Bridge21 Park City exceeded its $75,000 fundraising goal at the second annual Songwriter Sessions and Art Auction event, held Sept. 12 at the Prospector Theatre.
More than 200 people attended, and proceeds will support the organization’s goal of building and maintaining neuroinclusive housing for adults with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities in Summit County.
The evening featured performances from three Nashville songwriters, Steve Bogard, Kylie Sackley, and Brian Davis, alongside an art auction with over 60 pieces from local and national artists. The songwriters played recognizable hits such as Walker Hayes’ “You Broke Up with Me,” as well as a George Strait medley performed by Bogard to end the night.
Each musician explained the backstories to their songs, offering a glimpse into the process and meaning behind the hits.
Bridge21 Executive Director Stephanie Polukoff was thrilled to welcome three of Nashville’s finest again this year.
“For our first Songwriter Sessions last year, we weren’t entirely sure what to expect, how it would look,” Polukoff said. “This year, we knew more about the format and were excited to hear the stories behind some amazing songs. Kylie Sackley had a few funny memories from her time working with Sam Hunt. The banter between the songwriters often had the crowd laughing!”
Bridge21 resident Sophia Schaffer and Board Chair Wes Stout also spoke to attendees about the impact of the organization’s work.
Meredith Powell, Bridge21 program coordinator, said she couldn’t have been more impressed with Schaffer’s bravery and strength to share her personal journey with Bridge21, which outlined her start at a 24/7 care facility that was overwhelming and stifled her independence.
“Sophia’s story brought tears to my eyes, and to a lot of those in the room,” Powell said.
Addin
Adding to the music was art by local and national artists. David Riley, the artist behind Bridge21’s first fundraiser’s featured piece, again donated a piece, “The Big Guy,” that sold for $14,000.
Other artwork included “Lonely Blue Boy” by Gabe Westberg, “Work the Rope” by Bridge21 Board Member and esteemed artist Liza Howell, as well as an assortment of artwork produced by Bridge21 residents.
By the end of the auction period on Sunday, all but one of the 60 art pieces had sold.
Bridge21 said the successful event marks its growing presence in the community and a deepening awareness of what neurodiverse adults in our region need to thrive.
“We couldn’t have imagined how many community members would show up in support of our work,” Polukoff said. “Our goal for the night was $75,000, and we surpassed it, helping us meet the needs of even more neurodiverse adults. That number isn’t what stays with me, though. It’s watching Sophia stand up and talk about her life with Bridge21: her jobs, her ability to feel confident in navigating life, her growing independence. These are the things so many of us take for granted.”
Polukoff said she got chills when Schaffer received a standing ovation at the end of her speech.
“Her voice, and the lives of this population, are what our community showed up for,” Polukoff said. “What an incredible night we won’t forget, and we can’t extend enough thanks to those who support our mission.”
Bridge21 opened Utah’s only long-term housing option for adults with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities in Silver Creek Village in May 2025. Current residents pay 60% of market rate, inclusive of utilities and daily programming designed at building skills for independent living. All residents live and work in Summit County, and Bridge21 runs ongoing community programs that are open to the public, including a biweekly “Buds and Blooms” summer gardening series and weekly “family dinner” nights on Thursdays each week.
Bridge21 seeks to offer resources and stable housing, resources that adults become ineligible for once they turn 21 and are no longer eligible for public assistance. For more information, visit bridge21parkcity.org.