Sky Metalwala's Father to Speak at KITH Luncheon in Bellevue

Solomon Metalwala, the father of missing toddler Sky Metalwala, will speak at the Kirkland Interfaith Transitions in Housing luncheon March 8 at the Westin Bellevue on how the organization has helped him.

Metalwala has kept the search for his missing son in the forefront after the toddler was reported missing in November 2011 by his mother, Julia Biryukova, who told police he went missing after she left him in a disabled car on the side of a Bellevue road as she went looking for help.

Bellevue Police said that they could not verify that the car had problems, and Biryukova has since stopped cooperating with police in the search for her son, now 3.

Kirkland Interfaith Transitions in Housing provided the following information on the fundraising event:

Kirkland resident Solomon Metalwala will speak briefly at this year's Kirkland Interfaith Transitions in Housing (KITH) luncheon. Metalwala, whose family has been searching for his son, Sky, since the toddler disappeared from Bellevue more than a year ago, will speak about how KITH has helped him deal with the challenges he and his family have faced.

The keynote address will be given by Author Dr. Joseph Castleberry. According to a press release from Kith, Castleberry believes the best way to have a rich and satisfying life is to discover and live out our deepest dreams. His book Your Deepest Dream equips people to find their unique dream and make it a reality. Dr. Castleberry hopes people will not only gain new insights that will help them overcome roadblocks to fulfillment, but also will learn the skills to lead others successfully in making their deep dreams come true.  

President of Kirkland’s Northwest University, Castleberry will keynote the 4th Annual Fighting Homelessness luncheon Friday, March 8, at The Westin Bellevue.  King County Councilwoman Jane Hague is Honorary Chair of this event benefiting KITH programs helping homeless families to overcome roadblocks to find and retain permanent, safe housing and stability.

 “It’s hard to believe, but there were 398 students in Bellevue and Lake Washington Schools reported as homeless last school year, not counting those who keep it a secret,” said Chuck Oxford, owner of FIX AUTO Bellevue. Chuck and his company have sponsored the Annual “Fighting Homelessness” Luncheon since 2010. “KITH is housing homeless families. Their excellent case managers work with families as they pursue their goals and change their futures. Excellence is a value shared by KITH and FIX AUTO Bellevue.” Oxford believes it takes a whole community working together to fight problems like homelessness. “These families and children have as much right to pursue their goals and dreams as any of us do. We are honored to do our part by supporting KITH and the families they serve.”  

A recent report released by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction highlighted the number of students the Lake Washington School District who lack permanent living arrangements.

KITH’s Transitional Housing client Solomon Metalwala will speak briefly about how KITH housing and case management services have helped his family transition through very trying circumstances. KING TV Traffic Anchor Tracy Taylor will emcee the luncheon.

The event is free with a requested minimum donation or pledge of $150 to go directly to fund KITH housing  and supportive services. Space is limited. Thanks to the Petter Family and generous donors, an Angel Matching Fund honoring Bill Petter will incite generosity by matching donations at the event. To support this event with a sponsorship or by being an Angel or Table Captain, contact Christine Rose at 425-576-9531x104 or email christiner@kithcares.org. To register or learn more about the luncheon, visit www.kithcares.org.

Founded in 1989, KITH is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization with the mission to confront homelessness and build safe and healthy communities. For further information, visit KITH’s website (www.kithcares.org).                       

--Information from Kirkland Interfaith Transitions in Housing