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This year we cordially invite you to United Way of Thurston County's inaugural Stayla, from the comfort of your own home!
Below is an at-length explanation of the upcoming no-ask Stayla. But here is a short summary for those who like the highlights:
- It’s a no-ask virtual event on November 1st at 6pm
- Tickets include admission to the event, a basket or tote full of gourmet treats, surprises, and swag
- The event itself will include an update on the work of United Way, a free raffle, some photo fun, a toast, and games for those who wish to participate
- Our goal is to keep the overhead low to allow ticket sales to go to our work.
United Way has a long history of galas. Like many traditions, it was canceled during Covid. Now that United Way of Thurston County has built up staffing, we want to bring back the gala in a new way.
On November 1, 2024 at 6pm 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:
- 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 wonderful in-person events in Thurston County, 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.
There are 4 ways to participate.
- Become a Table Captain – as a table captain you will receive 10 tickets for the event. You can invite friends over for a watch party, share with your friends, or keep all the treats and swag for yourself.
What is included for each table as a Table Captain:
- A big basket full of gourmet treats, surprises, and swag to share with your table
- 10 admissions to the virtual event
- Personal ongoing updates from our Director of Resource Development
- 10 entries into the prize raffle
- Membership in our Leadership Circle
- An invite to our annual Leadership Circle cocktail party
- An invite to our annual spring donor thank you reception
- Feeling good while doing good
- Purchase tickets – you can purchase as many tickets as you like of course!
What is included with each ticket:
- A bag with gourmet treats, surprises, and swag
- 1 admission to the virtual event
- Ongoing updates from our Director of Resource Development
- 1 entry into the prize raffle
- An invite to our annual spring donor thank you reception
- Feeling good while doing good
- Event Sponsorship – we have sponsorship levels available for almost any budget. Promote your place of business with this event. Contact Director of Resource Development, Zach Davis-Price if you are interested (zdavisprice@unitedway-thurston.org).
What is included with each sponsorship:
- Recognition in all event materials
- Recognition in our monthly newsletter
- Social media recognition before and after the event
- Opportunity to share with all event attendees in print and during the event
- Opportunity to share branded swag with event attendees
- A bag with gourmet treats, surprises, and swag
- 4 admissions to the virtual event
- 4 entries into the prize raffle
- Feeling good while doing good
- Donate a ticket – if you aren’t able to make it to the event and would still like to donate, we would love it.
What is included with each donation:
- A bag with gourmet treats, surprises, and swag
- 1 admission to the virtual event for you to give away
- Ongoing updates from our Director of Resource Development
- 1 entry into the prize raffle
- An invite to our annual spring donor thank you reception
- Feeling good while doing good
Whew! You made it through. We hope you will join us in addressing the roots of poverty in Thurston County. Together, we can continue working for the health, education, and financial stability for every person in Thurston County. Join us for a cozy, impactful evening at home, where your contribution makes all the difference. Get your tickets today and be part of something special, no matter where you are!