USO-NW's Five-Star Gala Sets Fundraising Record, Raising Over $580,000 in Support of Northwest Service Members and their Families





Renton, WA - USO Northwest’s Five-Star Gala and Auction, held on October 20th, 2018 at the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington, raised more than $580,000, making the event the most successful fundraiser in the organization’s 52-year history! Proceeds from this annual fundraiser will enable USO-NW to expand on its storied mission to provide programs and services developed to meet the needs of America’s military service members and their families.
This year’s Five-Star Gala was presented by Delta Air Lines and La-Z-Boy of Seattle, and was Chaired by Chris Washko, USO-NW Board Member and CEO/Owner of La-Z-Boy of Seattle. Kicking off the event was Alexis Taylor- the 2018 “Female Artist of the Year” at the Tennessee Music Awards - performing a stirring rendition of the National Anthem to the 620 guests in attendance.
USO Northwest was honored to salute the 2018 Military Service Members of the Year for the Northwest region: SGT Calvin Miller, Soldier of the Year; GySgt Jeremy Meierotto, Marine of the Year; LS1(AW) William Nicklay, Sailor of the Year; TSgt Gregory M. Jenkins, Airman of the Year; SK3 Layne Washington, Coast Guard Person of the Year; and SrA Richard Delinsky, National Guard Airman of the Year. In addition to honoring our local military members, USO-NW also presented The Order of Distinguished Service Award to Delta Air Lines. This award is the highest level of recognition by USO Northwest and is reserved for individuals and organizations having demonstrated exceptional service to military members and their families through sustained support of the USO Northwest.
“We are very fortunate in the Pacific Northwest, as our local corporate and community partners care deeply about America’s military members and their families,” said Donald M. Leingang, Executive Director of USO Northwest and retired Commander, U.S. Navy. “We greatly appreciate the continued support of our Presenting Sponsors Delta Air Lines and La-Z-Boy of Seattle, as well as The Boeing Company, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, America’s Credit Union, Alaska Airlines, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Dollar Rent-A-Car, GEICO, NECA Puget Sound Chapter, Microsoft, Starbucks and many more.”
As the men and women in uniform continue to answer America’s call to service, the USO Northwest remains steadfast, working with our partners, to support our military community. USO Northwest is grateful to our corporate and community partners, as they are truly the “Force Behind the Forces.”
Select Links below to see pictures from the USO Northwest’s Five-Star Gala:
Auction, Step-N-Repeat, “Heads or Tails and "Desert Dash”, Military Members of the Year and Distinguished Service Award, VIP Reception
For more information, or to make a tax-deductible contribution to the USO-NW, visit us online at:
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