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INCIGHT’s Virtual Gala Raises $125,000 to Support People Experiencing Disabilities

Portland, OR. “Staying in the Game” was the theme of INCIGHT’s virtual gala, which raised $125,000. KATU Sports Director Joe Becker and news anchor Steve Dunn (far right) helped INCIGHT co-founder Scott Hatley, and cameraman Judd Girard kick off the benefit. Founders say, “INCIGHT is dedicated to changing hearts and minds, leveraging obstacles, and unlocking the potential for those with disabilities through education, employment, and independence programs.”

Hosted by Dan Friess and local TV personality Natali Marmion, in a Ted Lasso-inspired locker room, the INCIGHT gala had close to 180 supporters tune in on October 8th. 

Attendees Michael Langley, Eve Miller, and Elisabeth Rosenast enjoy their tailgate party along with Mitch Blatt who was on the phone, zooming in from Montana.

Julie Resk, Jill Kraemer and Mair Blatt prepping for their INCIGHT tailgater party

All Tailgate Party Hosts received an INCIGHT branded tote bag filled with food and fun to share at their INCIGHT Tailgate Party.

From INCIGHT:

The night featured reports in the field from local schools, INCIGHT’s area Safeway store in Lake Grove, Hood to Coast’s “Mother of all Relays” event in Seaside, Oregon, The Partners Group Throwdown: Cornhole for a Cause event at Hillsboro Stadium and The Moda Center.

“Staying in the Game” is a great metaphor for sports, and more importantly, life. It’s why INCIGHT selected this sports-oriented statement as the theme of this year’s fundraising Gala. The team continues to compete in the game in spite of significant barriers and challenges, just as people with disabilities leverage obstacles in their own life to unlock their greatest potential. Coaching through their own set of challenges, INCIGHT established a new game plan, developing a new vision, mission, and values. They believe this plan gives them the best chance of winning and being successful. They don’t want their clients’ potential locked up. They want to change hearts and minds and break stigma when that’s what’s needed.

The event shared stories of programmatic success, chronicled a unique international partnership with Variety Children’s Charities in Canada around a special adaptive sport for youth, and highlighted two longtime organization supporters and the strategic partnership with Hood-to-Coast Relay.

The partnership with Variety Children’s would not have been possible without the support of Ashley Campion and the Johnson Charitable Trust. We could not have held this event without the generosity of our presenting sponsor, the Safeway Foundation. Other sponsors for our event include OnPoint Community Credit Union, Family Business Advisors, MODA Health, PacMet, Cascade Wealth Advisors and Educational Excellence. The event livestream can still be watched by visiting www.incight.org/gala. INCIGHT is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has been Unlocking the Potential of People experiencing disabilities for more than 18 years. INCIGHT’s vision “MOVING THE WORLD: Expecting Great Contributions with People Experiencing Disabilities”. INCIGHT’s services have influenced thousands of students, job seekers, educators, parents, employers and community members. The INCIGHT mission is one that invites and challenges everyone to think, feel and behave with more equity and expectancy.

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Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.

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