Gather is an intimate fall dinner for people who believe Kirkland’s future is worth investing in.
Around one long table, we’ll share a beautiful meal, meet interesting people, and support the work
that helps strengthen our community.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
6:00 PM · Copperworks Distilling · $200 per person
Interesting people.
Meaningful conversations.
A shared future.
Why Gather
Kirkland is shaped by people who choose to show up for it.
Gather brings those people together for an evening of connection, generosity, and possibility.
We’ll celebrate some of what is already happening in our community, share more about the work of
the Kirkland Community Foundation, and look ahead to what we can make possible together.
The Experience
About 100 people, one room, and a table designed for conversation and connection.
A three-course dinner from De la Soil, served family style.
Cocktails, appetizers, and a relaxed after-work evening at Copperworks Distilling.
A specialty cocktail inspired by Kathy Feek and created for Gather by Copperworks co-founder Jason Parker.
Kirkland favorite Barbie Applegate will keep the evening moving as our Master of Ceremonies.
No auction. Just a Raise the Paddle in support of the Foundation’s Catalyst Fund.
Meet Your Master of Ceremonies
A little heart, a lot of humor, and 36 years of Kirkland.
A Pacific Northwest comedian known for her quick wit, genuine warmth, and uncanny ability to make
just about anyone feel like they’ve known her for years, Barbie has performed throughout the region
and has had the pleasure of opening for acclaimed comedian Maria Bamford.
Barbie’s roots in Kirkland run deep — 36 years deep, to be exact. A former
Executive Director of the Kirkland Downtown Association and NAMI Eastside,
Barbie has spent decades building community, championing local organizations, and, apparently,
collecting board positions as a hobby.
She currently serves on the board of the Kirkland Performance Center and has served
on numerous other local boards and commissions. Whether she’s behind a microphone, around a board table,
or working a room, Barbie brings exactly the kind of heart, humor, and spontaneous energy we want around our long table.
Because apparently Kirkland needed its own cocktail.
Inspired by longtime Kirkland community champion Kathy Feek and created especially
for Gather by Copperworks co-founder Jason Parker, the Kirkland Kool-Aid
will make its debut at our long table.
Kirkland Community Foundation
We help generosity become meaningful local impact by serving as a convener, connector, and catalyst for Kirkland.
We work across the community with nonprofits, donors, businesses, residents, civic partners, and community leaders. That broad view helps us recognize needs, opportunities, and the connections that can move good work forward.
People want their giving to matter. We help connect what people care about with organizations, projects, ideas, and opportunities where generosity can make a meaningful difference.
Whether someone wants to give today, establish a fund, support a community project, or leave a legacy, the Foundation provides a way to invest in Kirkland for generations to come.
Why This Evening Matters
Gather is a fundraising event in support of the flexible operating dollars that make the Foundation’s community work possible.
Those dollars support nonprofit assistance, community convening, donor matchmaking, relationship building,
and the behind-the-scenes work that helps ideas and resources find the right place to land.
There is no auction. During the evening, guests will have the opportunity to participate in a
Raise the Paddle in support of the Catalyst Fund.
Reserve Your Place
Your ticket includes cocktails and appetizers, a three-course farm-to-table dinner from De la Soil,
hosted bar, the Kirkland Kool-Aid, and the full Gather experience.
$200
per person
Come as you are. Kirkland business casual.
Know Before You Go
Free parking is available onsite at Copperworks Distilling. There will also be a designated rideshare drop-off and pickup location. Additional arrival details will be included in your Know Before You Go email.
No. Gather is intentionally designed as a long-table dinner rather than a traditional gala. Guests will have an opportunity to participate in a Raise the Paddle in support of the Foundation’s Catalyst Fund.
Come as you are. Think Kirkland business casual: comfortable and polished. You do not need to dress for a gala. We might suggest saving the pickleball clothes for another day.
We will make every effort to seat you with members of your party. Part of the fun of Gather is also meeting interesting people you might not otherwise know, so we hope you’ll make room for a few new connections too.
Please share dietary restrictions, mobility needs, or accessibility requests when you register. We want Gather to be comfortable and welcoming and will work with you in advance whenever possible.
Our community is not something we simply inherit. Each generation has an opportunity to strengthen it,
care for it, and leave something meaningful behind.
Thank you to our Event Sponsor
Founded in 2014, the Kirkland Community Foundation is a local community foundation supporting nonprofits across Kirkland and the Eastside. We connect donors, nonprofits, and community priorities through grants, partnerships, and local giving that strengthen our parks, people, and shared future. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 46‑4931717), we invest in thriving nonprofits, visible community impact, and trusted local leadership.
KCF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit.
EIN 46-4931717
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