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.

The Evening Experience

A curated, high-energy night designed to inspire, connect, and celebrate.

Hosted Cocktail Hour - Enjoy craft beverages, passed appetizers, and time to connect with fellow supporters, athletes, and community partners.

Adaptive Equipment Showcase - Explore state-of-the-art gear that powers OAS programs with staff and athletes on hand to share how each piece builds access.

Ambassador Connections - Meet the athletes at the heart of OAS. Hear stories, ask questions, and experience firsthand the community your support strengthens.

Seated Dinner - Enjoy a après‑ski–inspired cuisine by Cascade Catering shared with friends old and new.

Live Program and Documentary Premiere - Experience the debut of a new OAS short film celebrating 30 years.

Paddle Raise - A chance to directly support scholarships, state-of-the-art equipment, high-quality instructions, accessible transportation and advocacy for the inclusion of people with disabilities in the outdoors. 

Auction Opportunities - Bid on adventure packages, local to international getaways, creatives and one-of-a-kind OAS experiences.

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.

Auction

Bidding opens Thursday, September 24th and everyone is invited to join the fun. With our auction, there is no need to hover over a clipboard; you can bid from anywhere. Place bids straight from your phone and receive instant alerts if someone outbids you. Stay in the game and make sure that dream package is yours before the last chair.

Bidding closes on Thursday, October 8th just before before our evening program begins, so be sure to get your final bids in before the clock runs out.

What’s a Super Silent Auction? Think of it as the VIP tier of the silent auction. These are our “best of the best” packages, exclusive, high-value, getaways, and one-of-a-kinds, available for both remote and in-person bidding.

Pick-Up Only: All winning items must be picked up at the end of the evening at the Gala or later in person at the OAS HQ by the end of the month. Unfortunately, we’re unable to ship packages, so be sure you (or a friend) can collect your prize locally.

Live Auction: These exclusive, big-ticket packages will be auctioned off during the First Chair Gala. Only in-house guests can bid on live auction items, so if you want high-energy action, make sure you’ve got a seat at the table.

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 courage, 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.

Event Details

Attire - Mountain formal meets alpine chic: elegant, elevated, and winter-inspired.

Accessibility - Accessible restrooms (including unisex options) and several accessible parking spaces are available.  

Tickets - A limited number of tickets may be released in early August. Check in with cara@oregonadaptivesports.org 

Additional Details - Full event schedule and dinner menu will be shared with registered guests.