Encompass Inspire Week of Giving Finale Event

Encompass Virtual Autumn Gala–The Power of Us–Brings the Community Together for Children & Families

On Friday April 30th, Encompass families, supporters, and community members tuned in to watch the Inspire Week of Giving Finale Event. Formerly the Rise and Thrive Breakfast, the event took place on YouTube to raise funds for support of Encompass programs for children and families.

Board President Tavish MacLean, left, and Executive Director Nela Cumming

Throughout the week leading up to the event, Encompass shared stories from staff, children, families, and donors on their social media channels to raise awareness of Encompass Programs and to say thank you to their community after the past year.

Executive Director Nela Cumming and Board President Tavish MacLean kicked off the event from the New Encompass Child Development Center in Snoqualmie. They introduced the John Castle Corporate Partners of the Year, Abbott Construction and OAC services, as well as the Community Partners of the Year, the Seattle Foundation, and the Snoqualmie Tribe.

Abbott Construction

OAC Services

Seattle Foundation

Snoqualmie Tribe

The Master of Ceremonies and local TV personality, Chris Cashman then introduced a tribute to the Encompass community in which families shared how Encompass services shaped the lives of their children and families.

Host, Chis Cashman

“It has changed the trajectory of our lives actually. To have an outside view of me and my child interacting was an experience that I will always remember.”

Then, beloved Encompass supporters Becky and Jessica Kitz shared their amazing 33 year Encompass journey. After Jessica was diagnosed with down syndrome in 1987, Encompass, formerly Children’s Services of Sno-Valley, stepped in to provide in-home therapy to Jessica. As the years went on, Encompass continued to support Jessica and the Kitz family through other health challenges.

Then, beloved Encompass supporters Becky and Jessica Kitz shared their amazing 33 year Encompass journey. After Jessica was diagnosed with down syndrome in 1987, Encompass, formerly Children’s Services of Sno-Valley, stepped in to provide in-home therapy to Jessica. As the years went on, Encompass continued to support Jessica and the Kitz family through other health challenges.

Jessica in therapy as a child.

Today, Jessica is an assistant teacher at the Encompass preschool. She took the virtual stage and thanked Encompass for their support.

“When I was in 5th grade I was a peer tutor for the first grade. Since then my dream was to work with kids,” said Jessica. “Thank you Encompass for making my dream come true!”

All proceeds from this event, sponsored in part by Nintendo, Abbott Construction, Hutt Construction, Pacific Office Automation, Heritage Bank, evo, Overlake Hospital, OAC Services, Rainier Asphalt and Concrete, and Swedish Issaquah will bring vital funds and support to Encompass programs and services.

Jessica, left, and Becky Kitz at the 2016 Encompass Autumn Gala

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ABOUT ENCOMPASS: Encompass is a nonprofit that partners with families to build healthy foundations for children, providing early learning, pediatric therapy, and family enrichment for children of all abilities in the Snoqualmie, Issaquah, and Eastside communities. With two locations in North Bend and one in Carnation, Encompass offers programs for children ages 0-8 and their families to help foster a community where ALL children thrive.

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Annmarie Mitchell Snoqualmie Valley - Issaquah - Sammamish - North Bend - Fall City - Preston

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