By Iolani Ahn
On Monday, August 26th, NFM Magazine’s Sport is Style Gala took Bellevue and Seattle by storm, bringing together star athletes, fashion enthusiasts, and community supporters for an unforgettable night. Held at the luxurious Ascend Prime, this year’s gala was more than just a celebration—it was a powerful gathering with a purpose. We caught up with NFM’s Editor-in-Chief, Chele Sellman, to get the inside scoop on the event, which supported Powerful Beginnings, a charity founded by Monika Thornton to assist women and children affected by domestic violence.
Q: Chele, congratulations on an incredible event! How did the night feel from your perspective?
Chele: Thank you! The night was truly magical. It was amazing to see everyone dressed up and showing out in style for such a wonderful cause. We had Seahawks stars Pharaoh Brown, Laviska Shenault, Jr., and Jake Bobo on our covers, and it was fantastic to see them—and so many other Seahawks players and Legends—come together to support Powerful Beginnings. Blitz the Seahawks mascot even made a special appearance and totally stole the show!
Q: The photography was stunning, especially the covers featuring the Seahawks players. Can you tell us more about that?
Chele: The covers were shot by our VP of Branding & Marketing, Kyle Yunker, through his photography business, Zero Five Photography. He captured the essence of these athletes perfectly, and it was great seeing everyone admire his work throughout the night. Kyle also ran a tight ship behind the scenes, keeping everything running smoothly, which was crucial to the event's success.
Q: Supporting Powerful Beginnings was a big part of the event. What can you tell us about the charity and your plans going forward?
Chele: Powerful Beginnings, created by Monika Thornton, is such an inspiring organization dedicated to helping women and children rebuild their lives. We’re honored to support this incredible cause, and we look forward to hosting more events in the future that highlight and uplift this vital work. It’s about coming together as a community to make a difference.
Q: The guest list was star-studded and the vibe seemed amazing! Can you share more about the atmosphere?
Chele: The vibe was simply electric! Our guests brought their best tunnel looks, and the energy was contagious. It was a night of pure celebration—of fashion, community, and giving back. One of the highlights was the special VIP treatment by IV Therapy WA, which was a huge hit and something people are still talking about! They really pampered our guests and added a touch of luxury that everyone loved.
Q: Sponsors played a key role in making this night a success. Who helped bring the event to life?
Chele: We had incredible support from our sponsors who really brought their A-game: Viktorya Wellness Seattle, IV Therapy WA, Sync Seattle, 86 West, Lords of Luxury, Captain Pierre & First Mate Jill, Seattle Sailing Club, Staging by Stellar Interiors, Sandar Raav, Woodinville Whiskey, and SkinSpirit. A special shoutout to Jeremy Waller and his Rare Events team—they were instrumental in keeping the night flowing seamlessly. And, a huge thank you to Jaclyn Graham of Injoy Studios for all her hard work in pulling everything together and being my wing woman.
Q: What’s next for NFM after this amazing event?
Chele: We’re already planning next year’s Seahawks party, and we’re so excited about it. Early bird tickets will go on sale next month, so definitely save your spot! We’re also gearing up for our first NFM Icon Awards, an event you won’t want to miss. We’re bringing something fresh and new to the scene, and it’s all about celebrating those who make a difference in style, sports, and beyond.
Wrap Up: We want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who made the Sport is Style Gala a night to remember. From our stunning venue Ascend Prime to every sponsor, volunteer, and guest—you all helped create a magical evening. Be sure to relive the glam and excitement by checking out your red carpet photos here! Thank you for dressing up, showing out, and supporting a great cause. We can’t wait to do it all again next year!
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