further the progress toward seeing localized training in carpentry, HVAC, plumbing, welding, and other needed trades.

Emergency Preparedness - United Way of Thurston County is recruiting and training over 500 volunteers to be certified and ready for disaster response. From moving sandbags to answering hotline calls, our volunteer program will be ready when they are needed. Please support our steps toward emergency preparedness with your donations.

Our Next Steps - We are starting an initiative to reach those who feel isolated, disconnected, and lonely, providing them with connection, community, and hope. Knowing that we need more affordable childcare in Thurston County, United Way has also begun work to make that a reality.

Here is the preliminary outline of the November 1st Evening Program (6-7:30pm):

Welcome
A word from our sponsor
Update on the work of United Way
Unboxing treats and swag
Hashtag Photo Opp
Prize raffle
Toast
Group games for those who wish to participate

We know that there are a great many in-person events in Thurston County that are wonderful, but we are trying something different with the Stayla. Below is a list you will not experience at the Stayla.

Things NOT included in the evening:

Getting dressed up
Traffic
Braving the weather
Silent auctions
Deciding which fork to use
Paddle raises
Searching for the bathroom
Dessert dashes

Every ticket grants you a seat at this unique virtual gala and invests in a brighter future for Thurston County. Instead of getting all dressed up, we invite you to wear your coziest clothes, and sit back and do some good.

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