What if we could solve problems before they start? What if one solution could reach every corner of the state? What if change could last for generations? What if policy was the most powerful way to make the world a better place?

At The Policy Project, we believe it is — and we've built our entire organization around that idea. We've chosen policy as our vehicle for good not because it's easy, but because nothing else reaches as far, lasts as long, or changes as much.

Join us this August for our annual backyard fundraiser — an evening to celebrate what we've built together and raise the funds to keep building.

What we've built together

What if a student never had to worry about her period at school? 324,600 of them don't.
What if a teenager had somewhere safe to go and access to what they need? 90,000 do.
What if a child had the knowledge to protect herself in an unsafe situation? 347,000 elementary students do.
What if a classroom could just be focused? 656,000 students are learning in one.
What if lunch wasn't something a kid had to stress about? 37,000 don't anymore.
What if a family could keep just a little more of what they earned? 117,300 now can.

Every number is a person. Every person is a reason to keep going.

Your gift makes this possible

This evening is our most important fundraiser of the year. Ticket purchases directly fund this work, and guests are invited to contribute throughout the evening through a live auction and paddle raise.

Most philanthropic dollars help one person at a time. A dollar invested here builds something that helps thousands of people and keeps helping them long after any single moment of generosity has passed. Every private dollar we raise also unlocks significant public funding from the state legislature, delivering a return on investment you won't find anywhere else.

Your gift goes directly toward our 2027 legislative initiatives — bold work to keep building the systems that make everyday life better for Utah kids and families.

What to expect?

6:00 PM, Drinks & Dinner — Start the evening with drinks, dinner, and conversation under the late-summer sky.
7:00 PM, Program — Hear directly from Emily Bell McCormick, our founder and president. Experience impact stories from the people this work reaches. Bid in a live auction. And support the next chapter of this work through a paddle raise.
9:00 PM, Close

Reserve your seat

Single Ticket — $225
Half Table (4 seats) — $800
Full Table (8 seats) — $1,500

The fair market value of each seat is $80, which includes food, drinks, and an exclusive gift. The remainder of your purchase is a tax-deductible donation to The Policy Project and a direct investment in our work.

FAQs

Can't make it but want to support the work? Make a donation here.
Interested in sponsorship opportunities? Reach out to Hannah Kiely at hannah@thepolicyproject.org
What's the dress code? Semi-formal — dresses, jumpsuits, blouses, or slacks all work beautifully. Since the event is outdoors and the evening may get cool, we recommend comfortable shoes and a light layer.
Will I receive the address and parking details? Yes, the exact address and parking instructions will be sent via email as the event gets closer.
What's up for auction? We're curating a collection of high-value experiences and items — details coming soon. Past auctions have included luxury resort stays, VIP event passes, and one-of-a-kind Utah experiences.

Event Sponsors

2026 Evening of Impact

Join us for our annual backyard fundraiser — an evening to celebrate what we've built together and raise funds to keep building.