Blue Marble Bash 2023!

And that's a wrap on the FIUTS Blue Marble Bash 2023! We laughed, we gabbed, we ate delicious treats, and most importantly, we united in our passion for international community. It was a beautiful night at the Sunset Bay Lodge in Ballard, with the ocean, sky, and mountains creating a stunning backdrop.

More than 200 guests joined us for the event, including many new faces, and it was wonderful to see so many perspectives and diverse backgrounds coming together to celebrate. It's moments like these that remind us of the power of community and the importance of our work to connect students to our region and our region to the world.

From the incredible performance by Pei Zheng on her Guqin to the mouthwatering dessert dash, and the mesmerizing Alfredo Arreguín painting and tribute, the Blue Marble Bash was an event to remember. We laughed, we learned, and we left with hearts full of inspiration and motivation to continue making a difference.

But Blue Marble Bash wasn't just about having a good time - thanks to the incredible generosity of our attendees, we raised more than $50,000 to support FIUTS programs! If you missed the event and would like to add your contribution, you can make a one-time gift or sign up for monthly giving from https://www.fiuts.org/ways-to-give/.

Thank you to our student speakers Victor, Nico, Ardhra, and Sharon, and to all the student ambassadors, volunteers, Board of Trustees, and attendees who made this event a success. It's through their dedication and support that we were able to bring so many in our community together for an unforgettable experience. A special thanks to our corporate sponsors, who helped to ensure that contributions raised during the event support FIUTS programs: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Perfect Day Games, Insperity, Banner Bank, Morgan Stanley, and LendMe App. And thank you to our in-kind donors Plauzzable, Lake City Picture Framing, and Mighty-O Donuts and to all of the donors of our many silent auction items!

So until next year's Blue Marble Bash, let's continue to make a difference in our communities, spread kindness to those around us, and come together as a global community, with the aim of promoting peace on our beautiful blue marble, Earth. Together, we can make a difference.

A special note: We've got something exciting for all the art enthusiasts out there—the Online Art Auction has been extended until midnight on Tuesday, May 16! It's your chance to snag some incredible pieces and give your art collection or living room that perfect upgrade you've been dreaming of. So don't miss out—hurry over and place your bids before it's too late!