Sequim Gazette staff
More than 220 people attended the third-annual “Tour of Italy” Gala on Oct. 14 in support of Clallam Mosaic, a local nonprofit that works to enrich, encourage and empower people with developmental disabilities throughout Clallam county.
The gala, held at the Port Angeles Masonic Hall, raised nearly $28,000 through ticket sales, live and silent auction items, a 50/50 raffle, a giving tree and donations, Mosaic officials said.
“In my time at Clallam Mosaic, I have seen our annual fundraiser grow from a spaghetti dinner with a small dessert auction that brought in about $4,000 dollars to the amazing event it is currently,” Mosaic Executive Director Priya Jayadev said. “The dedication and passion of our Board and fundraising team continue to make our fundraising efforts successful.”
During the evening, speakers Jayadev, board president Randy Brackett, community access coordinator Tresa Stuber and parent-to-parent coordinator Shawnda Hicks introduced members of the board of directors, staff, teachers, volunteers and participants in attendance, while highlighting Mosaic’s programs and collaborative outreach successes.
During the presentation of a short video created by Peninsula College intern Seth Wonderly, guests were provided a glimpse into the history and the progress to date of Clallam Mosaic. The video can be viewed at www.clallammosaic.org/about-us.
While in attendance with his wife, Bobbi, Rep. Mike Chapman invited Mosaic participants, staff and volunteers to travel to the state house in Olympia, where he would host the group’s visit.
Posting after the gala to his Facebook page, Chapman wrote, “Always nice to enjoy good food and raise money for a fantastic cause. I’m looking forward to hosting my new friends in Olympia during Advocacy Days.”
Seizing upon the opportunity, funds were solicited during the evening’s live auction towards realizing this trip with several bidders donating.
While the state house visit is still in the planning stage, additional funding is actively being sought. A tentative date is set for January 17, 2018, the day of the 37th-annual Statewide Disability Legislative Reception.
“We would love to get assistance with transportation,” Jayadev said. “Is there someone who would be able to arrange a charter bus and driver at low or no cost for this trip? We could also use volunteers to partner one on one with clients during the day of travel.”
Jayadev also said she is grateful for donors who stepped forward during the evening raising additional funds for program supplies, participant scholarships, classes, field trips and for the Parent-to-Parent program.
Donors include: Billy Snodgrass, Bob Pasco, Doug Severe, Eric and Dena Schneider, Garrett Lotzgesell, George Will, Geri Zanon, Giles and Jeanette Mougel, Jay Jayadev, Jean Hordyk, Jen Mackey, John Halket, Joy Morrill, Karen Larson, Kim Yacklin, Lillian Larson, Lisa Petrisin Connolly, Marjorie Mougel, Marlene Kadel, Marsha Welch, Michelle Grinnell, Mike Chapman, Rachel McKay, Randy and Laura Brackett, Ruth Brandt, Sandra Holbrook, Sue Shawgo, Tami Rose, Teresa Lotzgesell, Teri Kirsch, and Tom and Missy Rief.
Clallam Mosaic, a small, local nonprofit, delivers a much-needed service by providing an array of programs for life-long education, leisure and recreation to individuals with developmental disabilities. The organization strives to create an inclusive community working together to enhance the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities, their families and caregivers.
If you would like to be involved with Clallam Mosaic, send an email to info@clallammosaic.org or call 360-681-8642.
