The Luncheon That Wraps Seattle Kids in Confidence

Wallingford has long been a strong community that shows up—for its families, schools, small businesses, and nonprofits. It’s also home to Assistance League of Seattle’s Thrift Shop and office, located right in the heart of the neighborhood at 1415 N 45th Street. Every time you donate, shop, or volunteer, you support all of our programs. But once a year, we ask Wallingford for something bigger.

This November, we’re inviting our neighbors to join us for our annual fundraising luncheon, Gather for Good, the single event that powers Operation School Bell, our program providing brand-new clothing and books to students throughout Seattle Public Schools. The impact reaches citywide, and the work begins right here in Wallingford.

💙 Operation School Bell

Through our partnership with Target, Operation School Bell provides:

  • Brand‑new clothing to more than 3,200 students at 73 Seattle schools
  • More than 4,500 donated books to help children build home libraries 
  • Essentials that can contribute to increased self‑esteem, school attendance, and greater focus on learning

Each student receives a $150 gift card that allows them to shop for school essentials at Target, with no sales tax. For many students, this might be the first time they’ve received new clothing of their own—a warm coat that fits, shoes that don’t pinch, or a backpack they’re proud to carry, making a meaningful difference in how a child feels when walking into school.

🎟️ Gather for Good Luncheon Event

Saturday, November 14th
Sunset Club | 1021 University Street, on First Hill

10:30 am — Reception and silent auction preview
12 noon — Lunch and live auction

Early Bird tickets are $105 through September 30th. After that, the price increases to $120. Your ticket purchase directly funds Operation School Bell, which begins next month at Target stores in Northgate and Southcenter.

🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️ Ways to Participate

  • Host a table or invite guests
    If you can’t fill a table, we’ll help assign the remaining seats.
    📧 Contact [email protected]

  • Donate wine
    Red, white, or sparkling wine valued at $30 or more is welcome for our Wine Pull. We can also purchase wine on your behalf, with your donation.
    📧 Contact Lora at [email protected]

  • Donate silent auction items
    Decorated Christmas trees, holiday décor, experiences, and gift baskets are welcome.
    📧 Contact Elizabeth at [email protected]

  • Donate live auction items
    We are seeking event tickets, gift cards, and experiences.
    📧 Contact Lorraine at [email protected]

  • Become a sponsor
    Sponsorships help offset event costs, allowing more funds to support students.
    📧 Contact Elizabeth at [email protected]

Your generosity helps make Operation School Bell possible for thousands of Seattle students. We hope Wallingford will join us on November 14th for community, fun, and fundraising for a program that makes a tangible difference in children’s lives.


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Patti Gray Whann

Retired from wearing many hats in my life. Moved to Wallingford in 2023 with my two kitties to live near my daughter, who has made this her home since 2001. I had visited many times and love the area as well. My last job was owning my own small boutique real estate office specializing in new construction, aging in place, and first-time homeowners. Previously spent 17 years working as an advocate in the fields of domestic violence, child abuse, and sexual assault. I loved being part of my community, being on numerous boards, and volunteering to bring back our community, which was pretty destitute, into a thriving main street with many small businesses, the arts, and theatre as the engine of growth. I have been a constant volunteer since I was 14 and continue that here, in my new home in Wallingford.