JOIN US FOR THE 2026 INVEST IN YOUTH BREAKFAST

May 7, 2026
Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue
7:30–9:00 AM

REGISTER AS TABLE HOST

General registration opens March 1.

ABOUT THE INVEST IN YOUTH BREAKFAST

Join us for a morning of inspiration, connection, and community at the YES Invest in Youth Breakfast. This heartwarming event brings together more than 800 community supporters, civic and business leaders, and mental health advocates who share a passion for helping young people and their families thrive.

By attending, you’ll help raise critical funds so children, youth, and families in our community can receive the mental health and substance use treatment they need, regardless of their ability to pay. Together, we aim to raise an ambitious $1 million to ensure that help is always within reach.

Now in its 35th year, the Invest in Youth Breakfast is Youth Eastside Services’ (YES) signature annual fundraiser, fueling life-changing programs and services for children, youth, and families across East King County.

This year’s event will feature heartfelt stories from young YES clients, updates on current youth mental health trends, and an inspirational conversation with Tim Gunn, host of Project Runway and a mental health advocate, moderated by longtime emcee Elisa Jaffe.

Together, we’ll celebrate hope and healing and build a brighter future for youth in our community.

WATCH PREVIOUS YEARS’ HIGHLIGHTS

PARTNER WITH US AS A SPONSOR

When you sponsor the Invest in Youth Breakfast, you’re doing more than supporting an event—you’re extending a lifeline to children, teens, and families who are struggling with mental health and substance use challenges.

Your partnership helps ensure that every dollar raised goes directly to life-changing counseling, treatment, and support services for those who need it most.

Each year, over 800 community champions, civic leaders, and corporate partners come together at the Breakfast to celebrate hope and healing. By partnering with YES as a sponsor, you show your genuine commitment to the well-being of Eastside youth and families while letting guests know that your company truly cares about making a difference in the community. You’ll align your brand with compassion, community, and impact, standing alongside others who believe that every young person deserves the chance to thrive.

DOWNLOAD OUR SPONSORSHIP PACKET

MEET OUR 2026 SPECIAL GUESTS

ELISA JAFFE – EMCEE

Elisa Jaffe is well known to both TV viewers and radio listeners in Western Washington, joining the KOMO News team in 1987. Now retired after over 35 years, Elisa was a field reporter, TV news anchor, host, and executive producer of KOMO’s daily television talk show Northwest Afternoon; a morning host on 570 KVI; and an anchor for drive time on KOMO News Radio. Elisa is enjoying retirement, and when she is not offering her skills to non-profits, she enjoys spending quality time with her family, traveling, painting, cooking, attending plays and concerts, and hanging with her three dogs and sassy-mouthed rescue parrot.

TIM GUNN – GUEST SPEAKER

Tim Gunn is an Emmy Award–winning host, author, and mentor best known for his work on Project Runway and Making the Cut, where he inspired millions with his warmth, wit, and signature encouragement to “make it work.” A lifelong educator, he spent nearly three decades at Parsons School of Design, helping shape the next generation of creative leaders. Tim is also a New York Times bestselling author whose most recent book, Tim Gunn: The Natty Professor: A Master Class on Mentoring, Motivating, and Making It Work, explores the art of leadership, empathy, and personal growth.

Beyond his professional achievements, Tim’s commitment to supporting young people comes from a deeply personal experience. As he’s shared publicly, he faced immense emotional challenges as a teenager and credits a caring counselor for helping him through one of the darkest times in his life. Today, he continues to advocate for compassion, authenticity, and mental health awareness, reminding us all that one supportive connection can truly change a life.

INSPIRE CHANGE, HOST A TABLE

As a Table Host, you’ll play a vital role in creating hope and opportunity for young people in our community. Invite your friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, or community partners to join you for a morning of inspiration and connection, all in support of youth mental health.

You can host a full table of 10 guests or a half table of 5. We’ll be with you every step of the way, providing a Table Host Packet full of helpful information, email and invitation templates to make outreach easy, and a curated table seating experience to ensure your guests feel welcome and inspired. Our team is always here to support you and make hosting a fun, meaningful, and enjoyable experience.

Table Hosts will also enjoy an exclusive opportunity to meet and take a photo with our special guest, Tim Gunn. Together, we’ll build connections that make an impact far beyond this event.

To learn more, contact Tanya at tanya.quaife@youtheastservices.org 

CANNOT ATTEND?

YOU CAN STILL MAKE AN IMPACT

We need your help to continue transforming the lives of East King County youth and families. Your donation will ensure that ALL children, youth, and families have access to critical mental health and substance use services and programs, regardless of their ability to pay.

Gifts of $500 or more will be matched dollar-for-dollar by our generous Champions for Youth Giving Circle Members.

MAKE A DONATION TODAY

CHAMPIONS FOR YOUTH GIVING CIRCLE MEMBERS

Thank you to our Champions for Youth Giving Circle Members!

This generous group of people have pooled their donations to offer a match incentive for the event.

Because of their generosity, donations of $500 or more will be matched dollar-for-dollar. This means that your $500 will become a $1000 donation that will help twice as many children and youth!

Learn more about YES’ Champions for Youth Giving Circle

OUR GENEROUS 2026 SPONSORS

Thank you to the generous sponsors who are underwriting the cost of this event so that every donation that is made will go directly to helping struggling children, youth, and families in East King County.

PRESENTING SPONSORS