Gala inspires 900 attendees with a message of hope and recovery

On Wednesday, October 18, we hosted our 134th Annual Gala celebration with more than 900 Chamber members and their guests. Attendees heard an inspiring message of hope from keynote Brendan McDonough, laughed along with comedian James Cunningham, and learned about the Chamber’s major accomplishments over the past year.

The evening not only celebrated 134 years of the Chamber’s programs and services but celebrated our local heroes and first responders. Special guests included members of the Wildland Firefighter Foundation and other fire, police and military personnel who were hosted by Givens Pursley at their table. Keynote Brendan McDonough made a special presentation to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation, awarding them a $1,000 gift.

​Another special guest included the Mr. Brandon Lee, Consul General of Canada in Seattle with accreditation for Washington State, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska. Mr. Lee and his guests are currently celebrating Canada’s 150th Anniversary!

The Boise Metro Chamber had a few celebrations of our own. Together with our colleagues and partners at the Boise Convention & Visitor's Bureau and the Boise Valley Economic Partnership, we helped put Boise on the map. From supporting Gowen Strong as a finalist in the F-35 mission to attracting the Big Sky Men's and Women's basketball championship, the Boise Metro Chamber is proud to advocate on behalf of the Boise business community and its interests.

After lively standup by James and an exciting live auction, Brendan McDonough delivered a moving and authentic message about struggle, recovery, and hope. “It was a life-defining moment to become a Granite Mountain Hotshot,” Brendan shared. “In [sad] times, I am reminded why I need to push on, why it is important to carry on their legacy. It was never about me, us; it was about the men and women who needed our help.”
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We thank Brendan for sharing his very personal story with us live. The major motion picture based on the 2013 Yarnell Hill Fire “Only the Brave” premiered in theaters two days after the Gala. His book “My Lost Brothers” is also available and we recommend the read!
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Thank you to our guests for joining us and supporting your local Chamber. With your support, we can continue to provide programs and services that enrich and benefit our community.