On Saturday, Nov. 5, Encompass celebrated its 50th anniversary at the Bellevue Hyatt Regency. More than 370 guests attended, in support of this organization’s serving children in the Snoqualmie Valley for 50 years.

Through the donations of local businesses and individuals, Encompass’ auction was able to offer trips, baskets, experiences, and wine.

Former Encompass Executive Director and parent Nancy Whitaker took the stage to tell her story of how Encompass (then called Children’s Services of Sno Valley) helped support her as she raised her son with Down Syndrome in the 1970s.

“Having Encompass in my life at the right time helped me to not only be able to meet the unexpected events that came along but challenged me to grow from them and also gave me a wonderful opportunity to be able to give back to others in much the same way I was helped,” Whitaker said.

Guests raised their bid cards to raise an unprecedented $133,000 during the Fund-a-Dream portion of the evening. The final bidder number read by the auctioneer belonged to Charlie, Nancy’s son.

Overall, Encompass raised $402,000 in support of its mission to partner with families to build foundations for all children.

Encompass is a nonprofit that partners with families to build healthy foundations for children, providing early education and pediatric therapy for children of all abilities in the Snoqualmie, Issaquah, and Eastside communities.

For more information contact Colleen Lenahan, marketing and communications coordinator, at (425) 888-2777 x1207 or by email at colleen.lenahan@encompassnw.org.