Celebrating 30 Years of Oregon Adaptive Sports

Thursday, October 8, 2026 | 5:30 - 9:00 PM

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon

Be Part of a Milestone Year

The First Chair Gala returns this fall during a milestone season as OAS celebrates 30 years of year‑round inclusive outdoor recreation. This year, we’re setting our sights high with a $450,000 fundraising goal to launch the next three decades of access, movement, and possibility.

Whether you're joining us in person or from afar, every action you take from buying a ticket, entering our in‑person‑only Alaska Airlines raffle for two, raising your paddle, giving during the program, or bidding remotely, directly supports adaptive outdoor recreation programs that empower individuals with disabilities to move, explore, and thrive outdoors.

Guest Information and Event Timeline

5:30 PM: Hosted Cocktail Hour. Check in, grab a drink, browse auction packages, explore adaptive equipment, the timeline wall celebrating 30 years of OAS, and connect with athletes, volunteers, and fellow supporters.

6:40 PM: Dining Room Doors Open. Guests are invited to find their tables and settle in for dinner and the evening program.

6:45 PM: Dinner Service Begins. Enjoy an après-ski inspired meal by Cascade Catering.

7:15 PM: Silent Auction Closes. Get in your final bids in as our Vanna Whites showcase premium auction packages. 

7:20 PM: Live Program Begins. Celebrate 30 years of OAS, hear from athletes and volunteers, bid on exclusive live auction packages, enjoy the premiere of our anniversary film (captioned), and participate in the paddle raise. Raffle and Best Dressed winners announced. 

8:45 PM: Program Concludes. Silent auction winners to pick up winnings on the way out. 

9:00 PM: Event Close. Thank you for celebrating with us and helping create more opportunities for athletes with disabilities.

Know Before You Go

• Arrive by 6:00 PM - To enjoy the full cocktail experience.
• Parking - Guests are encouraged to carpool when possible. Please enter in through the main entrance to check in and receive your bidder information.
  
• Attire - Mountain Formal meets alpine chic: elegant, elevated, and winter inspired. Ski sweaters, faux fur accents, winter whites, and outdoor-inspired elegance are all welcome. Prize for the best dressed!
• Mobile Bidding - Is available for all silent auction packages to both remote and in-person guests.
• The Live Auction and Alaska Airlines Raffle - Available only to in-person guests.
• Dinner - Guests will enjoy a family style après-ski inspired dinner prepared by Cascade Catering. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options will be available.
• Pick-Up Only  - All winning items need to be picked up at the end of the evening or later in person at the OAS HQ by the end of the month. We are unable to ship packages. 
• Accessibility - Accessible restrooms (including unisex options) and several accessible parking spaces are available. 
• Questions? - Reach out to cara@oregonadaptivesports.org.

Why First Chair Matters

The first chairlift of the day rises toward a blank canvas of untouched snow, a moment chased by the most dedicated, powder‑seeking, ambitious riders. That sense of anticipation and possibility is the spirit OAS strives to embody: a continual pursuit of the transformative power of moving through the mountains. 

Last year, OAS served 647 unique athletes and delivered nearly 3,000 outdoor experiences, supported by more than $420,000 in scholarships. These numbers represent real people gaining community, identity and confidence. 

By joining us at First Chair, you help open that experience to even more athletes - expanding access to First Chair.

Honoring 30 Years of Trailblazers

Each year, First Chair highlights a story of an athlete that embodies the heart of OAS. This anniversary season, we're doing something special. In this milestone year, we're honoring some select individuals whose vision and perseverance helped shape OAS into what it is today. Their stories reflect the hundreds of athletes, volunteers, and community members who have moved this mission forward over three decades.

Their story will debut at the Gala and we can't wait to introduce you.