The Cause
100% of net proceeds from tickets, auction, and sponsorships support the Chandler Walker Gayton Memorial Fund — directed by his family.
An Evening of Legacy
A celebratory fundraiser honoring the life and legacy of Chandler Walker Gayton — a cowboy-themed evening of moonshine, live auctions, and the people who loved him.
- Date
- Saturday, December 5, 2026
- Venue
- D-Squared · Airport Way, Seattle, WA
- Dress Code
- Black Tie Western
In Loving Memory
A life lived wide open, and the people he gathered.
Chandler Walker Gayton lived thirty-four years the way most of us only dream — fully, generously, with a laugh that filled a room and a handshake that meant something. He was a son, a brother, a partner, a friend, and a steady presence to a wide circle of people who showed up for each other.
On December 5th, his family and closest friends are throwing the kind of evening Chandler would have thrown himself: cowboy hats, moonshine, a live auction, and a band that won't quit. Every dollar raised will support the causes Chandler stood for — and the family carrying his memory forward.
Come dressed for the occasion. Come ready to tell a story.
The Evening
Open bar curated by Pacific Northwest distillers, dinner under string lights, a live auction full of one-of-one experiences, and a band that knows the songs.
The Legacy
An ongoing memorial to a friend, a son, a brother, a partner. The night writes the next chapter — your seat is part of it.
What to Expect
An evening built the way he would have built it.
Four anchors hold the night together. Each is a reason to be there — and a reason this fundraiser will fund what comes next.
01 · Atmosphere
Cowboy & Candlelight
Black tie western dress code. Boots, brims, and string lights under the rafters at D-Squared.
02 · Live Auction
One-of-One Experiences
Hand-picked travel, hunts, hospitality, and Chandler-coded experiences donated by family and friends.
03 · Open Bar
The Moonshine Bar
Open all evening. Curated by local Pacific Northwest distillers — small-batch pours, wide-cut conversation.
04 · Live Music
Songs He'd Sing Loudly
A live band from 7:30 onward. Country, classics, and the few he made everyone learn the words to.
No assigned seats inside the Moonshine Bar. The dance floor opens after the live auction closes.
“The room he walked into was always a little warmer for it.” — Family of Chandler
Hosts & Honorees
The voices holding the room.
Chandler Walker Gayton
In Memoriam · 1990–2024
Carmen Gayton
Mother
Carver Gayton
Father
Atif Saad
Sponsorships Director, Close Friend of Chandler
Nate Koweda
Close Friend
Joshua Jackai
Close Friend
Board of Advisors
Counsel & conscience of the Fund.
A small council of mentors, family friends, and longtime allies guiding the work the Chandler Walker Gayton Memorial Fund takes on, year over year.
Saturday, December 5, 2026
The order of the night.
Doors at 6:00 PM at D-Squared on Airport Way. The room stays open until midnight. Below — the rough shape of the evening.
6:00 PM
Doors Open · Welcome at D-Squared
Step inside under string-light glow. Boots greeted. Brims tipped. Welcome drinks poured.
6:30 PM
Moonshine Hour · Bar & Silent Auction Preview
Local distillers pour small-batch flights. Silent auction lots open for early bidding around the room.
7:15 PM
Welcome from the Family
A short word from Carmen and Carver Gayton — what tonight is for, and how to make the most of it.
7:30 PM
Dinner & Live Music Begins
Family-style dinner under the lights. The band opens with a set of slow burners and crowd-favorites.
8:30 PM
Keynote · Atif Saad
A close friend on the legacy Chandler is leaving behind, and the work the memorial fund is taking on next.
9:00 PM
Live Auction · Hosted by Nate Koweda & Joshua Jackai
One-of-one experiences only. Travel, hunts, dinners, and a few items only this room will recognize.
10:00 PM
Toast & Dance Floor Opens
A toast led by family. The floor opens, the band picks up the tempo, and the night belongs to the room.
12:00 AM
Last Call
D-Squared closes. We hope you've made a memory worth keeping.
Reserve Your Seat
Three ways to join the room.
Every ticket directly supports the Chandler Walker Gayton Memorial Fund. Limited seats — reserve early.
General Admission
Legacy Pass
$150
- Event entry & printed program
- Moonshine welcome drink
- Silent & live auction participation
- Commemorative keepsake
VIP Experience
Chandler's Table
$350
- Reserved front-row seating
- Open bar all evening
- Meet & greet with the family
- Priority live auction access
- Engraved legacy memento
Corporate Sponsor
Patron Table
$1,500
- Table of 10 guests
- Logo on event materials
- All VIP perks included
- Speaking opportunity
In Generous Partnership
Sponsors & supporting partners.
Briarwood & Co. Founding Sponsor
Saddle Creek Distillers Spirits Partner
D-Squared Events Venue Partner
Cascade Land & Cattle Patron
Westland Auctions Auction Partner