Anna Schindler Foundation is ‘building hope’ at their April 22 gala By Jillian Chandler
2023 marks the fourth year of the Anna Schindler Foundation’s Anna’s Homes Gala. “After taking two years off for this event due to COVID restrictions, we are excited to host this event again!” shares Polly Schindler, co-founder of the Anna Schindler Foundation.
Anna’s Homes Gala: Building Hope is scheduled for Saturday, April 22, with doors opening at 5:30pm. Tickets are on sale now at AnnaSchindlerFoundation.org, and the foundation anticipates 300 attendees (must be 21 or older) coming out to the Davenport Grand Hotel in Spokane to show their support.
The Anna's Homes Gala promises to be an elegant and fun evening featuring live music, a silent and live auction, raffles, delicious menu, and a mission-based program. “It is our intent to educate our attendees about childhood cancer and how families are affected, inspiring philanthropy to lighten the burden for childhood cancer families in our region,” affirms Polly.
The Anna's Homes Gala: Building Hope launches the foundation’s capital campaign for Phase II of Anna's Homes—which consists of four new townhomes. Groundbreaking is anticipated for late spring or early summer of this year, and Polly shares that they hope to have the townhomes available to house families by the fall of 2024. These homes will offer all the comforts of home in private single-family units with each unit consisting of two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen and living area, as well laundry—all built with childhood cancer families in mind.
“From stocked pantries, clean linens, and space to get outside and play, Anna's Homes are a home away from home for families going through intensive cancer treatments. Most importantly, families can stay together throughout treatment at no cost to them,” says Polly.
“Our first set of homes are in constant use, with an ongoing waiting list. While families wait for more space at Anna's Homes, they are required to live in costly hotels, or vacation rentals, community living spaces, etc. for weeks to months at a time. The generosity of the guests at the Anna's Homes Gala will allow for timely construction of the next set of homes to reduce the number of families separated during treatment, relieve the financial strain of long-term stays, and provide a safe and comfortable lifestyle during a tumultuous time.”
As of press time, auction items were already starting to roll in, according to Polly. “At this time, we are excited to feature a luxury Hawaii trip and roundtrip airfare to anywhere in the US for two. Our silent auction has tables full of spa, pet, wine baskets, restaurant dates and experiences.”
Polly reminds us that the Anna's Homes Gala allows our community to come together to make a huge impact on childhood cancer families in the Inland Northwest for decades to come. “You will laugh, cry, and your heart full in attending this event,” she insists. “Thank you for uplifting childhood cancer families during some of their darkest hours.
We couldn't do what we do without our generous supporters! Please join us for this amazing evening and help us make a difference.”
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