Kicking off in the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, our Galaxy Gala was an event that lived up to its promise: being out of this world! It was a high-energy night that brought together more than 650 members across the broad spectrum of the tech industry. From engineers and innovators to chief executives and entrepreneurs, the inaugural event showcased the caliber of our members and the breadth of opportunities to make connections among the most influential players in tech.

Valerie Harvath joined the party as a new WTIA member. She is an account executive at Cloutera, an on-demand recruiting services company founded just last year. Right out the gate Cloutera needed connections and access. Valerie, who is new to the tech industry said, “This is a great way for us to get immediate value from our WTIA membership.” Compared to other associations and mixers she added, “WTIA is ahead of the curve, especially in hosting special and memorable events like this.”

There’s little doubt the Galaxy Gala was not your average fundraiser. Why? It offered unique bids on rare opportunities: access to top industry leaders. Among the items on offer:

• A two-hour business planning and career consulting session with Jeff Wilke, CEO Worldwide Consumer, Amazon.com
• Happy hour with Amy Bohutinsky and VPs for HR and Product teams, Zillow
• A sunset sail on Puget Sound for 8 with Tom Alberg, Madrona Venture Group
• A racetrack ride with Heather Redman and her VC partners, Flying Fish Partners

“We are the human version of LinkedIn,” said Michael Schutzler, CEO of WTIA. “How often do you get to hang out with the brainpower of Zillow, Amazon, ReachNow and other angel investors? There is a tremendous level of success in this city and we’ve lined up opportunities most don’t get to have.”

We couldn’t miss Richard Lock, the president and CEO of DataWeb, a Seattle cloud solution databased firm supporting a portfolio of global clients. Richard, a distinguished, tall man with massive enthusiasm and energy, has great excitement and appreciation for WTIA events such as the Galaxy Gala. “I am here to make connections with other players like me, other software providers and find great talent to continue to grow this great industry,” he said.

“Pay it forward” was the theme behind the evening’s asks. By tapping into the generosity and support of tech industry mavericks, the night’s events culminated in a resounding win-win-win. For women, minorities, and veterans, it offers a life-changing opportunity. For the tech industry, it represents important strides toward closing the talent gap. For the winning bidder – a one-on-one meeting and brainstorming session with world-renowned industry game changers. Total funds raised topped $125,000 – but the promise and potential are priceless.

“Our people are connected to almost every CFO in the city,” Schutzler added, “We have influential connections and if you need an entré, we are your bridge.”

Adriana Neagu, CEO of the new startup Formotus, is happy to have access to that bridge. “We are excited to be here to support the WTIA,” she said of being at the Galaxy Gala. “And we are looking forward to a long association.”