Dear Supporters, At the beginning of 2015 my Board President letter referenced the fresh vitality and renewed energy a new year can bring—it did, and it continued throughout the year. This past year has been filled with incredible growth for the Boys & Girls Club of Skagit County, full of successes thanks to the commitment of the Board, Staff and Volunteers who have given their best. Our success is reflected in the youth we serve— increasing to over 1600 in Skagit County, in Clubs filled to capacity, summer programs, mentoring, educational enhancement and healthy lifestyles. Whether these lives have been touched lightly or deeply—Boys & Girls Club made a positive difference. This has been a year of rewards and awards. We were awarded The Gateway to Impact Award from the National CEO, Jim Clark of Boys & Girls Club of America, recognizing our increased impact to youth and tremendous growth of more than 27%, one of the top in the country. Our Executive Director, Ron McHenry was presented The Spark Plug Award at the Pacific Leadership Conference by his colleagues for his role as a new director who created significant change in our local organization.
2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS President – Stephanie Hooper Bayside Specialties 1st Vice President – Mark Lawrence Simply Yards Landscaping and Design 2nd Vice President – Mike Gubrud Mike Gubrud Farmers Insurance Agency Treasurer – Becky Taft Skagit Bank Secretary – Carrie Wallace Skagit Bank Past President – Annette Booth Booth Insurance/Allstate Insurance Co.
We experienced our first Washington State Youth of the Year, Justice Lively. Without doubt this was a life changing pivotal time for Justice, but it was also for the organization. It was evidence of the powerful impact and influence Boys & Girls Club has in our maturing young men and women.
Past President – Mike Crawford
The increased and improved programs we have been able to offer are due to the generous support of individuals, grants and corporations. It is a testimony to the trust placed by this community in what can be accomplished when we devote resources to the future of our youth in this County.
Community Relations Services
Throughout this Annual Report you will see the bountiful results of your investment. We reach out from these pages to personally thank you for your contributions of time, talents and treasures to enable Boys & Girls Club of Skagit County to bring encouragement and enrichment to these young lives.
Member – Dr. Carl Bruner
We look forward to another year marked by positive milestones and continued participation in reaching greater numbers of youth, which includes a renewed Boys & Girls Club presence in the Burlington community.
Angel of the Winds Casino
It has been a pleasure, beyond measure, to serve this community through the Boys & Girls Club of Skagit County; the experience has truly been enriching. Thank you to a dedicated Board of Directors, an incredibly hard-working full and part-time Staff, and many committed Volunteers—and a huge thanks to our Executive Director, Ron McHenry for leading the charge to a victorious year! Thank you for the difference you make in the our youth and community—we are excited to see what 2016 brings. Stephanie Hooper Bayside Specialties 2015 Board President
Skagit Aggregates, LLC Past President – Maggie Potter
Member – Pat Barrett Barrett Financial, LTD
MVSD Superintendent Member – Karen Ray
Member – Tom Pasma Tom L. Pasma Auctioneers Double S Quarter Horses, Inc Member – Kelly Tuohig Tesoro Corporation Member – Mark Lione Cap Sante Inn Member – Holly Shannon Carson Law Group LEARN LIVE LEAD
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Dear Friends, I feel so blessed to have come to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County. For more than a decade, Clubs have been my calling in life, and I’ve enjoyed working with a wide range of staff, volunteers, board trustees, and Club members in several different communities. However, as I have settled in here, I find myself working hard to establish deep roots each day that passes. It has taken nearly two years to find all the right pieces, but our staff team is finding their stride, and making a tremendous difference in the lives of youth ages 6-18 in nearly every corner of Skagit County. Our Board of Directors is slowly growing in numbers as we remain patient, diligent, and considerate of volunteer time, and work to target individuals for participation based on the needs of the organization. While numbering just thirteen for the last six months, small compared to many Boards in our area, their production and measurable leadership metrics have increased significantly, gaining attention by Boys & Girls Clubs of America. I am thankful for all of our Board volunteers and Community Council members, past, and present, for sharing their time, talent, and treasure on behalf of thousands of youth whose lives are changed for the better. As the executive agent for our volunteers, I take my responsibility seriously, and endeavor to preserve and strengthen each and every legacy. When I first arrived in Skagit County, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County had two long-serving Board members—Maggie Potter and Mike Crawford; together they worked to maneuver the organization to sustainability and beyond. Perhaps the most devoted volunteers I have ever had the pleasure to work with, Mike and Maggie are a source of inspiration, and so when they informed me that they would be retiring from service this past summer it took a few minutes for me to recover. It may have been the glazing over of my eyes that caught their attention, but they reassured me that things would be fine. It took a few days until it truly sunk in; this was a quiet compliment and a shot of confidence, as well as big responsibility—they felt comfortable in stepping away as they saw the organization strengthen and move past sustainability. I have much to thank Mike and Maggie for, especially because even though they have “retired”, both are quick to answer the phone when I have a question or need advice, and they remain passionate advocates for the Boys & Girls Club, and indeed all youth. This year, our central theme is Legacy. From considering how we secure and expend resources and its impact on our Legacy, to instilling in our members to prepare for what they wish their Legacy to be, it is on our minds, and the source for that inspiration is Mike and Maggie. His wife Dianne pulled him in during her time as a school nurse, and he followed her onto the Board of Directors so Dianne is just as much to credit as Mike, though neither seek credit, applause, or recognition. The same goes for Maggie; in fact, I imagine that I’m in plenty of trouble already for shining this much attention and will be looking forward to her giving me a hard time about it in February when these are produced and sent out. So, as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County continues to serve youth in our communities in new and exciting ways, please remember that it is the Legacy of people like Mike, Maggie, countless other former and current Board members, volunteers, and YOU that allow me, and our dynamic staff team, to work to fulfill our mission: to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Yours in service,
Ron McHenry Executive Director
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IN THIS REPORT...
LETTER FROM OUR PAST BOARD PRESIDENT ...3 OUR BOARD MEMBERS
...3
LETTER FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ...4 NEW PROGRAM INITIATIVES
...6
LETTER FROM OUR NEW BOARD PRESIDENT ...7 THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS ...7, 10, 17, 25, 29, 31, 33, 34, 35, 37, 39, 41, 42 MEET OUR TEAM
...8-9
BY THE NUMBERS
...11, 32
2016 BUDGET
...12-13
2016 CALENDAR OF EVENTS ...14-15 ANACORTES CLUB
...16
LA CONNER CLUB
...19
CHASING OUR DREAMS
...20-21
A YEAR IN REVIEW
...22-23
GENERAL CLUB INFORMATION ...24-25 OUR STEM PROGRAMS
...26-27
MOUNT VERNON CLUB
...28
SEDRO-WOOLLEY CLUB
...30
“WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS” GALA ...36-37 YOUTH OF THE YEAR
...38-39
LOOKING AHEAD LEARN LIVE LEAD
...40 5
NEW PROGRAM INITIATIVES 2016 by Director of Operations, Noah Bannister For 2016 our new initiative is one that actually began during the summer of last year. Our summer meals program was a fantastic success, and we served over 10,000 meals in Anacortes, Mount Vernon and Sedro-Woolley. We used fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, cheeses, and dairy; all ingredients were purchased through local vendors and everything was made or grown in the United States. All our meals sites were open to the public, providing kids in the community with a free meal, as we strive to serve as many youth as we can. We’re expanding the meals program to our after-school programs and increasing the offering to include afternoon snacks, at all locations, but also to provide suppers in La Conner and Sedro-Woolley. This expansion will allow us to better serve our members and our communities. I’m hopeful that by the end of 2016 we will have served over 50,000 meals in Skagit County. 2016 is also a time of self-evaluation for our Clubs. In the last three years we’ve had tremendous growth at all of our locations; Membership, staff, and new programs. It’s time we looked at our core program offering to evaluate the quality and relevancy of the programs being offered. Currently we offer programs focused on five core areas: • Character & Leadership Development • Education & Career Development 6
• Health & Life Skills • The Arts • Sports, Fitness & Recreation Every program has a targeted outcome and these outcomes are categorized into three priorities: Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles, and Good Character & Citizenship. Our intent is to provide well-rounded programs that meet the needs of all our members. While our programs have always been impactful and purposeful, it’s time to see how we can improve them to enhance the overall Club experience. Additionally, in 2016 we will run a “Junior Youth of the Year” program at our La Venture and Mount Baker extensions. This program is a mirror of our current Youth of the Year program, however it’s specifically geared towards 6th-8th graders. Not only does the program provide recognition for members’ achievements in and outside the Club but it allows for growth in leadership and confidence. Participants will write essays and a three minute speech, they will go in front of their peers and a panel of judges, showcasing their developed abilities. Candidates will be selected from both sites and we will then go through another round of judging to select one member to represent Skagit County as our Jr. Youth of the Year ambassador.
Greetings, I have the pleasure of sharing my passion for Boys & Girls Clubs in a leadership capacity for 2016, as the new Board President. What our Clubhouses provide in the communities we serve is tremendous, and our professional staff continue to explore new collaborations and partnerships to both deepen our impact and widen our reach. As we begin the year, we continue on our path of growth and will begin STEM Outreach Programs in Burlington in partnership with the Library. To ensure that our members have their bodies nourished as well as their minds, we have the opportunity to begin serving dinners in some Clubhouses, thanks to a partnership with USDA and the Office of the Superintendent for Public Instruction in Washington State. Through all of this, we commit to our values of Fun, Respect, Integrity, Community, and Acceptance. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County has gained recognition and notoriety near and far by incorporating these values into everything we do, and working hard to instill them in the 1,600+ members we serve. We also maintain our pride in being the best possible stewards of our community investment in the mission of our Clubs: to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. 2015 was another big year for our local organization, and our Past-President, Stephanie Hooper, deserves many kudos for her leadership in ensuring a sustainable Boys & Girls Club operation in Skagit County. Enjoy our Annual Report and celebrate with us our accomplishments and great memories of the past year, all while looking forward to affecting great change in the lives of youth ages 6-18 in our local communities. I encourage you to come take a tour of a Clubhouse, attend one of our monthly volunteer group activities, or meet with one of our staff or board members to learn more about the legacy you are helping to create. Sincerely, Mark Lawrence Simply Yards Landscaping & Design 2016 Board President
THANK YOU TO MANY OUR SUPPORTERS Anacortes Aktion Club Anacortes Arts Festival, Inc. Foothills Toyota Island Hospital Jeff & Linda Hendricks Family Foundation Mary Davis Lighting Medina Foundation Microsoft Matching Gifts Program Mount Vernon School District #320 Navsukh Enterprises, Inc. Northwest Linings & Geotextile Products, Inc. Papa Murphy’s Anacortes Eagles - FOE #2069 Skagit Valley Marine Corps League-Detach. 1043 Tucker Family Foundation Waterfront Cafe Whatcom Community Foundation 5th Avenue Theatre Alice Bohnker Insurance Allstate Giving Campaign Anacortes Chamber of Commerce City of Anacortes Anacortes Community Health Council Anacortes Housing Authority Ronald Ray Port of Anacortes Angel of the Winds Casino Associated Petroleum Products, Inc. Barrett Financial, Ltd. Bayside Specialties, Inc. Stephanie & Darrell Hooper Best Buy Foundation Big 5 Sporting Goods Blade Chevrolet Mike Blade Bob’s Burger & Brew Boeing Company, Employees Community Fund Boundary Bay Brewing Co. Boys & Girls Clubs of America The Brown Lantern Alehouse Burton Jewelers Savi Bank Cap Sante Inn, LLC Carl’s Towing Central Moving & Storage Christ Episcopal Church Columbia Distributing Comcast Cook Road Shell Costco Country Meadow Village Courtyard Gallery CPI Plumbing & Heating Craft Stove E & E Lumber Edco, Inc. Enchanted Florist Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund Fisher Construction Group Frontier Industries, Inc.
LEARN LIVE LEAD
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MEET OUR TEAM
8
Ron McHenry Executive Director
Tammy Findlay Director of Marketing & Stewardship
Ian Faley Director of Development
Noah Bannister Director of Operations
Sarah Arquitt Director of Administration
Katelynn Sullivan Community Development Coordinator
John Garman STEM Director
KJ Evans Club Director, La Conner
Emily Chappel Program Director, La Conner
MEET OUR TEAM
Shane Collins Interim Club Director, Sedro-Woolley
Patrick Dougher Teen Coordinator, Sedro-Woolley
Megan Archer Site Coordinator, La Venture
Angela Freeberg Area Director, Mount Vernon
Erik Pineda Program Director, Mount Vernon
Liz Klenke Site Coordinator, Mount Baker
Taylor Bannister Club Director, Anacortes
Andrew Worcester Program Director, Anacortes
Noah Richards Teen Coordinator, Anacortes
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Skagit Speedway Georgetown Brewery Gere-a-Deli Guemes Women Fellowship Hampton Inn & Suites Interior Gardens & Florist Johnny Picasso’s Kamb & Kamb Kiwanis - Anacortes Noon Club Anacortes Sunrisers Kiwanis Kiwanis Club of La Conner Kiwanis Club of Mount Vernon Kiwanis- Burlington-Edison La Conner Channel Lodge La Conner Civic Garden Club Town of La Conner Lakeside Industries Louis Auto Glass, Inc Lowman House LLC Mac & Jack Brewery Majestic Inn & Spa MillerCoors Nell Thorn Restaurant & Pub Norm Nelson, Inc. North Cascade Veterinary Hospital North Cascades Health Council OBT Company Oliver-Hammer Bart & Patty Smith PACCAR Technical Center Pacific WoodTech Corporation Pat Rimmer’s Les Schwab Tire Centers Peoples Bank Per Dona Salon Spa Rallye Auto Sales, Inc. Reisner Distributor, Inc. Burlington Rotary Foundation Fidalgo Island Rotary Foundation Rotary Club of La Conner Rouw Insurance Agency Safelite Auto Glass Foundation Safeway - Anacortes Samish Tyee Schuh Farms Seattle Mariners Sedro-Woolley Auto Parts Sedro-Woolley True Value Hardware Semrau Engineering & Surveying Shell Puget Sound Refining Company Skagit Ford Subaru Skagit Island San Juan School Retirees Association Skagit Ready Mix/Smokey Point Concrete Skagit River Steel & Recycling Skagit Bank Dan & Debbie Boffey Skagit Valley Food Co-Op Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Smiley Insurance Soroptimist International of Anacortes Soroptimist International of Fidalgo Island Soroptimist International of Sedro-Woolley Sound Development Group, LLC Keith Sorestad State Farm Agency State of Washington
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BY THE NUMBERS: AVERAGE DAILY ATTENDANCE CLUB
ADA
We currently have 4 Clubs & 2 Satellite Sites at Mount Baker & La Venture Middle Schools.
Average Daily Attendance.
MEMBERS ON A WAITING LIST
STAFF CAPACITY
BUILDING CAPACITY
New members may be put on a waiting list until space or additional staff becomes available.
Our staff ratio is 1 staff to 15 kids. If ADA goes up by 15 we hire additional staff depending on budget constraints, ADA projections, & Building Capacity.
This number of members that the Club can accommodate within Fire Code
ANACORTES
91
Yes
105
150
LA CONNER
52
Yes
60
115
MOUNT VERNON
99
Yes
105
110
SEDRO-WOOLLEY
126
Yes
135
150
LA VENTURE SITE
22
No
Currently No Cap
Not Available
MOUNT BAKER SITE
28
No
Currently No Cap
Not Available
418:
AVERAGE DAILY ATTENDANCE FOR BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SKAGIT COUNTY LEARN LIVE LEAD
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2015 TOTAL INCOME $1,502,337 BUDGETED for 2016 TOTAL INCOME $1,741,578 DONATIONS & CONTRIBUTIONS: 2015: 28% Projected for 2016: 22%
EVENTS & FUNDRAISERS: 2015: 27% Projected for 2016: 25%
GRANTS & OTHER INVESTMENT: 2015: 20% Projected for 2016: 34%
MEMBERSHIP DUES/FEES: 2015: 11% Projected for 2016: 10%
PROGRAM REVENUE: 2015: .5% Projected for 2016: 1%
MISCELLANEOUS: 2015: .5% Projected for 2016: 2%
IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS: 2015: 13% Projected for 2016: 6%
INCOME 2015 $423,999 BUDGETED for 2016 $379,702
*Numbers rounded to nearest decimal
EXPENSE
58%
2015 TOTAL EXPENSE
2015 $404,564 BUDGETED for 2016 $439,875 2015 $297,083 BUDGETED for 2016 $596,200
2015 $164,377 BUDGETED for 2016 $177,315
2015 $7,281 BUDGETED for 2016 $4,964 2015 $2,497 BUDGETED for 2016 $37,956
2015 $202,536 BUDGETED for 2016 $105,566
2016 BUDGET
75%
$1,383,323
4%
4%
4%
5%
5%
3%
1%
1%
1%
1%
Personnel & Benefits 2015: $804,397 2016 Projection: $1,298,550
Program Delivery 2015: $69,272 2016 Projection: $ 89,481
Program Administration Supplies & Admin 2015: $61,314 2016 Projection: $13,560
Transportation/Travel 2015: $35,249 2016 Projection: $12,605 Insurance 2015: $19,245 2016 Projection: $ 22,753
Occupancy: 2015: $59,455 2016 Projection: $ 65,650
15%
7% 2%
1%
.5%
.5%
.5%
Finance & Administration Fees 2015: $29,243 2016 Projection: $18,850
5%
6%
.5%
In-Kind Expense 2015: $202,536 2016 Projection: $105,566
Marketing 2015: $7,151 2016 Projection: $9,456 Outreach 2015: $2,242 2016 Projection: $4,303 Fundraising Expense 2015: $93,219 2016 Projection: $86,467
TOTAL EXPENSE BUDGETED for 2016 $1,727,241
LEARN LIVE LEAD
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2016 FEB
M AR
M AY
WINTER FUNDRAISER
MAR 16: ANNUAL BREAKFAST
As the wrap-up to our Campaign for GREAT Kids, the Annual Breakfast is an opportunity to join other civic leaders and Club investors and learn about the return on investment our Clubs provide Skagit County.
MAR 7 TO 12: BOYS & GIRLS CLUB WEEK
Together with more than 4,000 other Clubs around the county, our Clubhouses celebrate our youth and the difference made through the Boys & Girls Club movement in an effort coordinated to bring advocacy for those with the quietest of voices—our kids.
ANACORTES BREAKFAST
The Anacortes Boys & Girls Club celebrates its members and their accomplishments at an event that brings the community together. Combined with a Club tour and short program, participants are educated about what makes the Anacortes Clubhouse unique.
JUNE 24 & 25: KEYS FOR KIDS
It’s summer, and what better way to kick it off than at a Garden Party featuring Dueling Pianos! A wonderful night out, Keys for Kids is an opportunity to have fun while supporting a great cause.
SUMMER ENROLLMENT
When School is out, Clubs are in! We work hard to open our Clubs early enough each day to provide lunch to our members; for some it may be the only full meal they receive. For our working families, we offer a fee-based morning program with rates that are designed simply to cover the cost of the extra program hours. Enrollment opens March 1.
JUN
14
Now a staple in the Sedro-Woolley community, the Winter Fundraiser is an event intended to bolster fellowship among local Club supporters and advocates in a fun way, while raising funds specifically for the Sedro-Woolley Boys & Girls Club.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS For twenty years, golf enthusiasts have descended on a Skagit County Golf Course and played 18 holes, as well as some silly games, for an afternoon Tournament to raise funds that enable our Clubs to fulfill our mission.
It’s a busy time as the school year begins. When school starts again, we continue on, making sure that our families have a safe, fun, and positive place for kids each and every day when the release bell rings.
A night unlike any other. With incredible food and beverages, exciting auction items and fun games, 350 Skagitonians get together to raise ten-percent of our budget in a single night of fun. There is truly something for everyone, and by the end of the night you’re sure to be asking about the next event. Throughout each of our communities, local Clubhouses hold their own Dinners with Friends event. These friendraisers serve as Club Youth of the Year Celebrations, with many awards to be handed out. From A/V to speeches, our kids run the show, gaining valuable skills in the process. Since 1947, the Youth of the Year program has been changing the lives of teens throughout the United States. Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Club member can achieve, and carries with it scholarships and great prestige.
AUG 12: ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
BACK TO SCHOOL ENROLLMENT
NOV 4: ANNUAL GALA
AUG
SEPT
N OV
DINNER WITH FRIENDS
2017: YOUTH OF THE YEAR
JAN
LEARN LIVE LEAD
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ANACORTES CLUB:
MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR TEENS TO LEAD Teens are provided with a free meal—often cooked by teen volunteers earlier that day—then are treated to an evening of fun, from Trivia Challenges, to Murder Mystery’s, to movie nights.
experiences in leadership and government roles as well as teaching the importance of responsibility, finances, and integrity.
by Club Director, Taylor Bannister The Anacortes Club is ramping up its teen programs, thanks to funding from the Anacortes Sunrisers and Noon Kiwanis Clubs. The Club currently offers its teen program each Monday thru Friday, from 2-6pm, with extended “After Hours” on Fridays from 6-10pm. Teen Coordinator Noah Richards spearheads the efforts in the teen center, creating an atmosphere of acceptance and fun with different Club programs, as well as the creation of Beardlantis, a society formed by the teens and run by teens—offering them new 16
Alongside programming we will also offer opportunities for teens to attend more field trips outside of the Club, this year. In October we were able to take teens to Gordon’s Pumpkin Patch, and in December to the Experience Music Project in Seattle. Field trips will occur quarterly for our teens this year. For our After Hours Programs, the Teen Center sees an average of 40 teens each Friday night. Teens are provided with a free meal—often cooked by teen volunteers earlier that day—then are treated to an evening of fun, from Trivia Challenges, to Murder Mysteries, to movie nights. As we begin a new year, the Anacortes Club is excited to delve deeper in programming based around our Teen members, and looking at finding more ways to allow for more members to join in and be a part of such a great program.
Jeff & Mary June Curtils Barbara Dahlstedt Ken & Florence Dahlstedt Norman & Patricia Dahlstedt John & Nancy Darnton Rick & Angela Davidson Gregg & Lea Davidson Brian & Caroline Davis Lou Ann Davis Marjorie Davis Homer & Rosette Dawson Len Dawson Jim & Carma DeGroot Gene & Marilyn Derig Beverly Dillon Melissa & Hugh Dougher John Doyle Laurel & Dieter Drews Linda R Dubinski Ann Dursch Jason Easton Jim Eberhardt & Kaylene Farley James & Janet Ebersole Diane Eiesland Cory Ertel Mark & Pam Estvold Bruce & Margaret Evertz Jerry & Eva Fader Marci & Matthew Fankhauser John & Mary Ferlin Jo Finkbohner Fred & Sharon Fisher Jennifer L Fix Brett & Laurie Fontes Brett & Eva Fox K.C. & Angela Freeberg Robert & Rebecca Gates Kendall & Nancy Gentry Warren Gilbert Bill Gillespie Bruce & Sylvia Gillette Paul Godfrey Michael & Jessica Good Dale & Elaine Gorsegner Donald W Gracia James & Pat Grenfell Robert Gruber Jack & Claudette Gubrud Mark & Judy Gubrud Mike & Victorian Gubrud Arthur & Lydia Guel Nancy & Joe Halton Pat Hammond Herb & Judy Hansen Dean Harrington MaryAnn Hatfield Janna Haupt Kurt Hefferline Darrell & Elizabeth Heisler Frank & Sharon Higgins Jack & Joan Hilde Sally Hill Steve & Felisa Hoglund Darrel & Bernice Homan
LEARN LIVE LEAD 17
LA CONNER CLUB: POWER HOUR PROS
by Club Director, KJ Evans The La Conner Club has many facets that make Power Hour it a unique and special encourages young place for kids. One of those treasures is the Dr. Kenyon people to view homework & Siddy Knopf Education as an opportunity to work Center. The Club as a independently, successfully whole was converted complete projects on time, and from a public school out-building in 1999. feel positive about their school The Education Center is accomplishments—with staff a partitioned, quiet space providing tutoring in areas with lots of windows providing natural light even in they need it most. Photos by John Kull the dark of winter. In November of 2014, with the funding from the Knopf family and with the help of the Kiwanis Club, this space was transformed into rest is the due to the effort Club Members put in a dedicated learning center. every day and to the great staff that find ways to This past year the most popular program at the La Conner make learning fun. Club has been Power Hour with an average of 25-30 members in the Education Center. Power hour is a program that allows all Boys & Girls Club members to take advantage of after-school homework assistance provided for children ages 6-18. Since the La Conner Club is heavily populated with grade schoolers, that tends to be the vast majority of the kids taking advantage of the Education Center. Power Hour encourages young people to view homework as an opportunity to work independently, successfully complete projects on time, and feel positive about their school accomplishments—with staff providing tutoring in areas they need it most. The success of the Power Hour program is due in part to this fine space. The
It’s always great to walk into the Education Center and see all of the kids engaged in their homework, to see kids going the extra mile, and putting forth the effort to ensure they’re making the most of their education. We truly have a great group of kids in La Conner. The staff are constantly building relationships with parents, schools & teachers, and with the La Conner community to ensure that we’re providing the kids with all of the necessary tools they need to build a successful future. Our kids have done an amazing job thus far, and we look forward to seeing what 2016 has in store.
LEARN LIVE LEAD
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CHASING OUR DREAMS
When Raymond Goda first became involved in the Boys & Girls Club, he was joining the Annual Gala Committee. Within two weeks, he would take a big step and become the presenting sponsor of the same event with his award-winning business Dreamchasers RV of Burlington. Raymond, and his wife Debbie, are relative newcomers to the Skagit community, yet in a short time, have made a significant impact. Supporting many great organizations and causes in Skagit County, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County was honored when Raymond accepted a nomination to serve on the Board of Directors. It was not offered because of their significant investment through the Gala Sponsorship, nor the initiative announced later in this article; instead, it’s because Mr. Goda has shown tremendous concern for the health and welfare of all youth, and is incredibly passionate about it. When values align, magic can happen, and it certainly has in this instance. Through Dreamchasers RV of Burlington, the more than 1,600 youth Boys & Girls Clubs serve in our Skagit County communities will find themselves able to Chasea Dream of their own in one of our Clubhouses. In the best possible example of a cause-marketing campaign, Dreamchasers RV of Burlington will donate $100 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County for each new unit sold. With service costs of just more than $1,000 per member, that means every ten RV’s sold can save the life of a child. With stellar service after the sale, your dreams come true as well, and each time you set off for an adventure, you can celebrate your purchase, knowing it has made a difference.
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It’s no surprise that Dreamchasers RV of Burlington has been recognized many times over for their commitment, and we stand and offer congratulations to our friends who were recently recognized as the 2015 Burlington Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year.
2015
22
JANUARY 29
MARCH 25
JUNE 27
Justice Lively crowned Youth of the Year for Skagit County.
Justice Lively named Washington State Youth of the Year & Don Wick is inducted into Boys & Girls Club Alumni Hall of Fame.
Keys for Kids, an event featuring Dueling Pianos and lots of fun is held at La Conner Flats, receiving rave reviews.
FEBRUARY
MAY
JUNE
Club Director John Garman & Police Chief Lin Tucker entice bidders by putting their beards on the shaving block at the SedroWoolley Winter Fundraiser.
Anacortes Boys & Girls Club Reading Program doubles in size thanks to WA Reading Corps support.
Mount Vernon, Anacortes, & Sedro-Woolley Clubs are open for Summer and implement free meal programs reaching even more youth.
YEAR IN REVIEW JULY
SEPTEMBER 28
NOVEMBER 6
La Conner Boys & Girls Club members tour the Brooks Running Corporate Headquarters & participate in a Track Meet.
Two satellite Clubs open at Mount Baker and La Venture Middle Schools to relieve overcrowding at the Mount Vernon Clubhouse.
“We Are The Champions!” Gala breaks records and Justice Lively is honored with an entry into the Congressional Record.
AUGUST
OCTOBER 1
DECEMBER 10
Tesoro Corp commits to giving $390,000 over 3 years to jumpstart STEM Programs at all Clubs focusing on Middle & High School aged Members.
Ron McHenry, CEO, is recognized at the Boys & Girls Club Pacific Leadership Conference with the “Spark Award”, and Skagit Clubs earn the “Gateway to Impact Award”.
Cause for Applause lunch is held at the Northwest Career and Technical Academy, recognizing volunteers and supporters that go above and beyond for our Clubs. LEARN LIVE LEAD 23
Administrative Office PO Box 947 1605 William Way, Ste B Mount Vernon, WA 98273 360-419-3723 (phone/fax) Anacortes Club 904 6th St. Anacortes, WA 98221 360-588-9045 La Conner Club 305 N. Sixth St. La Conner, WA 98257 360-466-3672 Mount Vernon Club 1100 N. La Venture Rd. Mount Vernon, WA 98273 360-428-6995 Mount Baker Site 2310 E. Section St. Mount Vernon, WA 98274 360-428-6995 La Venture Site 1100 N. La Venture Rd. Mount Vernon, WA 98273 360-428-6109 x31177 Sedro-Woolley Club 915 McGarigle Rd. Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284 360-856-1830
MEMBERSHIP CLUB HOURS During the school year all of our Clubs operate from 2pm to 6pm Monday thru Friday, except for the Sedro-Woolley Club, which operates from 2:00pm to 6:30pm Monday thru Friday.
WHO CAN ATTEND THE CLUB? Youth ages 6 (or in First Grade) to 18
TEEN CENTER HOURS & TEEN NIGHTS Teen Center Hours are designated hours for teens with an area and programs designated just for them. Teen Nights are for teens only without other Members present. These are generally held on Friday Nights. Anacortes Teen Nights: Most Fridays, 6pm to 10pm La Conner Teen Nights: One Friday a month. 7-10pm Mount Vernon: Teen Center Monday-Fridays: 2pm to 3:30pm. Teen Nights: 3 Fridays a month, 6 to 10pm. Sedro-Woolley: Teen Center: Monday – Thursday, 2pm to 6:30pm. Teen Nights: Most Fridays, 2pm to 10pm.
MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS & REGISTRATION Each Club has their own hours for Registration and Renewals. Please consult our website were you can view hours and download forms: www.skagitclubs.org.
HOLIDAYS & EARLY RELEASE DAYS The Clubs make every effort to accommodate the needs of Youth during holiday breaks or on weekdays for which there is no school. Each Club will have their own schedule based on their corresponding school district. We usually offer a morning and afternoon program. Clubs need at least 15 participants to be open. There is an additional fee for the Morning Program.
Howard & Elaine Huffstodt Les & Fay Huggins Steven & Rhonda Huggins Brian Jackson Insurance Agency, Inc. Michael & Lisa Janicki Alan & Ellen Johnson Donald & Ora Jonasson Vera Jones David & Patricia Jorgensen Barbara Kehoe Highwaters Media Dale & Marlene Klein Wayne & Ginny Kluth Frank & Nancy Krook Von & Elizabeth Kuehn Debra & Douglas Lancaster B.J. Larson Randy & Debbie Larson Simply Yards Landscape & Design Thomas Lebovsky & Jane Billinghurst Barbara Legas Steve & Julie Lidgard Doug & Laurie Lundgren Kristine Lytton Rick & Meredith Machin Keith Magee Lee Mann Photography Rob Martin Steven & Jan Massey Kent & Christine Mathes Mike & Barb Matheson Levon & Dorothy Matson John & Sylvia Matterand Dorothy McCartney Verna McClure H. Coleman McGinnis Glen & Susan McInelly John & Colleen McIntyre Scott & Marjorie McPhee Gary & Pam Miller Ronald & Jamie Mitchell Victoria W Morell Frederick & Elaine Morton Joyce Nagel Arty & Elinor Nakis Richard & Linda Nelson Paul & Holly Nielsen Mark & Gayle Nilson Sandra Nootenboom Dick & Dawn Nord Emerson Nordmark & Kim Liebscher Michael & Patricia Norris Hope Noyes Stephen & Jean Oakley Ronald & Sherry D Oberst David & Syd Olausen Richard Olds Francis & Ann Olsen Curt & Monica Oppel Erik & Debbie Pedersen Greg & Karen Peterka Roger Peterson Rick & Karen Pitt Greg Platt
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STE M PROGRAMS COUNTY-WIDE by Director of STEM Initiatives, John Garman Since receiving an incredibly generous financial commitment, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County has launched an initiative to increase STEM programs at all of our locations. With new funds comes new resources: brand new computer labs were furnished at each Club to help provide technology resources to youth and open up new avenues of learning and developing skills sets for their futures. The plan is to develop three years worth of STEM curriculum for different age groups in order to keep Club members learning, exploring, and developing new skills.
Coding With our new STEM initiatives, the Clubs are driving kids to explore their interests in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics; and for some of our younger members, this is their first foray into the scientific realm. Our teens are currently participating in a coding project, using computer code to create an interactive and informative program that they can share with younger kids to teach them about their favorite animal. One Club Teen at the Mt. Vernon Club went a step further and devised a program that used her favorite animals to teach the kids simple math problems. Activities like this Teen Coding project are at the very heart of what the Boys & Girls Clubs is all about; we’ve taken this opportunity to teach computer coding to a wide range of ages, given our Teens leadership opportunities with our younger members, and motivated everyone to learn something about animals, math, and technology. 26
Up until now, many of our teen members have only had basic introductions to computer coding and programming. Now they have something useful to share with younger cohorts, and they can participate in furthering their own skills and helping others explore their own skill development. The beauty of a project like coding is that it allows kids to explore things that interest them and gives them a platform for expression and exploration as they develop new skills and discover new interests.
Engineering Design, build, test, and rebuild; whether Club members are attempting to recreate a building or bridge for the day’s challenge, they follow the same process: design, build, test, and rebuild. Each member has their own strengths, and this process helps identify skills that they excel at, as well as skills that could use further development. For the younger groups, it’s important to learn how to visualize a project and research how they might attack a certain challenge. For the older groups, the difficulty lies in choosing a direction to put their designs to work. Using 3x5 cards as a building material is a great material for learning various engineering concepts like structural integrity and adding rigidity to a thin and flimsy material. In each age group, members are surprised by how strong a single piece of paper can be when they are building bridges.
The Future As spring approaches, Club members will be engaged in environmental exploration and conservation. Clubs are partnering with the Skagit Land Trust and the Department of Fish and Wildlife to explore what their county has to offer and determine ways that they can get involved with improving their natural resources. We are in the works right now to obtain a 3D printer that will add many technical skills to Club members list; the big challenge will be to design an object that can be used as building and engineering aids for the younger groups. Additionally, digital photography is a great way to match technology and environmental studies. Lastly, determining the best way to establish a means to explore the realm of chemistry without blowing up the Club is essential to round out a STEM program.
MOUNT VERNON CLUB: Preparing Members for ACADEMIC SUCCESS reading, including organizing the
library to make it easy to use A concerted effort by Club members. These is being made to build Reading Corps members self esteem and encourage also work with these our kids, as well as to Club kids and students at Madison and Centencommunicate with parents nial Elementary School and teachers in order to during the day. This has make learning a positive made a valuable connection between the school experience for our day and after school hours. kids.
Along with our Reading Corps members the Club has brought on an Education Coordinator, to increase mentoring and support for our kids. More than 60 Club members are paired with Club staff members for mentoring. All staff have become engaged in this program. Staff members check in with their Club members on a regular basis, to see how they are doing in school, where they need support and to cheer them on. Before Winter Break staff gave their mentoring kids cookies to thank them for their hard work in school. A concerted effort is being made to build self esteem and encourage our kids, as well as to communicate with parents and teachers in order to make learning a positive experience for our kids.
by Area Director, Angela Freeberg Academic Success has always been a priority for the Boys & Girls Club, but this year the Mount Vernon Club has made instilling a love and desire to learn our number one goal. That means incorporating education and the value of academic success into all that we do, in all parts of the Club. This school year the Mount Vernon Club has brought on two excellent Washington State Reading Corps members to provide literacy support to Club kids who struggle with 28
Learning should be fun! All kids who wish to participate can join in our Dive Into Reading extended educational activities, as well as our Power Hour Homework program. Each week includes a variety of themed activities. Themes have included Grinch Week and others based on local books, such as the Pigeon Party and our upcoming Star Wars week. Activities are spread throughout the Clubhouse to include games, art, and a variety of engaging enrichment activities. On Tuesdays of each week Club kids can participate in our Paws to Read program where they can read with dogs. Another great opportunity for Club members to have fun with a purpose and increase their skills. Club member Tristen says, “When I do my homework here I can do other stuff when I go home!�
Jack & Dena Poling John & Michele Pope Brian & Kristia Poppe Maggie Potter Gary H Proctor Philip Prud’homme Tod & Sheri Queen William & Wendy Rabel Suzanne Radenkovic Dale & Susan Ragan Kimberlee M Ray Will & Diane Reichardt Carl & Jill Reid Bill & Shirlee Reinard Suzette & James Richards Roger Ridgway & Mary Jon Vance Howard & Amy Roberts Betty Rockwell Carl & Betty Romtvedt John Roozen Madeleine Roozen-Cook Chuck & Toni Ruhl David Ryberg & Joan Penney Bob & Marian Sadler Eric & Emily Schuh Michael Schweigert Jim & Mary Scott Dawn & Patrick Severin Gary & Judy Shand Cynthia Simonsen Dan & Sandi Sims Darrell & Sherilyn Skiles Donald & Colleen Slack John & Julie Small Colleen Smiley Elizabeth Smith Jim V. & Judy Smith Margaret Smith Jamie & Sarah Southard Rich Weyrich & Betta Spinelli Jack & Carole Straathof Dale & Monica Summers Shirley J Swanson Sandy Swartos Kate Szurek Becky & John Taft Gary & Claudean Talbert Ann Thompson William & Dolores Thomson Torolf & Anna Torgersen Lin & Carla Tucker Brad & Kristen Tully William G. & Pattti Van Wieringen Scott & Cinde Wakeman Carrie Wallace Warren & Linda Walz Ron & Jan Wesen Ray Westfall Sean & Holley Weyrich Don Wick Dave Wilder Dr. Paul & Gina Williams Susan Wilson Fred & Susan Wintermantel
Brian & Kathy Wolfe Doug & Gay Woods Diane L Yates Cascade Fabrics Skagit Aggregates LLC Express Employment Professionals Humane Society of Skagit County Janicki Logging & Construction KarMart USA for Kids Knutzen Farms La Conner School District Jack & Shirley McIntyre Family Foundation RIS Insurance Services Sons of the American Legion Squadron 43 Delia Bough Chuck & LuAnne Burkhart John Cheney Brittney Crandall Gary & Janet Davis Mitch Everton Chad Fisher Steven & Adelle Hamel Michael & Jennifer Harlan Dan & Nicole Hoffman John & Katy Janicki Elliot Johnson Kevin & Lori Knudson Michael McClure Vince & Terry Oliver Brian & Peggy Paxton Juleen Perusek Debra Peterson Greg & Lou Ann Reed Gail Renouard Colleen Sargent Carol Strandberg Bill & Laurie Wallace Ann Wilder Karen Ray Kara Ney Skagit Farmers Supply Pizza Factory of Burlington Vicki Stasch Scott Sutton Jon & Teresa Ronngren John T. Giboney Lou & M.J. D’Amelio Carol Brown Ken & Debbie Cheney Michael & Dana Webb Jason & Bobbilyn Tom & Dianne Kuhn Eric & Lynette Johnson Clark & Louise McKee Beth & Kevin Meenaghan Jack & Stephanie Hamilton James & Joyce Anderson Anthony Young Allstate Foundation Tom Griffin & Lani Donohoe Brian Hanrahan Skagit Community Foundation Judd & Black Bardo Galloro
John L. Scott Skagit Transportation Gary & Hollie Brand James & Barbara Richardson Dwayne Lane’s North Cascade Ford Nicholas Vanjaarsveld Ed Perry Just Peachy Yogurt Kohl’s Fidalgo Bay Coffee La Conner Pub and Eatery Anacortes Kayak Tours Sandi Andersen Valley Electric Co. of Mt. Vernon, Inc. The Cambia Employee Giving Campaign Nick & Nikki Petosa Walmart Best Buy Avalon Golf Links Joe Jones Suzanne RothMeyer Photography Jackie Davison Kyle & Angela Lindsay Justin & April Ward Shannon & Eric Whalen John & Tanya Probstfield John & Marie Erbstoeszer Nancy Rytand The Encore Shoppe Pat Rimmer’s Les Schwab Tire Center- SedroWoolley Laura Fletcher Papa Murphy’s Sedro-Woolley H.D. Fowler Company Thompson’s Greenhouse Deb Bundy Pola Kelley Sedro-Woolley Chamber of Commerce Danielle & Michael Russell Renee Buchanan John Garman Josh & Marna Carpenter Manresa Castle Jessica Cantrell Good Karma Coffee Company Christine Johnson Banner Bank Kurt & Brittany Swanson Columbia Bank Valley Auto Supply Cascade Natural Gas Salazar’s Nursery & Landscape Supplies Charlie & Karen Wend John & Julie Cooper Ronald & Joni Swanson TJ & Karen Larrick BNSF Railway Foundation Erin Baker’s Wholesome Baked Goods La Conner Senior Center Carolyn Howe Leslie Dorn Jack & Holly Kennedy North Cascade Seventh Day Adventist Church Brian & Christine Youngquist
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SEDRO-WOOLLEY CLUB POSITIVE SPROUTS: Home-Grown Fruits & Veggies Growing a garden can sound very appealing, but it can also seem intimidating. Our Positive Sprouts program is designed to make gardening more manageable by teaching kids the basics. During 2015 our garden was exceptional, providing our Club with fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as amazing flowers. Our Dahlia’s were especially vibrant, providing fresh cut flowers for our Club and Community, yielding all the way into October. Volunteer support and involvement are vital to the success of any community garden. Our local expert and long-time volunteer, Cookson Beecher, has been instrumental in the development, design, and implementation of our Club garden. Specializing in Dahlias, Cookson helped our Members grow prize-worthy flowers. As per tradition, our Members were Our Members able to present a lovely aslook forward to sortment of Dahlias to our neighboring Cascade Midanother strong garden dle School. Dahlia arrangein 2016; prepping dirt, ments adorned our front taking soil temperatures, desk throughout the late digging up tubers and summer and fall. Our garden by Interim Club Director, also provided a platform for planting seeds. Shane Collins plant donations and a community service project. The Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide improve children’s habits of health and nutriDuring the summer our fresh fruit and tion through community gardening, and the veggies complimented our snack program. Our Members Sedro-Woolley Club is no exception. Gardening picked, prepped, and served these extra goodies. The supprovides the ideal mechanism to teach youth ply of cherry tomatoes was especially plentiful. about nutrition; not only do children become engaged in the process of growing food for Our Members look forward to another strong garden in 2016; themselves, but they also appreciate the im- prepping dirt, taking soil temperatures, digging up tubers, provement in taste and texture detectable in and planting seeds. Our Club garden will provide opportutheir own home-grown fruits and vegetables. nities to connect with nature, learn skills in environmental stewardship, and improve habits of health and nutrition. 30
Guy & Sandra Davidson Mark & Julie Wenzel Gary & Colleen Thramer Karl Yost Richard & Jodie Curtis Brian Geer Dianna Whitney Carrie Balser Sharon Wright Melissa Pearson Julie & Jeff Buchanan Michael & Carol Herbert Larry & Susan Forsythe Peter Goldfarb Steve & Roxy Forbes Susan Krienen Michael & Elizabeth Jackets Howard & Carol Pellett Kim & Steven Stafford Trever & Candace McGhee Gateway Transmissions, Inc Motor Trucks, Inc. Kevin & Cynthia Doussard Terri & Clifford Hodgins Wendie Granbeg Bill & Arlene French Harry & Judy Brown Take2seconds Hughes Law Group PLLC Banfield Pet Hospital Kendrick Davis-Pittmon Azusa Farms and Gardens Seattle Sounders F.C. Scholten’s Equipment Inc. Tony Salas Roger Small Gina Davis Kristin Knopf & Brian Hanners Rick the Peanut Man Foundation Kyle Doran Todd & Debbie Thompson Beverly Bowen John & Diane Guinn Deanna Johnson Washington Federal Emmett & Mary Richards
BY THE NUMBERS: TOTAL MEMBERSHIP IN 2015, OUR CLUBS SERVED OVER
1,600 YOUTH We have a saying at our Skagit County Clubs, “Members vote with their feet”. The votes are in and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County are the place to be. Our Clubs offer choice-based Targeted Programs that engage youth in Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles, and Good Character & Citizenship. With the right mix of learning and fun, Clubs are becoming the preferred place to go after-school. Additionally, our Clubs provide enrichment during the Summer Break, preventing learning loss, serving meals, and with our new vans—offering more field trip opportunities. Thanks to the generous support of the Skagit Community we have the resources to continue to grow, to make sure that all youth in our community have a safe, positive place to go. When school is out, Clubs are in.
TOTAL MEMBERSHIP AT EACH CLUB ANACORTES
LA CONNER
MOUNT VERNON
SEDRO-WOOLLEY
LA VENTURE
MOUNT BAKER
395
534
32
163
110
292
108
HEY, KIDS!
Do you like sports? Computers? Making new friends? FUN?
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Cut out the card below and share with a prospective Club member
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HEY, PARENTS!
Do you have a child between the ages of 6 & 18? Do you want a wide range of positive activities for your kids? A place where you know they’re safe with caring adults who only want the best for your child?
OUR CLUBS offer specialized programs, homework help, tutoring, & teen only programs. We offer affordable membership fees & scholarships are available. Use this FREE trial membership card to join the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County.
1 WEEK TRIAL MEMBERSHIP
Alyeska Design, LLC Janna Gage Dorothy Ann Downs & Robert Raymon Mark Miller Mary Perry B.J. & Walter Carol James Ford Dick & Susan Straathof Erin Long Shane Collins Phil & Tamera Brockman Sundarah Hammontree Frank Marzec Noah & Taylor Bannister Candi Newcombe Brent Frisbee Betty Ehblad Concrete Theatre Lorenzo’s AMC Entertainment Inc. Temcov Foundation Phoenix & Jeffrey Brooks Julie & Robert Stuart Bill & Susan Henry Esther Partida Joshua Anderson Insurance, Inc Kellie & Steve Cargile Wendy Rohrbacher Ron McHenry Cory Hutchings Dennis & Melissa Boe Dan Fisher Chad Fisher Construction Gary Robinson Tiffany & Tom Urland Donnie & Kristen Keltz Sheri Miklaski Bill Nutting & Jessie Tapp-Nutting Jean Champagne Kelly Tuohig Patricia Dunn Leslie O’Laughlin JoAnne Fabrics Tara Dowd & Steven Nelson Chris Matal Rob & Erin Reiger Mary Staley Nels Strandberg & Colleen Craig Albert Clay Brenden Jones Paula Fors Jacqueline Zoolkoski Amazon Smile Sakuma Brothers Bernadette Halliday Larson Gross, PLLC Terri Maik, Jerry H. Walton Foundation Lydia Randall Sarah & Adam Nuanes Michelle Grace James & Cathryn Griffith Kroger Danise Reichlin Bailey Wyles
LEARN. LIVE. LEAD. NAME BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SKAGIT COUNTY Anacortes: 360-588-9045 Mount Vernon: 360-428-6995
La Conner: 360-466-3672 Sedro-Woolley: 360-856-1830
PROUD SUPPORTER OF BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SKAGIT COUNTY 360-293-2135 901 24th St, Anacortes
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Skagit Bank is proud to support Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County www.skagitbank.com
LEARN LIVE LEAD 33
Cut out the card below and share with a prospective Club member
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First & Last Name Age
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Address City
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Parent or Guardian Name School
Grade
Referred by: ________________________ Valid for participating Clubs only. Offer may not be valid during summers & holidays. No obligation.
For more information please contact: 360-419-3723 or visit skagitclubs.org
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FUTURE MEMBER INFO
Stiles Law Inc., P.S. Stowe’s Shoes and Clothing Swinomish Indian Tribal Community Swinomish Casino & Lodge Tennenbaum Capital Partners, LLC The Drain Doctor The Stall Towne Foundation Tri Dee Arts TRICO Companies, LLC Trident Seafood Corporation TruckVault, Inc. United Way of Skagit County Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program Hugh & Diana Kendrick WA State Boys & Girls Clubs Assoc. Westminster Presbyterian Church Heritage Bank Williams & Nulle, PLLC, CPAs Worthington Foundation Wyman Park Ruth T. Adamitz Tom & Pam Allen Kevin Anderson Jerry & Elsie Annett John & Trish Archibald Josh & Sarah Arquitt Elizabeth & David Bishop Karin Baldwin Cookson Beecher Richard & Kathryn Bennett Paul Benz Frankie Bigelow John & Christine Bird Cheryl Bishop Franklin Bjorseth Julie Blazek Ray & Carolyn Bloom William & Annette Boerner Annette Booth Jill & Daniel Boudreau Gerald & Bonnie Bowers Jayne Branch & Lee Strick David & Michael Bonacci Paula Brownrigg Gordon Bruchner Carl & Carmen Bruner Fred & Marilyn Buckenmeyer Mary Ellen Byerly Michael Carlson Turner & Pat Carpenter Rod & Karen Carter Ed & Catherine Cartmill Mike & Suzzane Casey Mary Cashetta Paul & Joan Chaplik Gerry & Susan Christensen Duane & Nancy Clark Robert Coffey, MD Les & Sharon Coopper Christopher & Jennifer Cram Erik & Jennifer Crawford Ian & Whitney Crawford Mike & Dianne Crawford
Colton Staker Bill Bates Leah Vazquez Andrea Locati Tracy Dugas Gina MacDonald Katie Stamwitz Jennifer Hogarty Conover Insurance Services, LLC Susanna Franklin Deb Castle Lenny Thompson Josh Williams Matt Atterberry Barbara Holmknist Cathy Grant Brian Kooy Brian Arend John & Carmen Voth Tye Hodgin Tom Hammack Ken Codlin Dale & Randi Rreidig Carolyn Bushey Betty Foster Collin Guildner Kjell Carlsen Damian Humphreys Evan Henke Matt Tannahill George Busse Patrick Dougher Strandberg Custom Homes & Design K&H Integrated Print Solutions Ian & Theresa Faley Kara Moore Olive Garden Victoria Hazzard InFaith Community Foundation Alexis Huffstodt John & Kari Mathis Dad’s Diner A-Go-Go Strauss Jewelers Linda & Jim Turner Eric & Beth Blank Eaglemont Golf Course Swinomish Golf Links Charles Fine Jewelry Brian Bowser Kim & Matt Miller Terry & Melissa Willard LeAnne Wiseman Rebecca & William Murray Scott & Harmony Bahr Erin & Scott Welliver Rodd & Aimee Frantz John & Sarah Ney Ken & Joan Liebscher Tyler Koble Joe Medalia All Rivers & Saltwater Charters Taproot Theatre Josh & Mallory Anfinson Kim Gardner
Lic#CPIPLPH850MN
Proudly Catering For The Boys & Girls Club of Skagit County
g n i r e t a C ph. 360-914-5506 email. OrlandosFishAndGrill@gmail.com web. www.OrlandosFishAndGrill.com
CH A M PI O NS FO R A CAUSE, A N N UAL GAL A A SU CCES S Our “We Are The Champions” Gala, held Friday, November 6th at the Skagit Center, held to its’ theme, breaking another record and raising more than $150,000 to support the mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County: to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Highlights of the evening included Representative Suzan DelBene reading from a Congressional Record entered on behalf of 2015 Washington State Youth of the Year Justice Lively, an audience moved to tears by youth speakers, and plenty of fun to be had by all during the Social Hour and Live Auction. That it was a wonderful night, celebrating so many accomplishments of our Clubs, staff, board members, and volunteers over the last year, is especially fitting, considering that it will be our last official Gala. Over the last few years, our fall fundraiser has become less of a swanky social event, and much more about the fun, and finding ways to integrate the presence of our youth appropriately—always a big hit amongst attendees. We’ve received great feedback as we continue to work on making our events premiere opportunities for engagement and participation, and this year, we worked hard to elicit even more information than ever, and had an extremely high rate of response. It confirmed what we knew, and some of it inspired consideration for a big change.
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You’ll want to mark your calendars now for Friday, November 4th, 2016 for our Dinner and Auction, currently with a working theme of “Under the Big Top”. We are scaling back our silent auction to just 20 items and packages, incorporating more interactive stations, with each one of our Clubhouses hosting games similar to our popular “Go Fish” moments, and offering new opportunities for sponsors to get in on the fun. We’ve heard from you loud and clear that we do ‘fun’ well, so we’re going to turn it up a notch or two, or maybe ten. You’re in for a treat as we include more entertainment, and truly make it an entire night out on the town with the addition of ‘after-tizers’ and a live DJ for those who want the evening to continue just a bit longer. It’s only because of the leadership of our Board of Directors, an incredible Gala committee, and our engaged sponsors that we can make this change, and do so knowing that we will be successful. Thanks to everyone for supporting our Clubs and the more than 1,600 youth we serve in Skagit County!
Ken & Jame Witzel Jill & Jason Schnabel David Riddle Joan Yonker Holly Parkes Jennifer Wilson Thorne Metal Studio Matt Halliday Whidbey Coffee Mount Baker Gymnastices Brian & Laura Faley Hidden Meadow Ranch Adara Salon Deception Distillery Envy Salon Showline Beagles Ed Alskog Tom Pasma & Sue Sultze Diane Cocke Blas Avalos Jennifer LeDuc Marilyn Faber Noah Richards Sherlisa Steele Kathie Roll Andy Porter Photography Marty & Tammy Martinez Michelle Cervantes Diane Cocke Gail Renovard Neighbors In Need Stephanie Gildnes Tim & Carol Van Leeuwen Timothy & Jennifer Winters Matuska David Brown Mary Johnson Anthony & Kimberlee Smith Dolores Snelson Barbara Thompson Jearl & Maria Shivers Karlee Deatherage Germaine Kornegay Karen Volland Joann Lazaron Lynn Lambert James & Deb Kallio Dolores Holtcamp Charles & Linda Hulet Cameron & Jodi Rose Marilyn & Galen Kindred Kelly Peacock Kari & Garrett Kennedy Ryan and Chantel Lacomb Karin Shough Darayl & Tosha Taylor Clinton & Kerri Carlton Kara & Justin Symonds Kim & Shane Walley Donnie Measamer Sally & Gordon Johnson Keith & Rosemary Kaholokula Andrew Mayer Christopher & Greta Pollett
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YOUTH OF And then there were two. In front of an overflow crowd at Eaglemont Golf Club in January, Jazzelle Elias from Sedro-Woolley, and Claire Severin from Anacortes, presented their speeches one last time before one would ultimately be crowned the 2015 Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County Youth of the Year. They were joined by other Finalists in the program that starts each year in August.
“Because my family was poor we lived in cheap apartments, where the majority of residents used drugs, drank heavily, or both. Maybe this was because they lived in cheap apartments, or maybe they lived in cheap apartments because of their addictions.” -Jazzelle Elias
Club members ages 14-18 are eligible to participate in the program that equips youth with important real world skills including resume preparation, essay composition, and speech development. They learn interview techniques, how to network in a business setting, plan appropriately to reach goals, and most of all, how to serve as a model leader to their peers. The Youth of the Year program, started in 1947, begins at the Club-level with preparation in the fall that results in one youth being selected and announced at one of our Clubhouse Dinner with Friends held in November. From there, the Club Youth of the Year’s continue honing their skills through repetition, workshopping, and a retreat, held jointly with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County and Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton and Franklin Counties. These youth come together in January with hopes of being honored as the Organizational Youth of the Year and gaining the opportunity to represent the 1,600 youth that the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County serves at the State program in March. As many know, last year history was made when Justice Lively became the first Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County Youth of the Year to become the Washington State Youth of the Year. In addition to the joy resulting in his accomplishment, Justice earned an additional $5,000 in college scholarships and would move on to the regional program in Los Angeles over the summer. He continued with his preparations, working hard to make us all proud, and we celebrate his runner-up finish. The Pacific Region Youth of the Year earns an additional $40,000 in scholarships and travels to Washington, DC in the fall to meet the President in the Oval Office, and participate in the final round that crowns our Boys & Girls Clubs of America Youth of the Year.
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THE YEAR Our Annual Youth of the Year dinner is something looked forward to by all of our stakeholders each year—our kids, parents, staff, donors, volunteers, and advocates all assemble as we celebrate the ultimate outcome of our many Boys & Girls Club intervention strategies and programs: a confident and competent young adult prepared to make the most of their lives and inspiring others to do the same. The contrast between our two final candidates was significant. Jazzelle has only been in Skagit County for three years, coming from a much more urban environment, and Claire has spent her entire life in Anacortes. Jazzelle is just beginning her high school journey and preparing for College and a life after, whereas Claire is wrapping things up and only has the final decision of which of the many schools that accepted her for enrollment will find her seated in a classroom on their campus come fall. Despite there being nine judges for the process, the initial result could not have been any closer; it was a tie. After being scored by nine quite different people in four separate categories using a specific rubric, both participants simply proved how very amazing they were when the first tie in history came to be. Procedures dictate that the high and low score for each candidate be disregarded and the results tabulated again. Even then, it was a mere two point difference. In the end, it was Jazzelle Elias who became our newest Skagit County Youth of the Year. Her story of growing up in Temecula, CA before moving to Sedro-Woolley and joining the Club was summed up perfectly in a striking quote during her speech, “Because my family was poor we lived in cheap apartments, where the majority of residents used drugs, drank heavily, or both. Maybe this was because they lived in cheap apartments, or maybe they lived in cheap apartments because of their addictions,” Elias said. Jazzelle is a freshman at Sedro-Woolley High School where she is heavily involved in the music program and maintains a 4.0 GPA. She is proud of her community service activities, especially her work with the Eagles Club for their 4th of July BBQ, and planting trees with Skagit Land Trust during joint projects with the Boys & Girls Club. Her favorite memories of participation include selling fundraising programs at Seattle Seahawks games, and a teen summer trip where Jazzelle and her Club friends had the unique experience of diving with sharks. All of our participants may have significant differences in their background and upbringing, but there is one common thread that each reports on during this process: during their time at the Club, a staff member was there for them, and helped to shape them to become strong leaders and make their dreams a reality. The legacy of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County is the legacy that each of these incredible young people will leave behind as they move on to tackle the world and create a legacy of their own.
Ken & Terri Maik Dennis & Joanne Steinman Sara & Matthew Gill Robert & Jane Hyde Debbie & James Allen Engineered Products & Services, Inc. Scott & Laura Breckenridge Jack Sather Nancy Winkley Evelyn Bates Cocker Fennessy Inc. 3 Little Birds Salon & Boutique Jeremy Myrick Leah Serna Travis Collins Scott Holmstrom Animal House Pet Grooming Arts Council of Sedro-Woolley Isaiah Almaraz Jennifer Cudmundsan Robbie Snook Audrey Olson Travis & Darene Follett Chad Clark Leslie Benjamin Marci Volmer David & Jodie Anderson Jim & Paula Glackin Joseph Plewinski Rick Balam Elgin Hawkins Bethany Andrew Spencer Roozen Ross Lane Shawn Danley Jerry Dodd Raymond Goda Argus Christmas Fund All About Hearing John Krudy Courtney Wallace Brian Soneda R.W. Baird Annabelle Chavez Prism Capital Management, LLC Larry Verbano Dakota Art Supply Guemes Island Community Center Steve & Teresa Fulton Real Estate 2000 Corp North Coast Credit Union Cindy Scaringe Gary & Denise Peterson Dennis Parent Valley Farm Center Carol Taylor Denise Hadeen Jennifer Gudmundson Dick’s Sporting Goods Brian Keske Bill Jenkin Claude & Marilyn Flagg Hank Wright Sue Block
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LEGACY LOOKING AHEAD TO 2016 & BEYOND After a second year of unprecedented growth in our organization, it is important to take time to reflect and ensure that we move forward sustainably, and with the necessary infrastructure in place to maintain the high quality of programs and activities our communities have come to expect. This process will start with our Board of Directors who will lead the organization through a strategic planning period in 2016. They will work to engage a variety of Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County stakeholders; from members and parents, to staff, civic leaders, donor-investors, and volunteers, the resulting three-year Strategic Plan will set the foundation for how our Clubs will enter the next decade of service and shape our decisions on a daily basis. With all Clubs now operating waiting lists, it is likely that capacity and, as a part of that, facility needs, will rank high in consideration. Our staff has worked to safely fill every nook and cranny with spaces to engage youth, often in quite creative ways, including converting storage areas into program rooms and moving less-often used equipment and supplies to off-site storage units. There just isn’t any room left to spare. However, larger buildings require additional staff, and it will be our ability to secure regular, sustainable resources for operations that will dictate much of what we can accomplish. For now, our focus is on providing an optimal Club Experience for the 1,800 members we expect to participate in programs at one of our six locations in Anacortes, La Conner, Mount Vernon, and Sedro-Woolley, and our recently opened Outreach Extension at the Burlington Public Library that focuses on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) Programs for teens in grades 7-12. In 2016, this is manifest through adding nutritious dinners for Club kids at two more Clubhouses, 40
increasing opportunities for volunteer engagement, expanding recognition activities for youth, and engaging our staff in new, dynamic professional development training sessions. Nearly fifty people work for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County, and they are at the core of affecting a positive transformation in the youth we serve. Through building relationships, giving kids a sense of belonging, a sense of usefulness, and sense of influence, and a sense of competence, and empowering them to take control of their own Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles, and, Good Character & Citizenship, our staff change, and even save, lives. They can’t do it themselves though, and so again for 2016, a primary tenet of our operation will remain collaboration. Through this, each agency operates more efficiently and can focus in greater detail on its’ mission. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County is thankful for its’ collaborative partners, each of which makes a contribution toward the overall success of our agency, and our mission: to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. We are fortunate to have strong relationships with school districts, government agencies, other non-profit organizations, and a bevy of businesses and corporations who fully support this mission. The legacy of impact from participation at the Boys & Girls Club can be seen throughout Skagit County, as our alumni begin entering the workforce, starting their own businesses, raising families with a strong moral compass, and contributing to the community that ensured they each had a safe, fun, and positive place to go when school was out. Looking ahead, the future is bright indeed, because of your support and advocacy of those often without a voice of their own.
Drina McDorkle Kecia Fox Maggie Lahey Justus Faber Anacortes Construction Services, LLC Dan & Carrie Worra Andrea & Robert Doll Mary Gleason Connie & Nate Martin Pete Donaldson Jan Radosevich Elizabeth Bell Carmen Claus Kate Eastman Blake Boatman Patrick Harrington Northwest Horticulture Sandra Garofalo Home Depot Little Caesars Pizza Lynne Lang Accounting Furin & Company, P.S. Patricia Stephens Lisa Perry Sierra Pacific Foundation SB&C, Ltd & AMSI Vehicle Licensing Highland Animal Clinic Doussard Financial Heather Waldron Steven & Wendy Misencik Cargill Incorporated James & Melissa Kirk Andy Mayer Janet Lightner Rebecca & Peter Rosenstein Mike & Dawn Durham Sean & Diana Bartlett Tammy Belisle Shasonta & Dale Delmage Gail Tuohig Thomas Bluhm Tom & Cathy LaCroix Mike McCallum James & Michele Tangaro Tony & Vanessa Aguilar Manny Nevarez Amanda Baur Kristin Hartman Sharon Anderson Mark Burris Hugh Pierce Cathy Petersen Bud Lewis Sarah & Adam Naunes Eugene & Doris Benson Tammy Findlay Barbara Mastin James & Claudia Berry Fidalgo Yacht Club Gene & Patricia Holmes Marion & Steve Hiller Roy & Jacqueline Christiansen Don Fenkner Bret Pugmire
The Arthur W. Perdue Foundation, Inc Draper Valley Farms Reid Meyers Ron Cann Debbie Shaffer Anne Perry Jim Koerner David Saldivar Mary O’Keefe Jamie Carroll Linda Deatrich Jerry Carbert Drew Elmquist Cloud 9 Photography & Design Brent Hinz Jeff Wheatley Donna Sitts Phil Gassman Dan Roupe Pam Campbell Laurie Ahrens Gregor Hodgson Dan MacDonald Corey Bowen Roel Pedroza Tasha St Clair Dawn New National Outdoor Leadership School Chuckanut Manor Sign Dog Orlando’s Fish & Grill Pro Golf Discount La Conner Kayak Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton & Franklin Counties Enterprise Rent-A-Car Roger & Virginia Foss Oyster & Thistle Larry Carr Tesoro Foundation, Inc Allen & Janet Lindbo Sylvia Hosford Disneyland Resort Blank L+T Eagle Nest View, LLC Ebby Sabbagh Holly Shannon Mexico Cafe Camp Fire Samish Ron Smith Kelly Boardman The Ledger Ooh La La Salon Woods Coffee Espresso Connection Brinderson, L.P. NOIC Whidbey Island 1st Class Assoc. Christopher & Cassandra King Katie Carson Katie Mauricio Panera Bread Triple Play Family Fun Park Trendz Salon Heritage Flight Museum Thurston Wolfe Winery
DC Health Chiropractic Il Granaio Garrison Engineering Todd Rhonemus Tony & Tina Asp Robin Lindstrom Annette Pankey Danielle Martin Sandra Ball Jason & Linda Tyler Jenny & Adam Coleman Brandy & Scott Kohlmeier David & Armanda Martinez Kris Schramm Tom & Mari Wuellner Kari Ranten Roland & Ramie King Natalie Johnson Laura Swenson Seth & Sarah Woolson Jim Davison Ed & Sharon Jackson Heather Powell Heather Hoppes Michael & Georgette Lanhart John & Kari Barone Wayne & Shelley Sligar John & Tammie White Ken & Susan Johnson Ed & Judy Zavala Sarenna Presnell Jennifer & Brandon Provalenko Dawn & Jody Latimer Richard Henderson Linda Jones Mary LaFleur Christy Hawley Traviz Hernandez Rob & Nancy Tiffany Charlie & Ute Collins Dustin & Dreabon Knowles Matt Marusich Brandmuscle Barbara Bear Joshua Serrano Jan Link John Leaver Patrick Garrett Melissa Nelson State Street Deli Perfectly Posh Farmstrong Brewing Company The Woolley Market Cottage Salon Wendy Gray & Mac Madenwald Sharon Stafford Rob Preinesberger Modern Cleaners Tulalip Casino & Resort Angela Watts Bart Borusinski Lorena Cisneros Jerry Smith Kia Bertelsen Winery
LEARN LIVE LEAD 41
Jeanne Law Designs Otterbox Usborne Books American Alpine Institute Henry’s Humdingers Mot’s Custom Clothing & Alterations Kathy Foster Austin’s Pet Grooming Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Roche Harbor Resort Sushi By Chin Shelly’s Shack Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Morgan Stanley Global Impact Funding Trust, Inc. Schwab Charitable Sarah Murphy William & Linda Webb John & Carol Mosier George & Suzanne Santino Patrice Blakeway Lani Donohue Pelindaba Lavender Clay Taylor La Conner United Methodist Church GAP
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OUR MISSION
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