Frequently Asked Questions

Our 50th Anniversary Building the Beloved Community Gala will be a live event at the Washington State Convention Center this year- we are looking forward to gathering with you all again this year, while being mindful of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Please see below for some commonly asked questions and their answers. Contact events@elcentrodelaraza.org for additional information.

Why is the event called Building the Beloved Community Gala?

“Beloved Community” is a term we adopted from MLK. He believed in a society based on justice, equal opportunity, and love of fellow human beings. With your support, we can achieve those values by building our community together.

Where is El Centro’s event this year?

Our live event will be at the Washington Convention Center: 705 Pike St. We will be in Ballroom 6E on the 6th Floor of the Convention Center. Our reception doors will open at 5pm, and we anticipate the event will end around 9pm. 

Getting to the WSCC

From 1-5 Northbound: 

Take exit 164A towards Madison St. After the underpass, merge into the right lane; at the end of the ramp, turn right onto Madison St. Turn left onto 8th Ave.

From 1-5 Southbound: 

Take exit 166 onto Steward St., then turn left onto Boren Ave. Follow Boren uphill and take a right onto Seneca. Turn Right onto 8th Ave.

Parking:

The WSCC Main Garage is on 8th Avenue, between Pike and Seneca St. More information at wscc.com/directions. 

What COVID Precautions will be taken at the live event? 

We ask that guests attending the gala be vaccinated against COVID-19 or have received negative PCR test results within the last 48 hours. We kindly ask attendees to self-screen for COVID symptoms prior to coming to the event, wear a mask during the event when not eating or drinking, and practice safe social distancing.

While we are taking safety measures for gala participants, an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present and attending the gala at the Seattle Convention Center may still pose a risk to your safety. By attending the gala, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure of COVID-19.

PCR Testing Sites:

Rainier Beach

5117 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118

Mon-Sat 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

SODO

3820 6th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108

Mon-Sat 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

University District

4113 Franklin Pl NE, E04 parking lot, Seattle, WA 98105

University of Washington parking lot

Open every day 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. 

UWMC Northwest

1510 North 115th St, Seattle, WA 98133

Open every day 7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

West Seattle

2801 SW Thistle St, Seattle, WA 98126

Mon-Sat 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

*Additional testing locations can be found at kingcounty.gov/covidtesting

I can’t attend in person - can I still participate? 

Yes! We will have virtual options for folks who’d like to watch from home. You can register to receive further information about our virtual viewing options here! Our auction will also be entirely online this year, so whether you attend or not, you are welcome to bid! Bidding will open on Saturday, October 1, 2022.