Honoring local do-gooders like the Bartell family at a “Denim to Diamonds” downtown bash.

With the New Year—and the political climate increasingly disconcerting—there seems no better time to celebrate those among us who make do-gooding missions a regular practice. In 1996, The Seattle Hotel Association created the “Evening of Hope” gala to showcase those who make a difference in the community. Over the past 19 years, proceeds (totaling more than $5.6 million) have benefited dozens of local charities by leveraging the collective strength of 58 downtown member hotels.