Thank you for Making The Evening of Insight 2025 Fundraising Event a HUGE Success!
Our Evening of Insight 2025 fundraising event was a HUGE Success!!! What an amazing, fun and insightful evening we had, and we can’t wait for the 8th Annual EOI 2026 event. We want to say thank you to YOU…our Sponsors, Donors, Guests, Board Members, Speakers, Hosts, Volunteers and Staff Team members for making this event our best fundraiser yet! We are abundantly grateful for your support and your generosity, which will enable us to further our programs’ mission and message within our schools and communities.
Next year will be ATOU’s 30th Anniversary, and we would love all of YOU to come celebrate with us at next year’s Evening of Insight 2026 event.
ATOU’s Evening of Insight 2025 fundraising event was hosted by Meghan Adamski, ATOU Executive Director, and Freddie Silveria, emcee and auctioneer with FSA Auctions.
Visit Freddie at www.FSAauctions.com and @FSAauctions on Facebook to learn more about his expertise and how he might help your organization.
TESTIMONIALS
Renee C. Gloudeman
Retired Commercial Lines Underwriter
A Touch of UnderstandingEOI 2025 –
“I have volunteered with A Touch of Understanding for several years now. I have been attending the “An Evening of Insight” fundraisers as a volunteer and with my husband and friends. It is one thing to read about what this organization does, but being at the fundraisers and hearing first hand from the teachers and students how ATOU has softened the hearts of the children is very emotional. Seeing how the students gain empathy for others that are different from them is extremely heartwarming.
I go to different businesses to ask for donations. During this time I am able to tell business owners what ATOU does. Teaching empathy, inclusion and this also helps with anti bullying. I have repeated some of the stories I have heard at the ATOU fundraiser. There are times I can’t get through it without starting to tear up. There are so many types of disabilities, those we can see and those that are invisible. ATOU brings all of these to light. Showing children that all people should be treated the same. We could all learn from this.”
Shelbi Franz
Lambert Funeral Home
A Touch of UnderstandingEOI 2025 –
“I had the privilege of attending “Evening of Insight.” It was a fantastic experience for an even more amazing cause. Attending the event opened my eyes to the impact that A Touch of Understanding Inc. has on our youth and community. I look forward to attending a workshop this year. Thank you ATOU!”
Cheryl Marcell
Stand Up Placer
A Touch of UnderstandingEOI 2024 –
“This was my first Evening of Insights event, and I can’t tell you how impressed I was with the entire event. Not only was it impeccably organized, but the impact stories that were shared were heartwarming! I was especially surprised by the demonstration of how someone who has autism hears the world and how difficult that is for them. I have two friends with autistic children, and I understand them so much more now after spending the evening with A Touch of Understanding. Thank you for making such a positive contribution in our community.”
Rick and Mary Wurster
ATOU Supporters & EOI Committee Volunteers
A Touch of UnderstandingEOI 2024 –
“My wife and I have attended the Evening of Insight for several years, and we keep coming back because it just gets better and better. The inspiration provided by the speakers, always reminds us about the important things in life. Truly motivational! And I have to say each year we are also impressed by the creative ways the staff invents to make the guests experience an example of what these children deal with on a daily basis. No other fundraiser compares. It is an interactive event full of compassion and lots of fun!”
Jeff Holden
The Non Profit Podcast Network
A Touch of UnderstandingEOI 2024 –
“What a night to remember! My inaugural experience at the ATOU “Evening of Insights” went way beyond impressive. From the moment I witnessed cakes fetching hundreds of dollars in spirited auctions, (I concur with chocolate winning the bidding!) I knew it was going to be an extraordinary evening of fundraising. What more could one expect from the charismatic efforts of Freddie Silviera, an auctioneer known for captivating the crowd? The wonderful cuisine elevated the entire experience. It’s always a plus when the caliber of dining goes way beyond the expectation.
Yet, it wasn’t just the sumptuous treats or the magnetic energy of the attendees that left an indelible mark on me; it was the poignant stories shared from the stage and the unexpected connections made that evening. Reconnecting with past acquaintances, stumbling upon newfound supporters and engaging in meaningful conversations with like-minded individuals underscored the profound impact of the event.
What truly set this evening apart, however, was the thought-provoking table activity that challenged us to experience firsthand the struggles of dyslexia. This immersive encounter didn’t just stay confined to the event; it followed me home, sparking numerous conversations and countless introductions to the remarkable work of ATOU.
My heartfelt congratulations to Megan, Roxanne and the entire ATOU team, volunteers and participants for orchestrating an event that transcends mere fundraising. You provided a journey of enlightenment and empathy. “Insights” indeed lives up to its name. Thank you for your tireless dedication and for illuminating the path towards inclusivity and understanding at so many levels.”
Darlene Cullivan
The Gathering Inn
A Touch of UnderstandingEOI 2023 –
“When one is invited to gain insight, increase understanding and broaden one’s perspective, growth occurs – at any age! That’s what makes ATOU’s Evening of Insight so uniquely special. I was honored to participate and join such a tremendous organization’s efforts to educate and inspire. A Touch of Understanding strengthens communities as it provides youth, and all of us really, with the ability to welcome people of all abilities, remove blindfolds, and see with new eyes!”
Drisha Leggitt
Drisha Leggitt & Company Communications
A Touch of UnderstandingEOI 2023 –
“Thanks and “way to go!” to Roxanne Snyder and the entire A Touch of Understanding staff and volunteers for hosting a fun and illuminating fundraiser: “An Evening of Insight!” (EOI)
The EOI event was not just about raising money; it was also about raising first person awareness of experiencing a disability. In our case, the guests donned blindfolds to explore what it might be like to eat a meal without sight.
Hint: It wasn’t easy!!
The magnificent Darlene O’Brien, ATOU inspirational speaker and long-time ATOU Board member, successfully guided us through the meal while sharing her own experiences of life with blindness.]
The meal was outstanding; although, I confess I ended up eating most of it with my fingers!
Then, the ever amazing Freddie Silveria helped ATOU raise a ton of money through his enthusiastic auctioning skills – Mark Luhdorff and I were happy and proud to support the event and ATOU’s important mission.
ATOU has been helping children understand, appreciate and respect one another, despite differences for over 25 years. A Touch of Understanding provides disability awareness programs designed to educate a new generation to understand and empathize with the challenges associated with disabilities; and to accept and respect all individuals.
Thanks again, Winnie Comstock-Carlson for inviting us to join the Comstock’s magazine table; and way to go, ATOU team for executing an outstanding event that made us love and respect the organization even more!”