What an incredible Luncheon! Thank you all for coming together and showing our young artists that you support them and stand with them.

Don’t forget to save the date for the 2024 Better Futures Luncheon on Tuesday, October 1st, 2024 at the Bicentennial Pavilion at the Hotel Murano.

Interested in supporting the Better Futures Luncheon as a sponsor or partner? Contact Katy Evans or Charli Berry to see how you can get involved.

This year, Hilltop Artists centers and celebrates LGBTQIA+ youth, showing our year-round support.

Pride is every day at Hilltop Artists, and this October, it is Hilltop Artists Pride at the Better Futures Luncheon!

Over the past few years, we’ve seen an increase in the visibility of our queer, trans, and nonbinary youth—as well as an increase in the need for safe spaces. It’s inspiring to know that Hilltop Artists is recognized as a safe and welcoming space for our LGBTQIA+ students.

Thank you for joining us as allies and advocates for our queer, trans, and nonbinary students. Honoring our inclusive history and mission, we consciously invite our donors and supporters to continue partnering with us in cultivating safe, healing spaces for all of our youth and all members of our Hilltop Artists’ community.

Keynote Speaker, Lisa Keating

Lisa Keating serves as a Tacoma Public Schools Board Director. Lisa is also an LGBTQIA+ youth and family advocate, and the proud parent of a transgender child, Stella Keating. For over a decade, Lisa has worked to pass inclusive legislation and policies at the local, regional, and state level.

Lisa’s family are proud founding members of the GenderCool Project that began as a storytelling campaign and has turned into a global movement with a  simple mission: replacing misinformed opinions with positive experiences meeting transgender and non-binary youth who are thriving.

Lisa is a credentialed DEI facilitator and educator in number of topics, including LGBTQIA+ safety and inclusion, anti-racism, anti-bullying, and social emotional learning.

Lisa developed and facilitated My Purple Umbrella—a leadership program for elementary and middle school age students to empower them to change the culture and climate of their school community through team building, art, and community service. Lisa and her family deeply believe in the power of storytelling as a tool and a force for change.

Thank you to our sponsors!

2023 Benefactor Level

 
 

2023 Patron Level

 
 

2023 Artist Level

 
 

2023 Gaffer Level

 
 

2023 In-Kind Support

 
 

Our beautiful centerpieces were created in August 2023 at the Museum of Glass, during Hilltop Artists’ five day residency with the hot shop team.

Hilltop Artists students & alumni: Eddie, Lily, Kai, Aidan, Regan, Xavier, Addie, Kale, Lilith, Zach, Ethan, Annie, Jasmine, Ben, Oliver, Katie, Landon, Ellye, and Jack

Hilltop Artists teaching artists: Trenton, Luis, and Jessica

Museum of Glass team: Gabe, Sarah, Ben, Nick, and Kristin


LUNCHEON FAQs

Where do I Park?

There are multiple pay lots at and around the Hotel Murano. If you are able, we do recommend trying out the downtown Tacoma Link Light Rail T-Line. The Light Rail is now operating through an extended service area (From St. Joseph’s Medical Center through the Hilltop Neighborhood, Downtown Tacoma, to the Tacoma Dome Station.

What is the most accessible entrance to the Bicentennial Pavilion?

There is an accessible entrance to the Pavilion from Market Street. If you need access to this entrance, please send us an email so we can help you in!

How do I check in at the Luncheon?

We’ll have a series of tables with name tags, just walk on up and we’ll help you find your tag.

How do I participate in the Silent Auction?

Make sure you are registered for the auction here. You may begin bidding on items October 6th. Bidding closes at 11:55 AM, October 10th so we recommend registering ahead of the event.

What’s for Lunch?

We will accommodate for our guests’ dietary needs and enjoy a hearty kale salad: chicken for the those who eat meat, and tofu for those who don’t.