Sixth Annual Shelter Gala

December 2 is GivingTuesday and you’re invited to support our sixth annual GivingTuesday Shelter Gala. Instead of a traditional gala that includes luxuries for donors, we’re providing 51 FIRST UNITED shelter residents with an incredible evening of decadence, glitz, and joy. We host a special celebration with entertainment, gifts and a special three-course meal just for shelter residents.

Our GivingTuesday celebration starts at lunchtime, when we take gourmet meals to the streets of the Downtown Eastside, serving over 250 meals to community members from our FIRST UNITED Food Truck! Later in the evening, we host our Shelter Gala.

We’re raising $100,000 for this event that will provide approximately 250 Downtown Eastside community members with a special, gourmet meal, and 50 residents of our shelter with gifts, entertainment, and dignity. 

Become an evening sponsor: $2,500

Residents will enjoy their gala experience from your named table. Businesses will be recognized as Community Partners for one year on our website, and individuals will be recognized as Community Donors. Also included is an employee engagement or volunteer experience, where you and 7 others assist with a food truck meal service and receive a DTES community education session from our staff!

Become a table sponsor: $1,500

Shelter residents will enjoy their gala experience from your named table, and you can submit a short message to be displayed. Photos from our expanded community lunch and Shelter Gala will be shared directly with you as a keepsake. Ensure residents have an exceptional evening, and support FIRST’s work of providing belonging, dignity, and justice to the DTES.

Become a gift sponsor: $500

In true holiday fashion, all residents are given gift bags with special treats at the Shelter Gala. Become a gift sponsor and we’ll also include a hand-written card with a custom message from you inside, to make it a truly personal experience.