On the night of Friday, October 3, our Youngstown Cultural Arts Center was filled with excitement and the unmistakable energy of a community coming together for change. Destination Delridge, DNDA’s signature annual fundraiser, brought together 129 attendees for an unforgettable evening celebrating community and collective action. This year’s theme, Rooted in Resilience, honored the strength of the Delridge community and the shared commitment to building a thriving and inclusive neighborhood through arts, nature, and affordable housing.
The evening was filled with advocates, community partners, and people from Delridge who love and believe in this work just like we do. This was a space to celebrate resilience, share our story, and raise the funds we need to keep growing a thriving Delridge. DNDA wouldn’t have been able to make this fun and magical night without the support of our community.
From a fun Raise the Paddle and thrilling raffle that inspired generosity and excitement to a delectable buffet meal that finished in a vibrant Dessert Dash, the evening was full of unforgettable experiences. Artist Jonarra Swanson captured the audience with a live painting while Delridge residents, leaders in affordable housing, and city officials participated in thoughtful panel discussions. Our panelists included Councilmember Rob Saka, Jaebadiah S. Gardner, and Faven Berhe. DNDA Board President Shannon Woodard was our moderator while Tiernan Madorno was the emcee for the vibrant evening. All our panelists have made a significant impact on housing and equity in Seattle over the years. To read more about each of the panelists, head to our Instagram or Facebook. Local wine favorite T₂Cellar was showcased at the open beer and wine bar, while DJ Zen’s energetic dance party brought the evening to a happy conclusion.
Destination Delridge, Rooted in Resilience would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors and vendors. We want to give a huge thank you to Nucor, our title sponsor, as well as Sound Transit, Seattle Public Utilities, and SMR. Your contributions helped us create a space where neighbors, artists, youth, and advocates could come together to celebrate what makes Delridge so special and invest in building a dynamic Delridge future. Together, we raised an incredible $64,632 to support DNDA’s essential work in affordable housing, community-based arts programming, and nature stewardship. We also want to give a shoutout to our event partners: Vandalf Catering and West Seattle Chamber of Commerce (decorations and catering), Goated Photography, T2Cellars, Jonarra Swanson, and DJ Zen.
Destination Delridge 2025 was more than an event, but it was a reminder of who we are as a community. “Rooted” means grounded in our history, connected to each other, and committed to growing a stronger, more vibrant Delridge for generations to come. Thank you for showing up, giving generously, and standing with us in this work.
We are Delridge. And we are Rooted in Resilience.
-Written by DNDA’s Youngstown Operations and Events Director, Reneeka Massey-Jones
