TeenTix's 20th Anniversary Gala

On May 10, 2024, TeenTix celebrated a milestone 20th anniversary year at our annual Gala. Nearly 200 friends, fans, and champions joined us at Seattle Center’s Fisher Pavilion on a bustling Friday night on campus (a Melanie Martinez concert at Climate Pledge and multiple performances across the fountain) to fundraise for our mission centering arts access and youth empowerment.

In the theme of Prom 2004, we let nostalgia take hold of our imaginations and rolled out the red carpet photo booth, hand-made the corsages, decorated with various pop-culture 2004 moments, and spiked the punch (for those old enough to enjoy). The night was accompanied by an inspiring performance from Seattle Jazz Ed featuring three of their teen musicians who quite literally silenced the large room with smooth, wispy, and jazzy tunes.

TeenTix alum Tucker Cholvin led our evening as emcee with sweet stories about his experiences while in the New Guard, and Executive Director Monique Courcy and Board President Andre Gougisha shared excitement for all that’s happening at TeenTix now. Mathew Richter led an exciting and inspiring raise the paddle that made our hearts soar. It even inspired our youngest patron ever to raise their paddle over, and over, and over again!

We were thrilled to be joined by teen program participants who supported the Gala’s dance-off, raffle, TeenTix timeline, and TAP Storybooth activities. Teen Arts Podcast host, Blue, and member of the Teen Editorial Staff, Daphne, took to the stage to share the impact of arts access and leadership, sharing touching stories of their time with TeenTix. Program Alumni Katherine, Gaeb, Isabel, and Wendy reflected on how TeenTix opened doors for them they could confidently pursue in their careers.

As part of our 20th Anniversary celebrations this year, our community has been submitting quotes and stories from their time with TeenTix. These recollections truly demonstrate our impact within the region’s Arts and Cultural sector and are just a few among many others.

“Over the years, TeenTix has evolved far beyond merely providing accessible tickets for young people to attend arts events, but also offering youth centered writing and leadership programs and has become one of the best sources of arts journalism in the city!” (Kathy H, Office of Arts and Culture)

“Whenever my friends and I need something to do, I just check out the Newsletter and I am able to choose from a great selection of activities. So, thank you, TeenTix!” (Kayla S, TeenTix Alum)

“TeenTix gave me a right to show up at fancy theaters and see a show, because if the theater was willing to participate in TeenTix and sell me those discounted tickets, then the theater was also willing to let 14 year olds in their space without turning up their nose.” (Laura D, TeenTix Alum)

We are proud to announce that we raised $124,295 for our arts access and youth empowerment programs. In a year of expansion, growth, and celebration, this Gala inspired TeenTix supporters - from our youngest buddy to those who have been part of TeenTix since 2004 - and we are so grateful.

Our Time Capsule Gala: Prom 2004, was amazing because of the support from TeenTix super fans. In the crowd was TeenTix founder, the Seattle Center, who showed up as our Hosting Partner and showed out with a wonderful couple of energized tables. Our Honorary Prom Court was packed with the generous supporters Kenny and Marleen Alhadeff, Virginia Anderson, Erika Nesholm, Cathy Sarkowsky, Faye Sarkowsky, and Jane Zalutsky, who we celebrated for their ongoing commitment to TeenTix throughout the last 20 years. Additionally, we are forever grateful to our former Board President, Ariel Glassman, whose company Common Great sponsored the Gala (and brought the party). Thank you to Seattle Center Foundation, as well, who also showed up with a sponsorship and a table with unmatched energy. We could not have accomplished all that we did without the support of our in-kind sponsors; Alaska Airlines, Champion Party Supply, Future Primitive Brewing, Hand of God Wines, and Total Wine & More.

As Cholvin shared, “the TeenTix model works: Empowered teenagers become enthusiastic arts patrons as adults. And we know our world needs more of both!”

From all of us at TeenTix: THANK YOU.

Lead photo by Clark Rowan.