Over $545,000 raised. Nearly 555 guests in attendance. Close to 55 athletes present. One unforgettable night celebrating community, access, and possibility.
The 2025 Silver Tie Gala was a defining moment for the High Fives Foundation community — an evening that blended impact, storytelling, and immersive experiences into a powerful celebration of what’s possible when people rally around adaptive athletes.
Held in true High Fives fashion, the night honored the heart of the organization: athletes, partners, volunteers, and supporters who continue to push the mission forward — preventing life-changing injuries and providing resources, access, and hope when they happen.
From the moment guests walked in, the room was alive with energy. A metal print gallery showcased striking photography from camps and programs throughout the year, telling the story of resilience across all five pillars of sport. A Wrangle the Wine bottle activation, photo booth, and mechanical bull added interactive fun, while large-scale activations — including a PistenBully snowcat, MasterCraft boat, and Dolan Auto vehicles — brought the adventure-sports lifestyle directly onto the gala floor.
Throughout the evening, pillar videos highlighted the depth and reach of High Fives programming across skiing & snowboarding, surfing, mountain biking, motor-fed sports, and fishing — grounding the night in real athlete impact and year-round access. Full Photo Album HERE.
The program crescendoed with the Community Five Awards, honoring individuals and organizations who exemplify the values of High Fives Foundation through leadership, generosity, mentorship, and service.
2025 Community Five Award Winners
Steven Wallace Fundraiser of the Year
- Presented By: Tony Schmeising (virtual)
- Winner: Carter Faber (virtual; accepted by Jesse Murphy)
Johnny Bravo Martinez Partner of the Year
- Presented By: Lonie Paxton
- Winner: Lee Canyon
Matthew Scott Roberds Athlete of the Year
- Presented By: Chris Waker
- Winner: Ryan McLaren
Adam Baillargeon Volunteer of the Year
- Presented By: Max & Katie Baillargeon
- Winner: Ben Stone
Family Foundation of the Year
- Presented By: Pam and Jeff Aaron
- Winner: Joe Wolfe (virtual)
The Tom Dolan Mentor of the Year
- Presented By: Alana Nichols
- Winner: Landon McGauley
CR Johnson Healing Center Athlete of the Year
- Presented By: Nikki Weber
- Winner: Kenny Evangelisti
The night concluded with an epic balloon drop, sending the room into celebration — a fitting end to a gala that raised critical funds while reinforcing what High Fives Foundation stands for: community, access, and relentless positivity.
The 2025 Silver Tie Gala wasn’t just a fundraiser — it was a reflection of a movement that continues to expand what’s possible for athletes with life-changing injuries.
