Astro Bug

BELLEVUE, Wash. - AstroBug -- Kindering raised over $220,000 at its 21st Annual Luncheon on November 6, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue. The event brought together community members to support children with developmental delays and disabilities and their families, recognize legislative champions, and celebrate the power of family and connection.

The program opened with remarks from Kindering Board President Gloria Hong, JD, followed by the presentation of the organization's third Legislative Champion Awards by CEO Mike Stewart. Senator Claire Wilson and Representative Jamila Taylor were honored for their longstanding commitment to special education and advocacy for Washington's youngest children with disabilities.

Unable to attend in person, Senator Wilson shared a video message emphasizing the importance of Early Supports for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT). Representative Taylor highlighted community partnerships, saying, "This is not done in isolation; this is done in partnership with community and you are community."

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The Luncheon was chaired by Nick Jones and Tina Xidias-Jones, longtime Kindering supporters and advocates. Jones emphasized the urgency of early support: "The first three years of a child's life are a critical window, when we have the greatest opportunity to shape their neurodevelopment." He added, "But that window doesn't wait. Not for a budget shortfall. Not for an insurance approval."

A featured video highlighted Kindering's CHERISH program, which supports children, parents, and caregivers involved in the child welfare system, through the story of Azalea and her family. Her father, Leroy, reflected, "I'm learning, and you set me up for that success to keep moving forward. I was able to be authentic and accountable by asking for that guidance."

Keynote speaker Angela Tucker, Founder and CEO of the Adoptee Mentoring Society, reflected on the profound influence of her foster parents and adoptive family.

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"Allison and John [foster parents] didn't have a CHERISH program. They didn't have anyone who could help them understand the neuroscience behind the attachment. And they may not know that the physical care that they provided me would be so foundational."

Tucker also emphasized the lasting impact of love and connection: "You don't have to be in a child's legal family to be part of their forever story."

Matt Lorch, Emmy-winning storyteller and Kindering alum parent, served as host and emcee.

The event was made possible by community sponsors Allegro Pediatrics, Bernard Law Group, Lynn & Bruce Gibson Foundation, Grosvenor, IMA Financial Group, Schnitzer West, Seattle Children's, The Biella Foundation, USI Insurance Services, and Williams Kastner, along with in-kind sponsors Girlie Press Inc. and LAMyers Digital.

To learn more about Kindering, visit https://www.kindering.org.