Good News Friday!

Last Saturday night’s Annual Imagine! Celebration was a triumph of community coming together to help create a world of opportunity for all abilities. We’ll share more details later, but here’s the key number to remember: the preliminary revenue results indicate that the event brought in $430,226.00 in support of Imagine!’s mission!

If you missed the event, below is a video we debuted that evening, telling the story of the Gehr family. The video demonstrates how far we have come as a society (thanks to organizations such as Imagine!) when it comes to offering opportunities for community living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
  

Now, some “thank yous” are in order.

Imagine! Foundation Board of Directors President Don Brown emceed the program with humor and compassion. Katie Hawkins, Heather Sabo and the Celebration Committee created a memorable, warm ambiance in the ballroom and hallways, with an auction chock-full of great items and experiences. Auctioneer Gary Corbett and his team delivered great results. George Karakehian captivated the audience expressing what is in his heart for Imagine!. The Gehr Family shared a story that needed to be told – look how far we have come as a society, and how much we all benefit from knowing people with intellectual disabilities! Bob Von Eschen gave an impassioned pitch and set the bar high. The Imagine! staff volunteers were phenomenal ambassadors. Our many sponsors helped fill the tables with generous and giving souls.

And a special hats off to Imagine! Foundation Executive Director Patti Micklin for her leadership and passion!