Together, We Made Waves! CSF’s 25th Anniversary Empowering Youth Gala
Thanks to our incredible community of supporters, we’ve raised an astounding $1.3 million so far for CSF Scholars! Your generosity and commitment make a profound impact, helping us provide life-changing opportunities for students across our state. We truly couldn’t do this without you, and we are deeply grateful for your support. If you haven’t had a chance to give, there’s still time to donate and make a difference!
A powerful wave of inspiration and generosity filled the Summit Ballroom at the Seattle Convention Center on March 22, 2025, as 750 College Success Foundation supporters and alumni gathered to celebrate 25 Years of Changing Lives. The evening was a testament to the profound ripple effect of CSF’s mission — which has empowered thousands of students to graduate from college and become leaders, changemakers and champions of their communities.
Jump to a gallery of images from the evening.
25 Years of Changing Lives
After welcome songs by Red Eagle Soaring Native Youth Theatre, our Gala Co-Hosts — The Honorable Gary Locke, Deborah Rosen, Jim Sinegal and CSF Alum and State Senator Yasmin Trudeau — kicked off the event with heartfelt stories about their deep ties to the College Success Foundation and its life-changing mission. Jim Sinegal, co-founder of Costco Wholesale, received a standing ovation, honoring his pivotal role as a foundational supporter of CSF 25 years ago.
As a special surprise, CSF alum Colina Bruce delighted several lucky guests with giveaways from alumni-owned businesses, including her own Noir Lux Candle Bar.
College Access & Success
CSF Scholar Dafne was featured in a video highlighting her experience. In high school, Dafne’s CSF advisor offered opportunities to explore different careers, helping her discover her passion and chart a clear path forward. Today, as a sophomore at the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business, Dafne continues to lean on the guidance of her CSF coach, Kyle, who has been a source of encouragement, helping her find her place at school and grow as a leader on campus.
When Dafne recently encountered a major financial aid challenge that threatened to derail her progress, Kyle helped her to navigate it — ensuring she stayed on course toward her degree and a bright future.
Connection to the Mission
Next, James Dorsey, CEO & President of College Success Foundation, reflected on his personal connection to the mission and how CSF alumni are helping to shape our communities: “Our alumni are everywhere, making a profound and positive impact on our communities. Our 13,000 alumni are leaders, innovators and dedicated servants, shaping the future of our region with their talent.”
James also shared CSF’s vision for the future. When CSF was founded, a third of Washington state students came from low-income families; today, that number has risen to half. Despite these growing challenges, CSF remains steadfast in its belief that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and injustice. James urged guests to continue their support for the next generation of CSF Scholars: “With your support, we aim to increase graduation rates to 70%, expand statewide, champion affordability, enhance financial assistance, develop career pathways and transform communities.”
The audience then shifted their focus to the center of the room as the live auction opened with high energy! Friendly competition heated up over multiple tropical getaways, an exclusive wine weekend, and unforgettable experiences — ranging from gatherings on the water to gourmet dinners. One of the evening’s most unique highlights? A coveted Costco hot dog and soda experience with CEO Ron Vachris!
A Personal Commitment
Angela Jones, Director of the Washington State Initiative at the Gates Foundation, shared about the importance of personal commitment and working at being a good ancestor: “I do not occupy space for incremental change, but for accelerated transformational change that will benefit generations of students I will never meet. CSF is a great illustration of that ripple that impacts generations and not just individual students.”
Guests were then encouraged to toss a colorful stone into the table’s centerpiece to represent a “ripple effect.”
The Ripple Effect
CSF Alum Korey Strozier’s video echoed a powerful example of the incredible ripple effect that education has. Graduating from high school wasn’t easy for Korey, and college felt out of reach. But through the steady guidance of his CSF advisor, Robert Jones, Korey unlocked his potential and grew into a lifelong learner, education advocate and community leader.
Korey’s connection to CSF runs deep. After college, he became a CSF high school advisor and now serves on the CSF-Tacoma Regional Board — paying it forward in countless ways.
Today, Korey is the Tacoma School Board President and a colleague to his former advisor, Robert Jones, who, after 20 years at CSF, continues to guide and support CSF Scholars.
After the video, Korey took the stage on behalf of all CSF alumni, thanking supporters. In a personal moment of gratitude, he thanked his CSF advisor, saying, “I would not be where I am today or who I am today without Robert Jones.” Korey invited all guests to open personal, handwritten cards from alumni — ranging from recent to first cohort alums — sharing their educational journeys and how CSF’s support shaped who and where they are today.
In Appreciation
The crowd enthusiastically raised their paddles to back a new generation of CSF Scholars. Amidst a sea of waving placards, the spirit of generosity was truly contagious! A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed!
Many thanks go out to Emcee Angela Poe Russell and Auctioneer Kevin Joyce, who deftly guided the gala. The spirited duo helped make it a night to remember for all guests.
Thank you to our sponsors who helped make this special event possible:
President’s Sponsor: Costco Wholesale
Regent’s Sponsors: Allied Marketing, Rebecca Benaroya, The Larry Benaroya Family Foundation, and Gates Foundation
Anniversary Sponsors: Aven Foundation, BECU, Dorsey Whitney, LLP, Microsoft, The Norcliffe Foundation, University of Washington, Schultz Family Foundation
Summa Cum Laude Sponsors: Brettler Foundation Foundation, Fulcrum Capital, Gonzaga University, Ann Ramsay-Jenkins, Seattle Bank, Tulalip Tribes Charitable Contributions Fund
Magna Cum Laude Sponsors: Gesa Credit Union, Seattle University, Symetra Financial Corporation, Washington State University
Cum Laude Sponsors: Allen Institute, Big Wave Recruiting, Brighton Jones, College Spark Washington, Eastern Washington University, Graduate Tacoma, Heritage University, Hohimer Wealth Management, ISOutsource, Jackie Liao, Seattle Children’s, Starbucks, Treehouse, Washington State Opportunity Scholarship, Western Washington University, Whitworth University, Yakima Valley Community Foundation
We proudly supported the following BIPOC-owned and women-owned businesses for the gala: Alumni animation display by Miles Irwin, photography by ORIGINAL STUDIOS, videos by Rogue Heart Media, Drip Drip Coffeehouse*, Energia Events, Feed Co. Burgers*, JD’s 360 Photo Booth, Mocel Mezcal*, Noir Lux Candle Co.*, Red Eagle Soaring Native Youth Theatre
*CSF Alumni-owned
