Announcing Our 31st Annual Reaching Out Celebration Speaker: Rick Steves
We’re excited to share that Rick Steves will be the featured speaker at Hopelink’s 31st annual Reaching Out Celebration.
Since 1995, this signature event has brought together community members from across our region in support of a shared vision—a community free of poverty. As Hopelink’s premier fundraising event, the Reaching Out Celebration is a powerful opportunity to highlight the impact of our work, connect with supporters, and welcome new people into our community.
This year’s program will feature moving stories from individuals who have turned to Hopelink in times of need, along with a closer look at how our programs and services support families across the region. At a time when many in our community are facing increasing challenges, this evening helps bring critical resources to those who need them most.
We are honored to welcome Rick Steves to this important event. Rick Steves is a popular public television host, a best selling guide book author, and an outspoken activist who encourages Americans to broaden their perspectives through travel. He is the founder and owner of Rick Steves’ Europe, a travel business with a small-group tour program that brings more than 30,000 people to Europe annually. Rick lives and works in his hometown of Edmonds, Washington, where his office window overlooks his junior high school.
Rick joins a remarkable group of past Reaching Out Celebration speakers, including Queen Latifah, Dr. Jill Biden, Common and more. All are leaders and changemakers who have inspired our community and helped elevate the conversation around equity, opportunity, and access. Each year, this event brings together longtime supporters and new guests alike, creating space not only to deepen existing connections to Hopelink, but also to introduce others to our mission, programs, and services.
Last year marked our first time hosting the Reaching Out Celebration as an evening event, and we’re excited to continue that format in 2026. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. for networking, with the program beginning at 5:30 p.m. While there is no cost to attend, guests are encouraged to make a meaningful gift to support Hopelink’s work.
Following the program, we’ll continue the celebration with a lively after party offering more time to connect, reflect, and meet the people doing this work every day.
We hope you’ll join us for an inspiring evening and help make this year’s Reaching Out Celebration one to remember.