The Be Strong, Go Gold Gala 2019 Final Report
It was yet another evening to remember on Saturday at the “Be Strong, Go Gold” Gala 2019 to Defeat DIPG.
We had another capacity crowd on hand in the Grand Hall at Green River.
For the second straight year, we exceeded our goal of raising over $100,000, with nearly $120,000 raised, which will continue to go towards research and funding for a cure for DIPG.
USI Northwest Insurance was the first-ever presenting sponsor of the “Be Strong, Go Gold” Gala, showing how our Gala continues to improve year after year.
Also new at this year’s Gala, the Avery Huffman Defeat DIPG Foundation announced our first-ever #BrAvery Award, to Emily Hood of Everett, who continues to bravely fight DIPG with the same strength, courage and zeal for life that Avery did.
In addition, we were honored to be joined by Dr. Nick Vitanza, one of the Defeat DIPG/Chad Tough Partnership Grant Award Recipients for 2018. Dr. Vitanza has done extensive research on DIPG and at both Stanford University and now Seattle Children’s Hospital and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, has been able to use samples of tissue and cells of Avery’s tumors in his research.
Sean Astin, the star of movies like “Rudy” and “The Goonies”, welcomed guests to the fourth gala via video and got our night started off right, which continued with plenty of energy, thanks to our MC and auctioneer Gee Scott, who’s passion to raise support for the AHDDF continues each and every year.
Lastly, the Auburn-based band AOTA entertained guests throughout the night.
Finally, we announced the date for next year’s event, the FIFTH ANNUAL “Be Strong, Go Gold” Gala to Defeat DIPG, on Saturday, September 26th, 2020 at the Grand Hall at Green River.
Stay tuned all week for more from the Gala, including a link to the red carpet photos and candid shots from the Gala.
Thank you to everyone who made our fourth “Be Strong, Go Gold” Gala 2019 such a successful evening, our most successful event to date!
#AveryStrong #DefeatDIPG #EveryDay
-Amanda, Brandon and the Avery Huffman Defeat DIPG Foundation
