2025 Heart of the Valley Gala Program by Empower Youth Network

Saturday, May 17

Carnation Farms

Welcome

Welcome to Empower Youth Network’s 2025 Heart of the Valley Gala!

It’s truly inspiring to know that this evening brings together a community of people who care deeply about creating a brighter future for youth in the Snoqualmie Valley. Tonight is about more than enjoying delicious food, great company, and celebration—it’s about the 10,000 youth and teens who rely on Empower Youth Network for mentorship, mental health support, educational opportunities, and safe spaces to grow.

This gala is a cornerstone of our work. Every program we offer and every young person we reach is made possible because of the generosity and commitment of people like you. Your presence here tonight and your belief in our mission all play a direct role in changing lives.

So, what does your support really mean? It means that a young person struggling with their mental health can access resources that provide hope and healing. It means youth and teens will find mentors who guide and inspire them, spaces where they can connect and feel safe, and opportunities to discover their strengths and passions. It means we’re creating a community where every young person has the chance to thrive, no matter the challenges they face.

While tonight is a celebration of what we’ve accomplished together, it’s also a call to action. It’s up to all of us to ensure our youth have the tools and encouragement they need to succeed.

Thank you for showing up to be a part of something bigger than all of us. Together, we’re empowering the next generation and creating a legacy of hope and opportunity.

Here’s to connection, impact, and the future we’re building together.

Warmly,

Max Harrison

Auction Team

Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation, PROVAIL, Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center, Seattle Festival of Trees, Bridge of Promise, Best Buddies, Bridge Disability Ministries, Brigadoon Service Dogs, and numerous local private schools and PTSAs.

Matt grew up in the Seattle area, graduating from Sammamish High School in Bellevue and the University of Washington. He and his wife have two school-aged children. They are proud members of our community, living outside of Fall City. He thanks you for your support of Empower Youth Network.

Meet our Master of Ceremonies - Jessica Self

Jessica is a dedicated community advocate who has called the Snoqualmie Valley home since 2007. Inspired by the resilience and creativity of small businesses, Jessica thrives on supporting their growth and impact within the community. With a background in marketing, sales, and event coordination across diverse industries such as nonprofits, retail, food and beverage, and healthcare, Jessica brings a wealth of expertise to her role as Founder & CEO of SnoValley Marketing (formerly Jessica Self Group).

As the current Executive Director of the North Bend Downtown Foundation, Jessica continues to champion local businesses and initiatives, ensuring a vibrant future for the community she holds dear.

Program of Events & Dinner

4:30 p.m.

Doors open, Marketplace, Games, Super Silent Auction

Appetizers & Drinks

6 p.m.

Super Silent Auction closes

Dinner seating

Welcome: Master of Ceremonies Jessica Self; Auctioneer

Matt Lorch; Executive Director Max Harrison

Golden Ticket & 50/50 Drawings

Live Auction Begins!

Marketplace & Alaska Airlines Care to Fly! Drawings

Dessert Dash

Dance Party! DJ Jay Hayes-Mobile Celebrations

Entrées

Steakhouse Flat Iron| Onion pomme puree with charred asparagus, bone marrow bordelaise

Chicken Roulade | Sous-vide style with jus reduction, corn cream, pomme puree & micro herbs

Butternut Pave| Herb-basted butternut squash with seared asparagus, pistachio pistou & carrot reduction

Youth Development Sponsors

2024 by the 253 Youth Engagement

From leadership summits to laser tag, ice skating, cookie decorating, and more, youth Connection and pro-social engagement supports suicide and substance use prevention.

Key Leaders Summit 6

134

The Key Leaders Summit brings leaders together from across the valley

Substance Use Prevention materials

Many youth assume their peers are using substances at higher rates than reality. Student-designed Positive Community Norms Campaigns use local data to dispel rumors and teach youth facts about peer substance use.

Suicide Prevention

12 High school students trained

1,658

Middle school students with How to Help a Friend

A cornerstone of our Suicide Prevention effort is the How to Help a Friend program. High school students step in as leaders to teach middle school students how to help a friend who is struggling with their mental health.

Youth Success Mentoring

166 mentees

130 mentors

Mentors are consistent positive role models who provide support, guidance, and friendship to students in the Riverview & Snoqualmie Valley School Districts.

Weekend Power Packs

28,800

Meals served, in over 7,200 packs

Weekend Power Packs serve youth who face food insecurity by providing two breakfasts, two lunches, four snacks, and two milks on weekends and during the summer.

Bidder's Guide

Care

to Fly! Alaska Airlines Raffle - $100 per ticket

Buy a "Care to Fly!" Ticket for $100. One lucky winner will be chosen at the end of the live auction for two roundtrip coach tickets systemwide on Alaska Airlines. No blackout dates. Value $2500. #AlaskaCarelines

Thank you Edward Jones Group!

Youth Development Sponsor

Edwards Amber Trader

Youth Development Sponsor

All Youth Count Sponsor

Live Auction

Live Auction Rules

To bid on an item, raise your bid card. Your bid card has the bid number that you were assigned when you arrived at the Gala. You are the successful bidder when the auctioneer says “SOLD” and acknowledges your bid number. In the event of a dispute between bidders, the auctioneer shall have the sole discretion to determine the winning bid or re-offer the item in dispute.

For complete package details scan below or visit heart2025.ggo.bid

Live Auction

1. Irish Whiskey Dinner for Eight

Experience the hospitality of Saints & Scholars Irish Pub with an exclusive dinner and drinks package for eight guests. Begin your evening with a curated flight of five exquisite Irish whiskeys, each selected to enhance your experience as you go on a journey through the rich history of Irish distilling. Accompanying your whiskey flight will be a deluxe Irish cheese board, featuring a variety of artisanal cheeses and snacks that perfectly complement your tasting experience.

As the evening unfolds, indulge in your choice of a mouthwatering entrée from the menu and four delectable desserts to share amongst your group. As you dine, continue your exploration with one additional drink* per person, chosen from our specialty cocktail menu or from our extensive selection of over 80 Irish whiskeys and over 60 global gins. Don't miss this opportunity to savor the best of Irish hospitality, spirit, and cuisine at Saints & Scholars Irish Pub.

Tonight’s winner will also take home a fabulous bottle of top shelf whiskey! For the additional drinks* included in this package, any cocktail selections priced over $25 will incur an additional charge, payable by the guest. Reservations must be made at least one week in advance on a mutually agreeable date/time. Excludes holidays. Tip not included. Expires 6/15/26.

Donor: Saints & Scholars Irish Pub

Value: $1300

2. Tray of Cocktails for your Table & VIP Tasting for Four at Duvall

Distillery

Be the hero for your table tonight with this tray of fabulous cocktails for your guests PLUS enjoy a VIP tasting for four adults with four delicious cocktails at the Duvall Distillery for later!

Must be 21 years of age or older. Tasting class expires 12/31/26.

Donor: Duvall Distillery

Value: Priceless

Live Auction

3. Treehouse Point Weekend for Two

Sleep in a tree! Enjoy two consecutive nights in the treehouse of your choice at the famous - and local - Treehouse Point in Preston, WA. Turn off the technology, escape from everyday stress, and come enjoy the rejuvenating powers unique to the Pacific Northwest forests. Located in a beautiful setting along the Raging River, Treehouse Point offers a myriad of possibilities for your use and enjoyment. For this quiet, romantic getaway for two, the Treehouse Point Staff welcomes you! Valid for two adults, breakfast included. Reservations required and subject to availability. Please allow plenty time for making reservations - treehouses are often reserved far in advance! Expires 10/17/26.

Donor: Treehouse Point

Value: $1400

4. Pickleball Experience with a Pro!

Private pickleball experience for eight at the exclusive Pickleball Ranch in Ravensdale! Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the country and here's your chance to experience it like the pros do! This exclusive auction item offers your group of eight players a four-hour private pickleball experience at the renowned Pickleball Ranch in Ravensdale, a local favorite and training ground for top players. You'll be coached by Pro Peter Hudachko, making this not only a blast, but a great opportunity to level up your skills. Your day includes: four hours of private court time, personalized instruction from Pro Peter Hudachko, a meal and non-alcoholic beverages served from the Ranch's outdoor kitchen area. The Pickleball Ranch is a private and highly sought-after venue, rarely open to the public.

Date must be selected within two weeks of winning to ensure availability. Event must take place during the 2025 outdoor season. Some restrictions on dates apply.

Donor: Pickleball Ranch

Value: $1600

Live Auction

5. Hawaii! Five Nights for Four!

Enjoy a fabulous, five-night stay in a Waikiki view room! Spacious, all new rooms with one king bed (or two double beds upon request), with sliding floor-to-ceiling windows leading to a furnished balcony. Enjoy the comforts of a cozy sitting area with inviting decor and ample space to accommodate up to four. Stay steps away from the sand and sun of Waikiki Beach in inviting accommodations with premium amenities. Guests are just moments from the most iconic island attractions and activities Oahu has to offer! An award-winning leader in hospitality, Outrigger is founded on caring for its guests and extends this dedication to providing the highest standards for health and safety.

This experience Includes:

-Five-night stay in a Waikiki View Room at the Outrigger Beachcomber -King bed or two double beds upon request -R&R™ booking & concierge service

There are no blackout dates, but reservations are subject to availability and subject to additional fees for select holiday weeks. Travel must be completed by 5/17/2027.

Value: $4000

For package details scan here:

Live Auction

8. Raising of the Iconic Local 12's Flag & Cajun Shrimp Boil for Four

Raise the 12's flag with Blitz and three of your friends on a date to be announced soon. Join Seahawks mascot Blitz as we gear up for the 2025 NFL season with the ceremonial raising of the Seahawks 12 flag high above I-90. This iconic flag is visible from westbound I-90 between Preston and Issaquah. Located on the hill above the home of Dr. Mike Treuting, whose mobile veterinary practice serves the Snoqualmie Valley, the 12's flag is an exuberant expression of community spirit for our team! Dr. Mike will host you and three friends for a delicious shrimp boil celebration and impressive flag-raising you will not forget!

Donors: Dr. Mike Treuting & Seattle Seahawks Value: $2000

9. Chef's Table Soirée: A Culinary Journey for Eight

Imagine hosting an unforgettable evening in the comfort of your own home, where gourmet delights await you and up to seven of your cherished guests. Kimberlea Miller, renowned for her culinary mastery, will be at your service, crafting a delectable four-course meal paired with four exquisite wines provided by her, tailored to your preferences. Prior to the event, Kimberlea will personally meet with you to discuss menu options, ensuring every dish reflects your tastes and desires. From appetizers that tantalize the palate to decadent desserts that leave a lasting impression, every detail will be meticulously curated. Whether it's a special celebration, an intimate gathering of friends, or simply an evening of indulgence, this private chef experience promises to be nothing short of extraordinary. Your taste buds will thank you! Mutually agreeable date and time. Expires 05/17/26.

Donors: Kimberlea Miller, Alicia Messa Value: $2000

Live Auction

Donors: Jami & Adrian Au

Value: $2500

13. Phoenix Getaway for Seven Nights

Enjoy a relaxing vacation at Dreaming Tree Retreat in North Phoenix! This lovely home is the perfect destination for your next desert getaway! Amazing private backyard oasis offers outdoor living at its finest with heated pool & spa, built-in BBQ and covered patio with cozy sectional seating, firepit and dining table for ten. The large, single-level modern family retreat checks all the boxes, offering over 3,000 square feet of living space, including a fully stocked kitchen, three king bedrooms, a double bunk room, three bathrooms, a bonus game room, ping pong table, and more. Featuring beautiful furnishings, décor, and bedding throughout and more than enough room to entertain the whole family.

Subject to availability, must be booked and used before 05/17/26.

Excluded Dates: Nov. 20 - 30, 2025; Dec. 20, 2025 - Jan. 4, 2026; Feb. 1 - April 30, 2026.

Please note - there is a no smoking and zero-tolerance party and event policy.

Donors: Erica & Randy Porter

Value: $4350