On a warm summer evening, 175 guests gathered beneath the golden skies of Beacon Hill for An Evening in Tuscany, YWCA Spokane’s summer benefit dinner. What began years ago as a simple gathering of friends to support YWCA Spokane’s domestic violence shelter has grown into one of our most impactful annual fundraisers. This year’s event raised a record-breaking net total of over $350,000 in support of YWCA Spokane’s life-changing services for women, children, and survivors of domestic violence.

Set in one of Spokane’s most picturesque venues, guests enjoyed delicious food and wine, live music, and entertainment. This year’s event featured premier live auction items, including Delta One worldwide tickets, a trip to Portugal, an exclusive private chef dinner, tickets to the famous Waste Management Phoenix Open golf tournament, and more.

Musical performances by local violinist Tana Bland and the Cronkites serenaded guests through an uplifting night. Live sketch artists captured the beauty and joy of the evening in real-time illustrations for attendees to take home.

We were honored to hear from Teresa Dixon, a former YWCA client and now Women’s Opportunity Center Coordinator, who shared her journey from finding safety to supporting others as they heal. YWCA Spokane CEO, Jeanette Hauck, gave her final speech as CEO as she prepares for retirement at the end of 2025, and reminded us all that we have the opportunity to incite change and make an impact. And make an impact we did!

Thanks to the generosity of our guests and the Zegke Foundation and the Collette Michelle Brawner Fund at Innovia Foundation, which provided $25,000 in matching funds, our paddle raise reached record-breaking levels. We saw a 115% increase in giving during the paddle raise compared to last year, which held the previous record!

We want to give a special thank you to our Signature Sponsor, MultiCare, and our Fund-A-Need Sponsor, Kalispel Tribe of Indians and Northern Quest Resort & Casino for helping make this special event possible. Their support has a deep impact on the health and well being of our community, and we are so incredibly grateful. 

We’re also thrilled to announce that next year’s Signature Sponsor will be the Kalispel Tribe of Indians and Northern Quest Resort & Casino, just in time for the 20th Anniversary of An Evening in Tuscany! As we celebrate the history and tradition of this event, we know that 2026 may yet be our most impactful year ever.

Thank you to all who joined us in creating safety, hope, and healing. Until next summer—grazie!