More Than 200 Guests Gathered to Celebrate Equality, Honor LGBTQ+ Leaders and Support Lifelong’s Mission of Health For All
SEATTLE — June 14, 2026 — Lifelong, a leading community health organization providing critical access to nutritious food, lifesaving medications, HIV care and stable housing, today announced that its inaugural Pride Gala: An Evening for Equality raised more than $142,050 during the live auction to support Lifelong’s essential health, housing and food programs, as well as Seattle Pride’s Youth Programs.
Held at The Sanctuary on Saturday, June 13, the highly anticipated event welcomed more than 200 guests to celebrate Pride, honor LGBTQ+ leaders and raise critical funds for communities across Washington state.
Hosted by celebrity stylist and television personality Brad Goreski, the evening featured performances by Grammy Award-winning artist Macy Gray, drag icon Miz Cracker, and Seattle-native Jake Shears of Scissor Sisters. Guests also enjoyed a cocktail reception, seated dinner, and live auction curated by Seattle Art Source.
The gala honored actress, producer and advocate Laverne Cox with the Lifelong Pride in Action Award for her trailblazing work advancing LGBTQ+ visibility and representation. Social media creator and advocate Chris Olsen also took the stage and received the LGBTQ+ Changemaker of the Year Award in recognition of his efforts to amplify queer voices and foster greater acceptance and understanding.
“For more than 40 years, showing up has been the defining feature of this incredible organization. When someone is in need in our community—no matter who they are—we show up.” said James Shackelford, CEO of Lifelong. “We believe that food and healthcare are human rights and everyday, we’re doing the work, from the streets of Seattle to the halls of Congress, to deliver that kind of support and care for every member of our community. Tonight is another way we are showing up – not just for the LGBTQ+ community during Pride – but for our neighbors across Washington who deserve basic human rights: nutritious food, stable housing, and accessible healthcare.”
Highlights from the evening included:
More than $142,050 was raised through the live auction
Attendance of more than 200 community leaders, advocates and supporters
A moving tribute video played honoring Frederick “Freddie” Foy Jr. who passed away from AIDS
Every guest in the room was on their feet dancing along to Macy Gray’s cover of Right Said Fred’s “I’m Too Sexy,” and stayed on the dance floor for the remainder of her medley of songs including her smash hit “I Try”
A live auction featuring works by local, queer, and nationally recognized artists sparked enthusiastic bidding throughout the evening, with standout highlights including a Tuscany villa getaway that sold twice for a combined $22,000, original artworks selling for as much as $8,500, and a Camp Pinchot cabin retreat that fetched $8,000. A “Mystery Envelope” item also drew excitement, ultimately revealing a five-night stay at a resort in Antigua that sold for $5,000. Guests also demonstrated remarkable generosity during the cash call, with multiple individual contributions of $10,000
Recognition of LGBTQ+ leaders whose advocacy continues to create meaningful change
Proceeds from the event will support Lifelong’s vision of Health For All, helping provide nutritious meals and food access, housing stability, medical case management and essential support services for more than 8,200 people across Washington state. A portion of proceeds will also benefit Seattle Pride’s Youth Programs, supporting LGBTQIA2S+ youth ages 12 to 18 through affirming spaces, leadership opportunities and community connection.
“The inaugural Pride Gala demonstrated what is possible when a community comes together in support of health, equity and belonging,” said Patti Hearn, Executive Director at Seattle Pride. “The impact of this event will extend far beyond one evening and help strengthen critical resources for LGBTQIA2S+ individuals across our region.”
The event was produced by JWP with Lifelong and made possible through the support of sponsors including Uber, Russell Investments, Miller Nash, Hoedemaker Pfeiffer, and BNBuilders.
Photo Credit: Lydia Brewer
About Lifelong Health For All
Lifelong is a community health organization on a mission to make health and food accessible to all. Founded in 1983 during the AIDS crisis, Lifelong has spent decades standing up for those facing illness and injustice, guided by the belief that everyone deserves the chance to live their healthiest life. Today, Lifelong provides critical access to nutritious food, lifesaving medications and healthcare, stable housing, and the ability to live independently. For more information, visit Lifelong.org.
Media Contacts:
Margo Turley / Annie Sullivan
ON Public Relations for Lifelong
margo@onpublicrelations.com / annie@onpublicrelations.com
206-250-4056 / 206-856-5660
APEX Public Relations
Andy Gelb / Julia Rossen
andy@theapex-pr.com / julia@theapex-pr.com / lifelong@theapex-pr.com