Tag Archives: Charity Fundraiser

2025 Healing TREE Annual Gala Shines at The Players NYC

2025 Healing TREE Annual Gala Shines at The Players NYC

On October 18, 2025, the 10th annual Healing TREE Gala convened at The Players in New York City. This flagship fundraising event brought together stakeholders, supporters, survivors, and world-class talent under one roof to advance the mission of healing from trauma.

Venue & Atmosphere

The historic The Players mansion, an 1847 Gilded Age landmark, served as an elegant backdrop for the evening’s proceedings.
Guests entered via a red-carpet arrival, mingled during the VIP pre-reception at 6 PM, then proceeded into the main dinner and program at 7 PM. With creative-cocktail to black-tie attire, the vibe balanced glamour with purpose.

Program Highlights & Talent

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The gala’s entertainment lineup featured prominent performers and speakers:

  • N’Kenge (Tony/Emmy/Grammy nominee)
  • Christina Bianco (West End favourite)
  • John Magaro (film & TV actor: Past Lives, The Big Short)
  • Kevin Kilner (film actor: Raising Helen, Home Alone 3)
  • Additional talent: Mia Pinero, Pooya Mohseni, touring/recording artist Lila Blue, jazz ensemble Annie Hägg’s Hot Five, magician/mentalist Dan Winter, and author/train­er Dr. Jamie Marich.
    The program integrated performances, speeches, and a live auction of high-value items (e.g., signed guitars, NBA-legends basketballs, Broadway coaching experiences) to support the cause.

Mission & Impact

Healing TREE’s mission is to move beyond symptomatic coping for abuse survivors, focusing on true transformation. (Healing TREE)
The Gala is a key annual lever for funding their initiatives: EMDR/Brainspotting trainings, community education, expressive arts, and so on.
By gathering talent, donors, survivors and advocates in one space, the event amplifies awareness and fosters community.

Auction & Fundraising

The gala included an online auction opening October 11, covering exotic travel, limited-edition memorabilia, and therapeutic/self-care packages.
In-person components raised funds via ticket sales (general and VIP), sponsorship tiers (Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver) and the live portion of the auction. (Healing TREE)

Highlights & Takeaways

  • The gala celebrated its 10th anniversary, signifying a decade of the organisation’s high-profile fundraising. (Healing TREE)
  • The choice of The Players reflects a convergence of arts, culture and social impact in one venue.
  • High-profile performing artists and actors elevated the event’s visibility and appeal.
  • The dress code and format balanced formal gala tradition with creative-cocktail flexibility—accessible but elegant.
  • Funds raised will directly support Healing TREE’s trauma-treatment, education and expressive-arts programs.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Healing TREE Gala reaffirmed the power of combining artistic talent, philanthropic support and social purpose. Attendees left with more than a memorable evening—they contributed to meaningful healing work. The organization’s mission to transform society’s response to abuse and trauma gained momentum thanks to this successful event.

John & Traci Schneider Host ‘Prime Time’ Event

John & Traci Schneider Host ‘Prime Time’ Event at Lumen Field in Support of Ben’s Fund

Seattle Seahawks General Manager John Schneider and his wife Traci once again proved that football and philanthropy go hand in hand. On April 27, 2025, the couple hosted their annual “Prime Time” gala at Lumen Field, home of the Seahawks, in support of Ben’s Fund—an organization close to their hearts that provides financial support to families impacted by autism.

From the moment guests arrived, the night was set for something special. A bold blue carpet and custom step and repeat backdrop welcomed attendees—featuring the Ben’s Fund logo, sponsor emblems, and Seahawks branding. Designed for high-profile photo ops and media coverage, this backdrop created a professional and emotional focal point for the evening.

Ben’s Fund: A Legacy of Love and Support

Founded in 2012, Ben’s Fund was named after John and Traci’s son, Ben, who was diagnosed with autism at age three. The Schneiders launched the initiative in partnership with FEAT (Families for Effective Autism Treatment) of Washington to help other families navigate the challenges of raising children with autism.

The annual Prime Time event is the organization’s largest fundraiser and brings together Seattle’s sports, business, and philanthropic communities. To date, Ben’s Fund has provided over $5 million in grants, impacting thousands of families across the Pacific Northwest.

A Night of Community, Champions, and Cause

NFL stars past and present joined the Schneiders on the field-level event space, transformed into a glamorous lounge atmosphere. Attendees mingled under the stadium lights, posed for photos in front of high-quality fabric backwalls, and placed their bids during the charity auction—offering everything from luxury vacations to game-used memorabilia.

Behind the Scenes: Why Backdrops Matter

At an event like Prime Time, step and repeat backdrops play a major role in branding and storytelling. redcarpets.com supplied the event with a 10-foot-wide HopUp tension fabric display, built for quick setup and bold visibility. The pillowcase graphic featured vivid dye-sublimated colors and a seamless finish—perfect for press photos, red carpet interviews, and social media sharing.

Benefits of Using redcarpets.com Backdrops at Fundraisers and Galas:

  • Custom Graphics: Match your cause or sponsor branding
  • Quick Setup: Ideal for tight event schedules
  • Portable & Durable: Reuse across multiple events
  • Available in 8ft, 10ft, 20ft & 30ft sizes
  • Made in the USA

Whether you’re planning a nonprofit gala, corporate mixer, or VIP event at a sports stadium, our fabric step and repeat backdrops elevate your space and make a lasting impression.

Closing Thoughts

The “Prime Time” fundraiser at Lumen Field wasn’t just a success—it was a celebration of community, inclusion, and the power of purpose-driven events. Thanks to John and Traci Schneider’s continued leadership and the generosity of supporters, Ben’s Fund is transforming lives one family at a time.

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