A chance meeting with a soldier who would go on to make the ultimate sacrifice was the personal connection that motivated Adam Ratigan to create the American Dream Charity Gala.

"Years ago, when my business began gaining momentum, I wanted to give back to the community in a meaningful way, specifically to our local veterans and their families," said Adam Ratigan, an agent with Keller Williams Coeur d'Alene American Dream Realty. "That’s when I met Theresa Hart, founder of Newby-ginnings. After learning about their mission and their story, it was obvious this was the right organization to support."

Hart founded Newby-ginnings of North Idaho in October 2013 in honor and memory of her son, SPC Nicholas Newby, who was killed in action July 7, 2011, in Baghdad. Newby-ginnings, at 570 S. Clearwater Loop, Unit A in Post Falls, provides resources, referrals and essential items to veterans and active military members and their families, as well as to the families of fallen heroes, at no cost. 

Ratigan said Newby was part of the National Guard company he supported in his youth as he completed his Eagle Scout project.

"I met him the day he deployed," Ratigan said. "Supporting Newby-ginnings is an honor for me."

Hart said she still hears from people all the time who knew Newby or went to school with him.

"I recently heard from someone who was standing on Ramsey when Nick came home," Hart said.

It will be the third annual American Dream Gala, which raised $7,000 per year in its first two years.

"It's been surprisingly consistent," Ratigan said. "It’s been modest so far, but we have plans to scale the event significantly next year."

All proceeds from the event go to Newby-ginnings. The goal this year is $10,000.

"I can't even begin to tell you how grateful I am for the support from the community," Hart said. "It’s just huge. It's always booked. All the seats are filled. To me, it's just amazing."

She said the support is especially appreciated as the nonprofit is outgrowing its current space and hoping to expand in the near future.

"I appreciate Adam and his team for his support every year, going above and beyond what he has to do out of the goodness of his heart," Hart said. "It always amazes me people with full-time jobs and families will do these things for us."

The American Dream Charity Gala will be at 6 p.m. Saturday at 3931 N. Schreiber Way, Coeur d’Alene. Doors open at 5:30. The evening will include a catered dinner, a silent auction and a live auction. Hart will speak during the program. Community members who support North Idaho’s veterans will be recognized. Tickets are $40 each or $350 for a sponsored table.

"Our servicemen and women give everything with no expectation of anything in return," Ratigan said. "We want to support the mission of Newby-ginnings, which supports our local veterans and their families. It is little to say the least, in return for what they have given to us, but it is something that we can do."

Tickets and info: americandream.kw.com/gala