In Memoriam · 1990 to 2024

An Evening of Legacy

A celebratory fundraiser honoring the life and legacy of Chandler Walker Gayton, a seated dinner, raise the paddle, a dance floor open late, and the people who loved him.

Reserve Your Place See Ticket Options

Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026
Venue: 4105 Airport Way S, Seattle, WA 98108
Dress Code: Western black tie. Boots welcome.

In Loving Memory

A life lived wide open, and the people he gathered.

On December 5th, his family and closest friends are throwing the kind of evening Chandler would have thrown himself: boots, a seated dinner, raise the paddle, and a dance floor that stays open late. Every dollar raised will support the causes Chandler stood for, and the family carrying his memory forward.

Come in Western black tie. Come ready to tell a story.

Reserve your place

The Cause

This year, a portion of the proceeds goes to Homestead Community Land Trust, where Chandler served on the Board of Delegates: affordable homeownership in King County.

The Evening

Cocktails, a seated dinner for 280, the program, raise the paddle with auctioneer Gee Scott of KIRO, and dancing. Elevated, never stuck up.

The Legacy

An ongoing memorial to someone we always want to be remembered. The night writes the next chapter, and 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. Order and timing are a draft until the run of show is final in November.

A figure in a cowboy hat standing in a golden field at dusk

01 · Atmosphere

Boots & Black Tie

Western black tie, boots welcome. Black excellence in boots: elevated, never stuck up. 280 of Chandler’s people at one seated dinner at 4105 Airport Way S.

A wooden auction gavel resting on a soundboard

02 · Raise the Paddle

Gee Scott Leads the Room

Auctioneer Gee Scott of KIRO leads the raise the paddle. A wine pull, a raffle and an auction round out the giving.

Glassware set out on a dark bar top in the lounge

03 · Chandler’s Bunkhouse

The Lounge Off the Main Room

A VIP reception before dinner for our top tables, then open to all. Wine and the signature cocktails pour at the bar all evening.

A guitarist performing under stage lights at night

04 · After Party

The Dance Floor Opens

Closing remarks, then the floor opens and stays open late. The Bunkhouse stays open too.

Every guest has an assigned seat at dinner. Tell us who you’d like to sit with when you register.

33Years of Life

280Guests Expected

∞His Legacy

Trees on a misty hillside at golden hour, with the low sun breaking through the clouds

Saturday, December 5, 2026

The order of the night.

Doors at 5:00 PM at 4105 Airport Way S, Seattle. Below is the shape of the evening. Order and timing are a draft until the run of show is final in November.

5:00 PM

Doors Open

Wine and the signature cocktails at the bar. Find your table.

WelcomeBar

Welcome

Wine Pull & Auction Open

Sealed bottles, one price, everyone plays. The auction opens for early bids around the room.

Wine PullAuction

Welcome

VIP Reception in Chandler’s Bunkhouse

The lounge off the main room, for our Rancher and Trailblazer tables before dinner.

VIP

Reserve Your Place

Who’s coming
on December 5?

Boots on the Ground is a seated dinner with assigned seating. Pick the one that sounds like you, then tick any levels you want to compare. Every guest gets dinner, the program, raise the paddle and the dance floor. The room holds 280, and December 5 is one night only.

Dinner, the program, raise the paddle and the dance floor
One drink ticket, good for wine, the signature cocktail or the mocktail
Reserved seating
A printed name card at your seat, a keepsake wallet card, and one of Chandler’s favorite recipes to take home

Ask my employer to match Optional add-on Many employers match charitable gifts dollar for dollar, so $150 can go twice as far. Your checkout receipt is all your employer needs to process the match. Matched, your $150 becomes $300 for the foundation.

How matching works

Ask HR or check your company’s giving portal (Benevity, YourCause, Bright Funds, or similar) to see if they match employee donations.
After you give, file a match request with your gift receipt. Search for us by name or EIN. Most programs take five minutes or less.
Your employer confirms the gift with the foundation and sends the match. Twice the impact, at no extra cost to you.

Legal name: Chandler Walker Gayton Foundation
EIN: 42-3129149
Status: IRS-approved 501(c)(3) public charity
Mailing address: PO Box 99371, Seattle, WA 98139-0371

Most programs match direct donations, and some also match the tax-deductible portion of event tickets. Your HR team can confirm what qualifies. If your employer needs a verification form signed, write to carmen@gaytonfoundation.org and we will turn it around quickly.

Select Boots

Everything in Boots, plus
One raffle ticket

Ask my employer to match Optional add-on Many employers match charitable gifts dollar for dollar, so $250 can go twice as far. Your checkout receipt is all your employer needs to process the match. Matched, your $250 becomes $500 for the foundation.

How matching works

Ask HR or check your company’s giving portal (Benevity, YourCause, Bright Funds, or similar) to see if they match employee donations.
After you give, file a match request with your gift receipt. Search for us by name or EIN. Most programs take five minutes or less.
Your employer confirms the gift with the foundation and sends the match. Twice the impact, at no extra cost to you.

Legal name: Chandler Walker Gayton Foundation
EIN: 42-3129149
Status: IRS-approved 501(c)(3) public charity
Mailing address: PO Box 99371, Seattle, WA 98139-0371

Select Lasso

Everything in Lasso, plus
A second drink ticket
Priority seating
Complimentary valet
Name in the printed program

Ask my employer to match Optional add-on Many employers match charitable gifts dollar for dollar, so $500 can go twice as far. Your checkout receipt is all your employer needs to process the match. Matched, your $500 becomes $1,000 for the foundation.

How matching works

Ask HR or check your company’s giving portal (Benevity, YourCause, Bright Funds, or similar) to see if they match employee donations.
After you give, file a match request with your gift receipt. Search for us by name or EIN. Most programs take five minutes or less.
Your employer confirms the gift with the foundation and sends the match. Twice the impact, at no extra cost to you.

Legal name: Chandler Walker Gayton Foundation
EIN: 42-3129149
Status: IRS-approved 501(c)(3) public charity
Mailing address: PO Box 99371, Seattle, WA 98139-0371

Select Saddle

Everything in Saddle, plus
A second raffle ticket
Premium seating, with other Silver Buckle guests
Cowboy Yeti
Name on the website

Ask my employer to match Optional add-on Many employers match charitable gifts dollar for dollar, so $1,000 can go twice as far. Your checkout receipt is all your employer needs to process the match. Matched, your $1,000 becomes $2,000 for the foundation.

How matching works

Ask HR or check your company’s giving portal (Benevity, YourCause, Bright Funds, or similar) to see if they match employee donations.
After you give, file a match request with your gift receipt. Search for us by name or EIN. Most programs take five minutes or less.
Your employer confirms the gift with the foundation and sends the match. Twice the impact, at no extra cost to you.

Legal name: Chandler Walker Gayton Foundation
EIN: 42-3129149
Status: IRS-approved 501(c)(3) public charity
Mailing address: PO Box 99371, Seattle, WA 98139-0371

Reserve Silver Buckle

Premium seating: half of a table, reserved for your party of five, seated together
Saddle benefits and a Cowboy Yeti for every guest
Your name or company on the digital signage at the event
Verbal recognition during the evening
Recognition on the website and in the digital and printed programs

Ask my employer to match Optional add-on Many employers match charitable gifts dollar for dollar, so $2,500 can go twice as far. Your checkout receipt is all your employer needs to process the match. Matched, your $2,500 becomes $5,000 for the foundation.

How matching works

Ask HR or check your company’s giving portal (Benevity, YourCause, Bright Funds, or similar) to see if they match employee donations.
After you give, file a match request with your gift receipt. Search for us by name or EIN. Most programs take five minutes or less.
Your employer confirms the gift with the foundation and sends the match. Twice the impact, at no extra cost to you.

Legal name: Chandler Walker Gayton Foundation
EIN: 42-3129149
Status: IRS-approved 501(c)(3) public charity
Mailing address: PO Box 99371, Seattle, WA 98139-0371

Reserve Half a TablePrefer an invoice or a check? Email Carmen or call 206.226.2229

Premium seating: a table for ten, your party seated together
Saddle benefits and a Cowboy Yeti for every guest at your table
Your name or company on the digital signage at the event
Verbal recognition during the evening
Recognition on the website and in the digital and printed programs

Ask my employer to match Optional add-on Many employers match charitable gifts dollar for dollar, so $5,000 can go twice as far. Your checkout receipt is all your employer needs to process the match. Matched, your $5,000 becomes $10,000 for the foundation.

How matching works

Ask HR or check your company’s giving portal (Benevity, YourCause, Bright Funds, or similar) to see if they match employee donations.
After you give, file a match request with your gift receipt. Search for us by name or EIN. Most programs take five minutes or less.
Your employer confirms the gift with the foundation and sends the match. Twice the impact, at no extra cost to you.

Legal name: Chandler Walker Gayton Foundation
EIN: 42-3129149
Status: IRS-approved 501(c)(3) public charity
Mailing address: PO Box 99371, Seattle, WA 98139-0371

Reserve CowhandPrefer an invoice or a check? Email Carmen or call 206.226.2229

Premium seating: a table for ten, your party seated together
Silver Buckle benefits for every guest at your table
Your name or company on the digital signage at the event
Express check-in and checkout
A gift from one of Chandler’s favorite local spots for every guest
Verbal recognition during the evening, and recognition on the website and in the digital and printed programs

Ask my employer to match Optional add-on Many employers match charitable gifts dollar for dollar, so $10,000 can go twice as far. Your checkout receipt is all your employer needs to process the match. Matched, your $10,000 becomes $20,000 for the foundation.

How matching works

Ask HR or check your company’s giving portal (Benevity, YourCause, Bright Funds, or similar) to see if they match employee donations.
After you give, file a match request with your gift receipt. Search for us by name or EIN. Most programs take five minutes or less.
Your employer confirms the gift with the foundation and sends the match. Twice the impact, at no extra cost to you.

Legal name: Chandler Walker Gayton Foundation
EIN: 42-3129149
Status: IRS-approved 501(c)(3) public charity
Mailing address: PO Box 99371, Seattle, WA 98139-0371

Reserve WranglerPrefer an invoice or a check? Email Carmen or call 206.226.2229

Closing remarks: you send the room home
A dessert named for you on the dessert menu
Recognition on the website and in the digital and printed programs, and verbal acknowledgment during the event
VIP table for ten with Saloon Service, and the VIP reception in Chandler’s Bunkhouse before dinner. Silver Buckle benefits for every guest
An etched glassybaby for you, and a gift from one of Chandler’s favorite local spots for every guest at your table
Express check-in, and white glove checkout: we come to your table to settle up, bring your coats, and have valet bring your cars around

Ask my employer to match Optional add-on Many employers match charitable gifts dollar for dollar, so $15,000 can go twice as far. Your checkout receipt is all your employer needs to process the match. Matched, your $15,000 becomes $30,000 for the foundation.

How matching works

Ask HR or check your company’s giving portal (Benevity, YourCause, Bright Funds, or similar) to see if they match employee donations.
After you give, file a match request with your gift receipt. Search for us by name or EIN. Most programs take five minutes or less.
Your employer confirms the gift with the foundation and sends the match. Twice the impact, at no extra cost to you.

Legal name: Chandler Walker Gayton Foundation
EIN: 42-3129149
Status: IRS-approved 501(c)(3) public charity
Mailing address: PO Box 99371, Seattle, WA 98139-0371

Reserve RancherPrefer an invoice or a check? Email Carmen or call 206.226.2229

“Boots on the Ground, presented by [you]” on the website and in the digital and printed programs
Opening remarks: you are the first to speak, alongside Chandler’s parents, as we toast his 36th birthday
A first drink made to your coaster: a cocktail (or mocktail) that is not on the bar menu, waiting when you sit down to dinner
Your name on the dinner menu and on the bid cards, and verbal acknowledgment during the event
VIP table for ten with Saloon Service, and the VIP reception in Chandler’s Bunkhouse before dinner. Silver Buckle benefits for every guest
An etched glassybaby for you, and a gift from one of Chandler’s favorite local spots for every guest at your table
Express check-in, and white glove checkout: we settle up at your table, bring your coats, and have valet bring your cars around
Category exclusivity: no competing sponsor in your industry

Ask my employer to match Optional add-on Many employers match charitable gifts dollar for dollar, so $25,000 can go twice as far. Your checkout receipt is all your employer needs to process the match. Matched, your $25,000 becomes $50,000 for the foundation.

How matching works

Ask HR or check your company’s giving portal (Benevity, YourCause, Bright Funds, or similar) to see if they match employee donations.
After you give, file a match request with your gift receipt. Search for us by name or EIN. Most programs take five minutes or less.
Your employer confirms the gift with the foundation and sends the match. Twice the impact, at no extra cost to you.

Legal name: Chandler Walker Gayton Foundation
EIN: 42-3129149
Status: IRS-approved 501(c)(3) public charity
Mailing address: PO Box 99371, Seattle, WA 98139-0371

Reserve TrailblazerPrefer an invoice or a check? Email Carmen or call 206.226.2229

Hosts & Honorees

The voices holding the room.

Reserve your place

Chandler Walker Gayton

In Memoriam · 1990 to 2024

In Memoriam

Carmen Gayton

Mother

Family · Host

Carver Gayton

Father

Family · Host

Atif Saad

Close Friend

Host

Nate Koweda

Close Friend

Host

Joshua Jackai

Close Friend

Host

Gee Scott Sr.

Leads the live auction

Auctioneer

The evening is presented by the Chandler Walker Gayton Foundation, governed by its board of directors and advisors. Meet the full board.

In His Memory

The stories they carry.

Memories from the people who loved Chandler. Hover or tap to pause, flip a card to read it, or open any photo full size.

Gené Crews With Chandler

Gené Crews

The first time I took him to Comi Con. He could not stop smiling. I took him down to the Stars Wars exhibition and later to listen to Mark Hamil speak. Chandler didn't even care when I took him with me to see Sam Hueghan. And all those screaming women. He couldn't believe how loud it got for one man. Such a great day!

Terrell Pugh With Chandler

Terrell Pugh

All the times we’d call each other an hour before Mariners 1st pitch, asking if the other wanted to attend the game. We’d meet up, have a celebratory beverage, then make our way to the stadium. As we watched the game, moving from section to section, viewpoint to viewpoint. Continuous banter was had about life, philosophy and general foolishness.

Chris Tolbert With Chandler

Chris Tolbert

One of my favorite memories. CG flew up to MD on a whim to surprise me at my birthday gathering. He talked to me all week, even the morning of, just to throw me off. Walked through that door and this man on the grill outside cooking burgers, couldn’t believe it. He met so much of my family that day and I know they also felt the presence of someone truly selfless. Didn’t matter the distance or the timing, if it was for his people, he was there.

Joshua Jackai With Chandler

Joshua Jackai

One of my greatest memories of Chandler is one year invited me down for Easter or Thanksgiving. I don’t recall, but Carmen Chandler’s mother would always prepare for a soul food some soul food that is such a treasure for somebody like me as an American living in Vancouver Canada one of the things that she would often prepare for us was fried chicken, wings, homemade, and catfish and there was a part of Carmen’s tradition is to always send us back with goodie bags of food leftovers of our favorite food that should cook whatever your favorite food was. She would make sure to sit home just the status that’s how they stay and she had created a Chandler but also created leftover Bag for me and when we were leaving and taking to the airport, Carmen had a place all of the leftovers into It’s a one big bag that had me challenge food and when Chandler was getting ready to drop me off at the airport, we were in the car to separate the food and then he started to give me some of the bags of catfish some of the bags of chicken and he realized that he was giving me a little too much and he was like wait no you can’t have all that I want that to myself. I’m thinking a slow selfish boy we get his mom every day cracked or a few times here can you just let me have the bigger share so we’re driving and I’m just thinking about this in my mind and then pull up to the exit of the freeway and there’s a homeless person and the person who was asking for money or any deal that Chandler roll down his window and ask a person are you hungry when the person said yes Chan grabbed the whole bag and gave it to the homeless person and I thought to myself damn I should’ve told all the thing I love about that memory is that Chandler had a very giving heart Chandler knew that the Americans that lived in Vancouver that went to us a few didn’t have family for the holidays and he always made sure to invite us to have dinner with his family and Carmen and Carver and Meat his family. There wasn’t a year that went by the challenge didn’t invite me over for Easter or Thanksgiving. I’ll always love and cherish for that.

An Evening of Legacy