�There is a vital need for housing for homeless and very low-income people with intensive support,� said Plymouth Executive Director Paul Lambros. �Through this generous amount raised at the Evening of Hope gala, our model of supportive care will not only provide tenants a permanent home, but will also give them access to a full range of supportive services including 24-hour staff.�

The annual black-tie event was held at The Fairmont Olympic Hotel. The evening began with a cocktail reception featuring Plymouth Mayflower Martinis and from there the generous mood was set as gala attendees began bidding on various silent auction packages. That kindness carried through to the live auction as guests entered the Spanish Ballroom, which was transformed into a colorful Spring oasis of beautiful tulips, greenery and sparkling candles. MaxMara showcased Spring fashions and guests feasted on an extraordinary dinner prepared by the Fairmont�s Executive Chef, Gavin Stevenson. Patrons also opened their pocketbooks for lavish items and dazzling one-of-a kind food, wine, fashion and travel packages. A one-week stay in a private, luxurious Italian villa, complete with a personalized culinary experience went for $8,500 and was sold twice, while a year�s supply of shoes provided by Mario�s raised $3,500. One of the unique packages, a Hulu Hula and Karaoke party and a trip to Kauai and Maui, raised $7,000. A day of river rafting on the Wenatchee River with four Seattle Firefighters received some hot attention as General Manager Elisabeth James, the lucky winner, was elevated above the crowd by two of the 2008 Seattle Firefighter calendar hunks!

Dennis Clark, president of Seattle Hotel Association, noted that all donations, whether at the silent auction or during Raise the Paddle, in which over $163,000 was raised, are essential to help organizations such as Plymouth Housing Group achieve their goals in making the community a better place and giving hope to those less fortunate.

The evening also recognized the efforts of Jeff and Tricia Raikes for their philanthropic efforts on education, youth and community priorities, such as homelessness. �Plymouth Housing Group plays a critical role in addressing homelessness in our community. We�re honored to join Seattle Hotel Association in raising awareness and support for their work,� said Jeff Raikes.

The 2008 event was presented by WaMu and sponsored by Microsoft and fashion sponsor MaxMara. Leveraging the collective strength of 53 downtown Seattle hotels, the Seattle Hotel Association gathers an impressive roster of products, services and live auction items each year. The Association has raised over $4.2 million in its charitable efforts.

Meg Paynor
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 206-287-4056