Forging Futures Gala 2025
On May 31, 2025, Workshops for Warriors hosted our Forging Futures Gala aboard the iconic USS Midway Museum, for an evening dedicated to transforming lives through advanced manufacturing training.
Radio host Sherry Knight opened the evening as emcee, setting the tone for a night of inspiration and generosity. The always-energetic Sean Kelly served as both auctioneer and emcee, leading a high-impact live auction that generated strong support for our mission: providing quality training and nationally recognized credentials in welding and CNC machining to veterans, transitioning service members, and other students.
A standout moment came when Dayn, one of our student alumni, shared his story of resilience and growth. His words offered a powerful reminder of the opportunities created through advanced manufacturing careers.
Following the program, Bonnie Foster Productions delivered a dynamic performance that kept spirits high and the celebration going strong into the night. Their music lit up the ship and gave attendees the perfect chance to dance the night away.
Funds raised from the gala will help expand our ability to train and certify more students for high-demand careers, directly contributing to the growth of America’s skilled manufacturing workforce.
To everyone who joined us aboard the USS Midway—thank you. Whether you attended, sponsored, donated, or volunteered, your support made this event a success and helps drive our mission forward. Your belief in our work fuels real change—building pathways to lifelong careers and strengthening America’s advanced manufacturing workforce.
We couldn’t do this without you.
Together, we are forging futures.
