Volunteer: Gala Chair [Seattle]
Location: Seattle, WA
Reports to: Community Engagement Team and Co-CEO
Commitment: Approx. 6–8 hours/month (November, 2026 through March, 2027)
About the Gala:
Each year, Upaya's Annual Gala welcomes nearly 200 guests from across the Puget Sound region for an unforgettable evening of inspiring stories, meaningful connections, and transformational philanthropy. The Gala has become one of Seattle's most compelling social impact events, raising critical funding to help entrepreneurs create dignified jobs across India.
Event Date: Friday, March 5, 2027
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM (Expected)
Location: Westin Bellevue, Bellevue, WA
Role Overview:
Become the volunteer leader of Upaya Social Ventures' signature fundraising gala—an inspiring evening that brings together business leaders, philanthropists, entrepreneurs, and changemakers to create opportunity for families living in extreme poverty.
Key Responsibilities:
Shape the Vision. Partner with Upaya's leadership team to set the tone for the evening, inspire the volunteer gala committee (5-10 individuals), and help create an exceptional guest experience.
Fundraising & Outreach: Invite friends, colleagues, and corporate partners to join the evening through sponsorships, table hosting, and introductions that expand Upaya's community.
Auction Support: Curate memorable experiences by helping to identify auction packages, travel experiences, and one-of-a-kind items that excite guests and maximize fundraising.
Ambassadorship: Share the story of Upaya’s impact—from goat farming in rural Odisha to sustainable enterprises across India—to inspire giving and engagement.
Why Become the Gala Chair:
Lead one of Seattle's most inspiring nonprofit fundraising events.
Work alongside Upaya's Board, Co-CEOs, and a passionate volunteer committee.
Expand your network among business, philanthropic, and civic leaders.
Develop leadership and fundraising experience while creating measurable global impact.
See firsthand how entrepreneurship is transforming lives for families living in extreme poverty.
Who You Are:
Enjoys bringing people together around meaningful causes.
Has relationships within the Seattle business, philanthropic, or professional community.
Is excited to champion Upaya's mission and help grow its community.
Previous fundraising or event leadership is a plus but not required.
Make an Impact:
Help us build on 15+ years of success as we continue to invest in enterprises that transform lives. Your leadership will directly support our catalytic investments and dignified job creation. Upaya's experienced staff will manage event logistics, vendor coordination, communications, and operations so you can focus on leadership, community building, and helping us grow support for our mission.
How to Apply:
Help shape an evening that inspires generosity, builds community, and creates life-changing economic opportunities for thousands of families. If you love connecting people around a purpose that matters, we'd love to talk with you.
Please email a brief introduction about yourself, your resume or LinkedIn profile, and any relevant experience in community building, fundraising, philanthropy, volunteer leadership, or professional networking to giving@upayasv.org with the subject line "Gala Chair - Seattle"
About Upaya Social Ventures:
Upaya Social Ventures is an award-winning, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to fight poverty with dignified jobs. We are building an inclusive economy by investing in and supporting early-stage businesses that create safe, stable, inclusive, and rewarding jobs for people living in extreme poverty in India. Since 2011, Upaya’s enterprise partners have created over 110,000 dignified jobs, proving that when dignity drives growth, impact scales sustainably.