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ILEA Seattle November Event Recap: Cocktails for a Cause


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On November 13th, our ILEA Seattle November Event brought together members, partners, and supporters for a memorable night at Parkview Event Space. Cocktails for a Cause blended community, connection, and practical education while raising over $1,600 for the ILEA Seattle Accelerate Program, with a portion donated to the Seattle Food Committee.

Expert Leadership and Inspiring Education:

The event was produced by Deci Evans, Founder of Kind & Co. Events, Immediate Past President of ILEA Seattle, and our current Vice President of Programs, as well as JoAnna Mina of Minature Events. Upon arrival, guests stepped into a thoughtfully designed event. The setup was polished, the flow was fluid, and the energy throughout the venue felt intentional. Deci ensured each part of Parkview was used purposefully, creating a smooth and cohesive experience from start to finish. Limitless Event DJs kept the vibe fun and moving all evening, enhancing the atmosphere and tying the entire experience together. From the outdoor covered patio to the main dining room, every space contributed to the overall atmosphere. The patio, complete with a retractable roof, hosted the bar, silent auction tables, and the Love Craft Booths photo experience. Joe from Love Craft Booths added a memorable element with his beautiful backdrop and his fun, upbeat personality.


Old Ballard Catering Company provided fantastic bar service in this space, offering delicious cocktails and mocktails. Inside, jewel-tone rentals from CORT Party Rental brought richness and texture through velvet and satin finishes, elevating the overall aesthetic.

Later in the evening, Deci and Liz Sexton, Senior Event Producer at Tolo Events, led an engaging education session on 30 Fundraising Ideas. Their combined experience and clear, actionable guidance gave attendees practical strategies they could use for future fundraising efforts. They were knowledgeable, dynamic, and thoughtful in answering questions, offering insight rooted in real experience. Guests left impressed by the amount of high-impact takeaways they gained from the session.

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A Food and Beverage Experience That Delivered:

Old Ballard Catering Company delivered an exceptional culinary experience from passed canapés to a flavorful buffet dinner. The marinated flank steak was perfectly cooked, the garlic mashed potatoes tasted like the start of the holiday season, and the vegan and vegetarian options were hearty and thoughtful. Desserts by Lá Liath Bakery closed the evening on a high note. The short crust caramel and chocolate slice, reminiscent of an elevated Twix bar, was an instant favorite, and the PB and J cupcakes offered the perfect sweet-savory balance. Festive balloon installations by Petale de Rose Event Design added color and charm, enhancing the environment without overwhelming the space.

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A Huge Thank You to Our Sponsors, Donors, and Partners:

Thank you to every business and individual who contributed goods, services, or silent auction items. Your generosity helped raise vital funds for the Accelerate Program and made the event a success.

Venue | Parkview Event Space https://www.parkvieweventspace.com

Planning and Coordination | Kind & Co. Events https://www.kindandcoevents.com & Minature Events https://www.minatureevents.com

Education and Speaking | Tolo Events (Liz Sexton) https://www.toloevents.com

Rentals | CORT Party Rental https://www.cortpartyrental.com

Catering and Bar Service | Old Ballard Catering Co. https://www.oldballardcateringco.com

DJ | Limitless Event DJs (Billy Heany) https://www.limitlesseventdjs.com

Balloon Installations | Petale de Rose Event Design https://www.petalederose.com

Desserts | Lá Liath Bakery https://www.laliathbakery.com

Photo Booth | Love Craft Booths https://www.lovecraftbooths.com

Your Support Strengthens Our Community:

Funds raised during this event support the ILEA Accelerate Scholarship Program, which provides membership scholarships for event professionals who face financial barriers. This program strengthens our industry by expanding access, representation, mentorship, and professional opportunities. Because of the generosity shown on November 13th, we can fully fund four Accelerate scholarships, directly supporting local event professionals who will now have greater access to all the things an ILEA Seattle membership provides. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will also support the Seattle Food Committee https://www.seattlefoodcommittee.org, which strengthens food security across the city by supporting local food banks. Your participation helped expand the impact of the event beyond our industry and into the broader Seattle community. The Accelerate Program continues to grow through donations, raffle participation, and registration add-ons at future ILEA events. Every contribution helps build a more inclusive and resilient event community.

You can donate directly to our Accelerate program here.

Get Involved With ILEA Seattle:

Become a Member:

Join a dynamic and supportive network of event professionals.

Sponsor an Upcoming Event:

Showcase your business and invest in our creative community.

Support the Seattle Food Committee:

Help strengthen food security across Seattle neighborhoods.

Donate to our Accelerate Program:

Help event professionals in our community with financial barriers become members of ILEA Seattle and thrive.

👉 Donate here.

Follow Us on our Socials:

Stay connected with the ILEA Seattle community, get updates on upcoming events, and share your favorite moments with us. We love seeing your photos, stories, and behind-the-scenes snapshots - so don’t forget to tag us!

Thank You for Making This Event One to Remember:

Thank you for showing up, supporting one another, and contributing to an evening that made a meaningful impact. We look forward to gathering again soon!

Written by Erica Kennedy, Z Creative + Design Co. Let’s Get Creative!

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