THE EVENING'S EXPERIENCE

As you arrive, be greeted by a breathtaking sight—three towering hot air balloons glowing against the night sky. Their brilliant colors and soft illumination set the stage for an unforgettable evening, creating a warm and whimsical welcome that promises the night ahead will be just as dazzling, and setting the stage for "You Raise Me Up"! Every detail has been designed to ensure a luxurious yet meaningful experience, reminding you that the event's grandeur has a deeper purpose—fighting food insecurity in our community. 

Begin the evening with a warm welcome at our Social Hour, where guests can mingle, sip, and savor before the night’s main events unfold. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails, wine and music by Jazz for Good, while connecting with friends, colleagues, and community leaders. It’s the perfect time to relax, explore the silent and live auction displays, and set the tone for an unforgettable evening of celebration and purpose.

We are thrilled to welcome abstract artist Avery Forton to the 2025 Feed Lee’s Summit gala. Specializing in acrylic paints and photo fusion, Avery describes his work as “colorful nonsense”—where bold palettes, layered textures, and abstract forms spark imagination and invite each viewer to see something unique.

At live painting events, Avery thrives on the energy of creating in the moment and connecting with guests. He especially enjoys hearing what others discover in his work, often finding inspiration in their fresh perspectives.

Throughout the evening, Avery will be painting live, and at the end of the night, his finished piece will be featured in our live auction—a chance to take home not just a work of art, but a memory of this special night.

(Artwork shown is "The Cherry Tree".)

Born and raised in Kansas City, Chef Matt Cross is no stranger to the restaurant world. Growing up, he watched his father own and operate several local establishments, and soon found himself in the kitchen—prepping ingredients, cooking from scratch, and developing a passion for creating food that brings people together. That passion lives on today through Matthew’s Catering, where Chef Matt and his team are dedicated to crafting fresh, flavorful menus that turn every occasion into a memorable experience. We are delighted to partner with Matthew’s Catering for this year’s gala and look forward to sharing his culinary talents with you this evening. It’s a celebration of local flavors, all while supporting a cause that feeds our community.

 The Silent Auction at the Feed Lee’s Summit Gala features an exceptional collection of exclusive items, one-of-a-kind experiences, and unique treasures. From dazzling jewelry to coveted sports memorabilia, each item has been thoughtfully curated to delight and inspire. As you explore the elegant displays, place your bids, and watch the friendly competition unfold, remember—every bid brings us one step closer to ending food insecurity in our community. The higher you go, the greater your impact, helping provide nourishing meals for families right here in Lee’s Summit.

 The Live Auction is the centerpiece of the evening—where the energy is high, the competition is spirited, and the impact is extraordinary. Guided by our dynamic auctioneer, you’ll have the chance to bid on high-end experiences, VIP getaways, and exclusive packages available only at the Feed Lee’s Summit Gala.

Raise your paddle, join the excitement, and know that every bid not only brings you closer to an unforgettable prize, but also helps provide vital meals for families in need. Together, we can turn the thrill of bidding into lasting change for our community.

The celebration doesn’t end when the gala does! Join us for our inaugural After Party, where the lights go down and the energy keeps going. Enjoy late-night conversation and drinks as we continue the festivities in style next door at The Fillmore Cafe.

Don’t miss this exciting new tradition—because one night of celebration just isn’t enough!