Where
11100 Northeast 6th StreetBellevue, Washington 98004
How
When
30th Annual Reaching Out Celebration
In celebration of 30 years of reaching out, Hopelink’s premier fundraising event is entering a new era as an evening reception! Since 1995, this powerful event has brought community members from all across the region together over our shared vision of a community free of poverty.
The 30th Annual Reaching Out Celebration will feature impactful stories told by those who’ve turned to Hopelink in times of need and an in-depth exploration of Hopelink’s unique approach, raising awareness and funds for the agency’s vital work during a time of extraordinary need. Whether you’ve been supporting Hopelink for 30 years or have never been to a fundraising event, Reaching Out Celebration will leave you feeling inspired.
Photo courtesy AAE Speakers.
Keynote remarks by NFL lineman & farmer Jason Brown
Jason Brown is a man of extraordinary faith, resilience, and purpose. A former NFL offensive lineman, Jason walked away from a lucrative career at the peak of his success to pursue a higher calling—serving others through farming and philanthropy. Trading his cleats for boots, Jason and his family established First Fruits Farm in Louisburg, North Carolina, where they have grown, harvested, and donated over 2 million pounds of fresh food to combat hunger in underserved communities.
With no prior agricultural experience, Jason’s journey into farming is a testament to his determination, humility, and reliance on faith. He has become a passionate advocate for sustainable agriculture, healthy living, and the transformative power of giving. His work is rooted in a mission to address not only food insecurity but also the larger health crises facing our nation by providing nutrient-dense, fresh produce.
As a husband, father of eight, and dedicated community leader, Jason’s life exemplifies the values of faith, family, and service. Through First Fruits Farm, Jason continues to sow seeds of hope and transformation, inspiring others to cultivate a healthier, more compassionate world.
Click here to learn how your organization can support the 30th Annual Reaching Out Celebration.
Photos by DIWAS Photography and Lydia Brewer Photography
To see photos from last year’s event, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
The 30th Annual Reaching Out Celebration is the return of Hopelink’s premier yearly fundraising event, formerly known as Reaching Out Luncheon. Since 1995, this heartwarming gathering has raised millions of dollars for Hopelink’s programs, impacting thousands of lives across North and East King County.
We made the decision to transition our annual event to the evening to better serve our mission and our community. An evening format allows us more time and flexibility to fully share the Hopelink story, highlighting the impact of our work and the voices of those we serve without the time constraints of a midday program. This change also opens the door for supporters who aren’t able to step away from work or other daytime obligations to attend. Additionally, as fundraising trends evolve, evening events have shown greater potential for engagement and fundraising success compared to traditional luncheons. We’re excited about the opportunity this new format brings to deepen connection and increase impact.
This event takes place in person at the Meydenbauer Center in downtown Bellevue. Registration is required. General registration will open on Monday, Aug. 4.
Once registration begins, you can register by clicking the “Register Now!” button above, emailing rsvp@hopelink.org, or calling (425)-897-3703.
If seats are available on the day of the event, they will be assigned through walk-up registration on a first-come, first-served basis
Meydenbauer Center is an ADA-compliant venue. Elevators and escalators are on the building’s north and south sides. Volunteers will be stationed throughout the parking garage and entrances to guide you as you arrive. The event will take place on the ground floor. Bathrooms are at the lobby’s north end. All gender restrooms will be available. Guests will have the option to add their pronouns to their nametags during registration.
As our guests arrive, the volume in the lobby and ballroom will get louder. Music will play at mid-volume before and after the program. During the program, lights will slightly dim, and videos play on large screens in between speakers. On-screen videos will include closed captioning. An ASL interpreter will be on-screen throughout the event. This event will be in English.
Hopelink welcomes all to the 30th Annual Reaching Out Celebration. For questions about accessibility or accommodations, call (425)-897-3703, or email rsvp@hopelink.org.
Hopelink’s Table Captains play an important role by hosting a table and inviting guests from across their professional and personal networks who share our vision of a community of poverty, furthering Hopelink’s impact by expanding our community.
Table Captain registration will open on Monday, July 29.
Hopelink Pacesetters help “set the pace” towards our fundraising goal. As a Pacesetter, your leadership will not only motivate other attendees to give generously as well but will provide critical support for our programs.
We highly encourage guests to carpool, use public transit, or arrive early to ensure parking nearby as it’s limited. As of May 10, light rail service now extends on the Eastside with two more stops at Downtown Redmond and Marymoor Village, connecting Downtown Redmond to the South Bellevue Station. The Meydenbauer lot below the main ballroom will be free and reserved for event attendees. You may also park in non-validated overflow lots in the surrounding area.
We can accommodate most dietary concerns. Please let us know prior to the event. Call (425)-897-3703, or email rsvp@hopelink.org.
Thank you for letting us know! Please email RSVP@Hopelink.org by Monday, Oct. 6 so that we are able to cancel your lunch order. It’s important to us that we don’t let food go to waste, so please tell us as soon as you can!
Yes, thank you! If you cannot attend and would still like to support Hopelink, you can donate online here.
Or you can mail your donation to:
Hopelink
Attn: Development
P.O. Box 3577
Redmond, WA 98073
IMPORTANT: Be sure to note “Reaching Out Celebration” on your check.