Get ready to show off colorful spring finery with fancy hats and bow ties as the gates fly open at this year’s Kentucky Derby-inspired 13th Annual Gala Dinner and Auction hosted by A Step Ahead in Pierce County (ASAPC).
Join the ‘Winner’s Circle’ on Saturday, May 21, starting at 5 p.m. at Silver Cloud Hotel Tacoma at Point Ruston Waterfront.
Similar to the ‘Garland of Roses’ whose center crown is symbolic of the struggle and heart needed to reach the ‘Winner’s Circle,’ fundraising events like this one help ASAPC support families of children ages 0-3 with developmental delays or disabilities in much the same way.
Through the generous backing of community members, donors, and sponsors like this year’s title sponsor, Genuine Auto Glass, the CARES Fund enables ASAPC to bear the cost of services so that families from all over the Puget Sound Region can receive the support they need, regardless of their ability to pay.
“We have been fortunate over the years to have sponsors from the community that has really stepped up to take an active role in supporting our program,” says Executive Director for A Step Ahead in Pierce County David Pozolinski. “Genuine Auto Glass is one whose contributions continue to make a difference in so many ways.”
In fact, Genuine Auto Glass has played a significant role in supporting the program for many years. Helping others succeed is one of the company’s core values.
Founded by company President John Perkins in 2001, along with Vice-Presidents Bill Goodnight and Jeff Crane, the team has become the largest independent vendor in Washington, with seven stores located throughout to state.
But the trio’s story goes back even further. It was the mid-1980s when they first worked together at a different company. Staying in touch over the years eventually brought them back together again, along with over three decades of experience, to the current operation.
“We’ve been in the business together for a long time,” says Vice-President Jeff Crane. “We’ve learned that in order to succeed, we have to help others succeed. We’ve all managed stores before becoming owners, and partners and, in doing so, have come to the conclusion that we’re only as good as the people around us. That in itself is the garland of roses.”
Another core value that speaks to Genuine Auto Glass’s longevity and success is their work ethic. Working hard and struggling through life’s pitfalls and hurdles has brought them to where they are today. This, combined with a strong sense of responsibility to give back to the community, is why Genuine Auto Glass supports organizations like A Step Ahead.
“We’ve put in a fair amount of hard work over the years, but it doesn’t compare with what the kids and the families at A Step Ahead are going through,” says Genuine Auto Glass Vice-President Bill Goodnight. “That’s the real heart — they’re the real fighters. We’re just happy that we’ve been fortunate enough that we can help and be associated with organizations like them.”
From giving area children backpacks and coats to helping other non-profits like Dream Missions get supplies to orphanages in other countries, they are involved in various initiatives. Genuine Auto Glass also supports the local JBLM community, offering free services to active-duty military.
The same sentiments in how they treat their customers are echoed in how they treat their employees, always willing to do more than many of their competitors.
When people have problems, they are there to help, “We really circle the wagons here for our people,” says Crane.
The company has a number of families that work in-house, like husband-and-wife teams and even some of their own family members. Leslie Perkins, wife of Genuine Auto Glass President John Perkins, has a large and active role as the company’s Financial Controller.
For A Step Ahead Board of Directors member, and auction CFO Aaron ‘Curly’ Bakewell, working with event sponsors like Genuine Auto Glass in preparation for the upcoming Derby makes his job a little easier.
“Each year that I’ve been here, they’ve had a major role,” says Bakewell. “But they don’t do it for the recognition, even though they deserve a lot of recognition. Not only do they provide a significant financial contribution, but they also fill many of the seats at our events.”
Bakewell, involved since 2018 after his daughter graduated from the program, spends a great deal of time giving back himself, along with his wife, Patricia.
Each has taken on various roles within the annual fundraiser and organization, one they wholeheartedly believe in, knowing first-hand the difference it makes.
“Our daughter taught us how to fight the right way and how to have the courage not to give up,” says Bakewell in what he explains is his ‘garland of roses.’ “We struggle and fight to make sure she is taken care of and being advocated for. A Step Ahead made that really easy for us.”
A common thread between the Bakewells, Genuine Auto Glass, and A Step Ahead are consistently having the courage to face any trial and the heart needed to carry on and arrive at the ‘winner’s circle.’
This year’s event is sure to be a memorable occasion at the luxurious Silver Cloud Hotel, where guests can make their own ‘run for the roses’ by participating in derby-themed activities.
Join the fun with a Dessert Dash — race for a chance to grab treats from the dessert table for the right price or take a gamble on a game of Heads or Tails, to name a few, followed by an exciting after-party featuring Rockfish and Friends.
When all is said and done, everyone will reach the ‘winner’s circle’ together for their own garland of roses.
The Derby gates open at 5 p.m. Purchase tickets today for an inspirational and unforgettable evening with A Step Ahead in Pierce County on Saturday, May 21.
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