We’re still on cloud nine after last weekend’s incredible Silver Tie Gala, celebrating 15 years of High Fives Foundation.
This bustling event, hosted at the Reno Ballroom was abuzz with nearly 500 community members, dressed to the nines, who gathered to celebrate a spectacular year of High Fives.
Photos by Generikal
To start the evening, attendees sipped on festive cocktails while browsing some truly amazing silent auction items like an adventure-filled trip for two to Iceland and an epic Formula 1 experience. High Fives’ five pillars of sport were represented with displays of top-of-the-line vehicles, sporting equipment, and videos of High Fives athletes living life to the fullest. Activations like the wine toss, photobooths, and a Tito’s ice luge kept Gala attendees captivated between conversations.
Every table at the event was centered with a custom, laser-cut wooden plaque recognizing the partners, sponsors, and families that make it all happen. Attendees conversed while enjoying a delicious and elegant dinner and viewing captivating videos from a truly impressive year at High Fives Foundation. In 2023, we celebrated growth to over 715 High Fives athletes, our 100th sports camp, the release of the feature-length film Full Circle, our new partnership with MasterCraft, and too many other major accomplishments to list.
Photos by Manic Media & Generikal
We heard heartfelt speeches from staff, athletes, and the Community Five Award recipients, and we witnessed one of the most moving moments of the evening. High Fives athlete #544, Austin Price, was brought to the stage and recognized for his hard work ethic, humble character, and kind spirit. When Roy Tuscany surprised him with a brand new Harley Davidson motorcycle, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room.
Our favorite auctioneer, none other than Roy, re-energized the room with a rambunctious live ask that concluded the auctions for the night on such an exciting note. And lastly, as dessert plates were scraped clean and cocktails were refreshed, a storm of silver balloons rained down from the ceiling just as singer-songwriter Mark Mackay and his band emerged from behind the stage, charming us all with classics like “Summer Slowdown” and shredding the guitar. We couldn’t have asked for a better surprise to round out this truly magical evening.
“My favorite element of the Silver Tie Gala is (and always will be) the opportunity to recognize our Ohana and ensure the heartbeat of High Fives feels deeply celebrated for their accomplishments. Our intentions and our focus align with this goal from start to finish. When we wheeled the Harley trike into the gala building the day before the event and built its enclosure for the surprise, I felt the weight of what this trike would mean to athlete Austin Price, and my heart raced with anticipation for its unveiling. The emotions still run strong when I think about Austin on his dream bike and now see videos of him back to the sport he loves. These moments of celebration, redemption, and dreams coming true are what we are all about!” – Anna Stump, Events and Partners Manager at High Fives Foundation
All in all, the 2024 Silver Tie Gala raised more than $380,000 in support of High Fives Foundation and the life-changing injury community.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to all our staff, volunteers, athletes, and community who made this the most special night ever and helped us exceed our fundraising goal! We’re already dreaming about next year. Until then, wishing you all safe, warm, and happy holidays. High Five and see you in 2024!
