Delightful deals, dining and dancing filled the agenda at KITH’s 8th Annual Dinner and Auction presented by Synergy Construction, Inc. on Oct. 2 to further KITH’s work assisting individuals and families who are facing homelessness to become self-sufficient. The evening was a joyful celebration of KITH’s clients’ successes. The event raised $70,000 to fund housing, case management and other support services in 2010 and 2011.

At the event, KITH board member Randy Schmidt was honored as KITH 2010 Volunteer of the Year. Master of Ceremonies Jim Hutchinson accepted a Certificate of Appreciation for Puget Sound Energy Foundation for the foundation’s recent $1,000 grant to support KITH programs.

Auctioneer Patrick O’Brien and KITH board member, Ron Olsen, informed the audience about the value of KITH’s services to the community and the impact of their donations just before Raise the Paddle, which raised more than $26,000 that goes directly to services for the homeless.

KITH is grateful for the community and businesses who donated a wealth of gifts for the auction, especially presenting sponsor Synergy Construction, Inc.; silver sponsor The Burnstead Co., Hilton Bellevue; Friend of KITH Puget Sound Bank; and table sponsors Ford-Hyundai of Kirkland; Mike Connolly and Lynn Sanborn of Windermere Real Estate - Kirkland; and Jim Lloyd, Ken Davidson, and Alex and Susan Sumeri. Other sponsors include Dynamic Designs Jewelry, EventSourceNW, Humanature Photography, Julia’s Floral and The Grape Choice.

More than 35 volunteers helped the day of the event, with special help from AlaskaUSA Federal Credit Union and Celebrated Chefs. Celebrated Chefs is extending the reach of the KITH auction through their dining out for charity program. People who like to dine out can help KITH all year just by going out for dinner. Enjoy delicious meals at great restaurants like Ruth’s Chris, John Howie Steak, through Celebrated Chefs and 5 percent goes to KITH. Please contact ChristineA@kithcares.org for details.