buildOn Dinner in Seattle Raises Enough for Two Schools in Haiti!

Kathleen Atkins, buildOn’s Director of Events & External Affairs, reports from the Dinner Event in Seattle, WA!

On Wednesday, October 26, about 85 people gathered at the Palace Ballroom in Seattle for a night of dinner, drinks, a silent auction and an appeal. Auction highlights included David Letterman tickets, a San Diego Getaway, a 4-hour interior design consultation, British Airways Club Class Tickets, and selection of Haitian crafts.

The evening was organized by Seattle Chapter Director and buildOn board member Randi Hedin to raise funds for schools in Haiti. The guests were treated to a Haitian-inspired dinner, while Skyler Badenoch, Director of Development on the east coast, recounted his first-hand experiences of living through the January 12, 2010 earthquake in Haiti. Skyler and the buildOn staff were among the first to respond in the aftermath. He shared some of his journal entries, which were paired photos he had taken there. He witnessed unimaginable suffering and hardship, but also first-hand experiences of Haitians who stepped up and inspired him with their heroism and courage. “More than anything,” he says, “I’ll remember the tireless effort of the buildOn Haiti staff to provide care to those who passed through our lives.”

Skyler went on to talk about how great the need for education in Haiti is, with 50% of the population illiterate. buildOn has taken strides and has completed 12 schools in Haiti since the earthquake and will complete another 4 by the end of the year. It is with groups like the Seattle chapter, that buildOn is able to continue the efforts in Haiti and build another 2 schools with nearly $73,000 the dinner raised!

Guests were enthusiastic and there was such a great energy in the room. People were engaged by the stories told by Jim and Skyler, and were happy to be out supporting buildOn.