We Belong Gala
Friday, October 24th, 2025
Upper Gwinn Commons
3307 3rd Ave W | Seattle, WA 98119
An inspiring evening celebrating powerful stories of resilience and hope, hosted by Emmy Award winning news anchor, entertainer, and auctioneer, Matt Lorch. With special music featuring Parfait Bassalé — acclaimed cultural strategist, singer-songwriter, and author
Doors Open & Silent Auction - 5:30
Dinner & Program - 6:30
Each fall, we come together as a community to celebrate our shared commitment to welcoming, rooting, and empowering refugees and other immigrants.
This year, our gala will feature an in-person auction with a curated selection of experiences and items designed to help showcase the beauty and vibrancy of our Western Washington communities.
Join us in creating lasting impact on our new neighbors as we build a future where we all belong.
Host and Auctioneer: Matt Lorch
We’re pleased to introduce Matt Lorch as the host and auctioneer for this year’s We Belong Gala. A three-time Emmy Award–winning storyteller, Matt brings his signature energy and heart to every event he leads.
After an accomplished career as a news anchor and reporter in major markets including Seattle, Boston, Miami, and Baltimore, Matt now devotes his talents to helping nonprofit organizations inspire and engage their communities. He’s hosted and auctioneered for dozens of organizations across the Pacific Northwest—raising millions of dollars for causes ranging from healthcare and education to inclusion and environmental conservation.
A Pacific Northwest native and University of Washington graduate, Matt’s commitment to serving others runs deep. As the parent of a child with intellectual and physical disabilities, he is a passionate advocate for individuals with special needs. His authenticity and dynamic presence make every moment memorable—and help transform generosity into impact.
We’re honored to have Matt bring his expertise, warmth, and storytelling to the We Belong Gala stage.
Special Music: Parfait Bassalé
We’re thrilled to welcome Parfait Bassalé to this year’s We Belong Gala. A cultural strategist, singer-songwriter, and author, Parfait helps people and organizations reimagine the “Other” through the power of friendship, story, and song. Born in West Africa, shaped by a life between nations, and fueled by faith, his work weaves together leadership development, belonging frameworks, conflict transformation, and the healing power of music.
Parfait holds a Master’s in Conflict Resolution from Portland State University and has guided numerous state agencies, boards, nonprofits, and private-sector organizations through diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. He served as Executive Diversity Officer at South Puget Sound Community College—leading equity initiatives that fostered belonging and narrowed achievement gaps—and currently co-chairs Olympia’s Social Justice and Equity Commission while serving on multiple nonprofit boards.
We’re honored to have Parfait bring his expertise, artistry, and heart for belonging to the We Belong Gala stage.
Keynote Speaker: Medard Ngueita Executive Director
We’re honored to have Medard Ngueita, Executive Director of World Relief Western Washington, to this year’s We Belong Gala. Medard’s connection with World Relief began in 2007 when he and his family arrived from Chad as asylees. Experiencing World Relief’s services first-hand shaped his passion for welcoming and empowering vulnerable populations.
After beginning his career in the hospitality industry, Medard followed his heart for service and joined World Relief as an employee just five years later. Over the past eleven years, he has gained deep expertise in refugee resettlement and held positions of increasing responsibility — including Donations Coordinator, Housing Coordinator, Resettlement Manager, and Resettlement Director.
Today, as Executive Director, Medard oversees the Kent, Bellingham, and Olympia offices, leading a team of over 100 employees representing more than 18 countries. His journey from program participant to organizational leader reflects the very mission of World Relief: welcoming the stranger and building communities of belonging.
Get Involved
Interested in getting more involved? Check out opportunities to sponsor the Gala, donate an auction item, or volunteer at the event. If you have any other questions, email wrwwdevelopment@wr.org.
Thank You to our 2025 Gala Sponsors!
Thank You to our 2025 Gifts in Kind Donors!
