2016 Annual Report

2016 

ANNUAL 

REPORT

TESORO IS PROUD TO SUPPORT 

STEM programs 

for the 

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS of Skagit County 

From engineers to pipefitters, chemists 

to accountants, IT specialists to 

welders, Tesoro’s success relies on our 

ability to recruit and retain employees 

with exceptional STEM-related skills. 

As an employer constantly seeking out 

top-talent and as a socially responsible 

corporate citizen, supporting STEM 

education-related programs is the 

cornerstone of Tesoro’s community 

investment strategy. 

We are proud to collaborate with the 

Boys & Girls Club of Skagit County on 

the establishment of the Tesoro STEM 

Academy, and further its mission to 

enable all young people to reach their 

full potential as productive, caring, 

responsible citizens.

2016 BOARD 

OF DIRECTORS 

President – Mark Lawrence 

Simply Yards Landscaping 

Mark Lawrence 

Board President 

To all that celebrate our Clubs with me, 

Following two very strong Board Presidents can be intimidating, regardless of the 

size of the organization, or mission, especially when both had worked hard to provide 

leadership that resulted in our Clubs doubling in size in just two years! I have 

been fortunate that during my board service with the Boys & Girls Club of Skagit 

County, my peers have time and again demonstrated passion and advocacy at 

an inspirational level of engagement. Thank you to Annette Booth and Stephanie 

Hooper, and those they followed, who built the foundation of an amazing agency 

that now serves more than 1,700 annually in our local communities. 

Even with such significant leadership to model after, I have been blessed with 

the ability to benefit from additional development opportunities through Boys & 

Girls Clubs. In May, my wife Jackie joined me in New Orleans, LA with several 

other Board members, as we attended the 110th National Conference of Boys 

& Girls Clubs of America. We attended sessions on Leadership, Board Development, 

Strategic Planning, and much more. However, it was the General Sessions 

that really touched us in a meaningful way. 

Not only were the keynote speakers superb, providing meaningful and 

thought-provoking messages, it was hearing from Club kids from all over America, 

seeing a dance troupe perform from a local Club, and witnessing the result 

of the collective impact of more than 4,000 Clubs just like ours, reaching 4 million 

youth each year, that touched Jackie and me personally. We are truly part 

of something special, and very much honored to be. 

Attending another gathering this fall, with more of a regional focus, I had the 

opportunity to dig deeper with other board members, and through those discussions 

and in comparing operational information, learned that our Club staff are 

simply awesome, our Board top notch, and that the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit 

County is quite healthy and instituting best practices in every way. Where others 

may struggle, we shine, and so your important investment in our organization 

is truly getting the best return on investment possible. In fact, at the Regional 

Conference, we were twice honored in front of a full room of our peers. Our Board 

received a League of Eagles award, and for the second year in a row, our Clubs 

earned a Gateway to Impact Award from Boys & Girls Clubs of America. 

Thank you for joining us in this journey as we work to change lives in Skagit County, 

Mark Lawrence 

Owner, Simply Yards Landscaping & Design 

Vice President – Mike Gubrud 

Mike Gubrud Farmers Insurance Agency 

Vice President – Kelly Tuohig 

Tesoro Corporation 

Treasurer – Becky Taft 

Skagit Bank 

Secretary – Carrie Wallace 

Skagit Bank 

Past President – Stephanie Hooper 

Bayside Specialties 

Past President – Annette Booth 

Booth Insurance/Allstate Insurance Co. 

Member – Pat Barrett 

Barrett Financial, LTD 

Member – Dr. Carl Bruner 

Mount Vernon School District 

Superintendent 

Member – Raymond Goda 

DreamchasersRV of Burlington 

Member – Tom Pasma 

Tom L. Pasma Auctioneers 

Double S Quarter Horses, Inc 

Member – Tina Asp 

Image360 

Member – Danielle Martin 

Rodan + Fields Dermatologists 

Member – Holly Shannon 

Carson Law Group 

Member – Jennifer Fix 

Peace Health 

3

Ron McHenry 

Exectutive Director 

4 

Dear Friends, 

Your very personal commitment to our mission; to 

enable all young people, especially those who need 

us most, to reach their full potential as productive, 

caring, responsible citizens, is something that we celebrate 

within the pages of our Annual Report to you. 

You invest, you engage, you advocate, you share your 

skills with us; each contributes to our Boys & Girls Club 

movement, and ability to serve our youth, ages 6-18, in 

Skagit County. 

The work on this publication begins in early fall, with 

creation of a theme and setting for information to be 

communicated to our extended Club family. Recognizing 

that so many of our staff have been in the Boys & 

Girls Club movement for years, and having several that 

grew up within the Clubs themselves, that theme was 

manifest quickly. 

Our professional staff and volunteers, especially those 

on the front line of youth development, often reminisce 

about years gone by, and enjoy talking about 

how they’ve seen our precious kids grow over time, 

and for those with a history of Club participation, a 

very personal perspective. 

Throughout our 2016 Annual Report to our community 

you will find updates on current initiatives, where we 

are at in providing impact to kids in Skagit County, but 

perhaps what I am most proud of are the staff and 

volunteer reflections. Just as you share your time, talent, 

and treasure with us in a personal way, we are 

honored to match that connection in the best way we 

know how: giving you a deeper insight into what your 

commitment means to us in providing our ability to 

reach youth who need us most. 

The Boys & Girls Club movement began in 1856, in Hartford, 

CT. It may have taken one hundred forty years for 

a Club to be established in Skagit County, but we are 

proud to be taking a position as a leader amongst Clubs 

nationwide. In the last three years, we have piloted several 

cutting-edge initiatives and programs, gained notoriety 

as an organization with a staunch belief of being 

data-informed so that we can better serve our youth, 

and as Boys & Girls Clubs of America begins instituting a 

youth program quality initiative, YPQA, the Boys & Girls 

Clubs of Skagit County is being called upon by peers 

from Clubs all over the country. 

We are in our third year of implementing YPQA, having 

been an early adopter after recognizing the importance 

of remaining relevant and dutiful in our commitment to 

achieving the highest level of outcome-based results. 

As a component of GreatFutures 2025, a national strategic 

plan, we are positioned well to provide support 

and influence that can impact youth well beyond our 

local communities. 

Our focus is certainly on our local kids and the communities 

we serve, but in being connected to a true movement 

of more than 50,000 professionals worldwide, 

we are uniquely positioned to affect circumstances in 

the very world that our Club kids will grow into. Not 

all will remain in Skagit County when they transition 

into adulthood and take their place in society, and so 

balancing a role of leadership in support of youth near 

and far ultimately benefits everyone. 

On behalf of what I consider to be the best dynamic 

group of professionals in youth development, ready to 

answer their call to affect great change, I thank you for 

being a member of our extended family, and demonstrating 

why Skagit County is such a very special place. 

Yours in service, 

Ron McHenry, CEO

In this Report... 

LETTER FROM THE BOARD 

PRESIDENT ...3 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS ...3 

LETTER FROM THE CEO ...4 

THANK YOU SUPPORTERS...6, 8-9, 

15, 17, 20-25, 31, 34-35, 39 

OUR TEAM ...6-9 

YOUTH PROGRAM QUALITY 

INTERVENTION ...7, 9 

BY THE NUMBERS: CAPACITY 

...10-11 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS ...12-13 

REFLECTIONS: THE ANACORTES 

CLUB ...14 

REFLECTIONS: A SECOND HOME 

...17 

BY THE NUMBERS: BUDGET...18-19 

GENERAL CLUB INFO ...20 

REFLECTIONS: THE CLUB THAT 

BEATS THE STREETS ...21 

YOUTH OF THE YEAR ...22-25 

REFLECTIONS: THE MOUNT 

BAKER CLUB ...26 

REFLECTIONS: THE LAVENTURE 

CLUB ...26-27 

COLLEGE TOUR INSPIRES NEW 

HEIGHTS ...28-31 

IN MEMORIAM OF JACK 

GUBRUD ...32-33 

REFLECTIONS: GROWING UP 

WITH THE CLUBS ...34 

2016 YEAR IN REVIEW ...36-37 

REFLECTIONS: THE MOUNT 

VERNON CLUB ...38 

STEM: AT THE CLUBS & IN THE 

FIELD ...40-41 

REFLECTIONS: THE SEDRO- 

WOOLLEY CLUB ...42 

Credits: The printing & mailing services for this Annual Report were donated by K&H Integrated Printing 

Solutions. Additional photography provided by Azota Photography, Cookson Beecher, and Foxlight Photography. 

Historical records & photos provided by Joyce Nagel. 

5

Ron 

McHenry 

Executive 

Director 

Ian 

Faley 

Associate Executive 

Director 

Manny 

Smith 

Director of 

Operations 

Tammy 

Findlay 

Director of 

Marketing & 

Stewardship 

Sarah 

Arquitt 

Director of 

Administration 

Our Team 

6 

THANK YOU TO OUR 

SUPPORTERS! 

Annette Booth — Allstate Insurance 

Dan & Carrie Worra 

Les & Sharon Coopper 

Nancy Rytand 

Linda R Dubinski 

A.B. Palmer 

Judy & Ed Hjort 

Nate Scott 

William & Dolores Thomson 

Brian & Christine Youngquist 

Danielle Price 

Jim V. & Judy Smith 

Avalon Golf Links 

Mt. Baker Gymnastics 

Heather Hoppes 

Jack & Stephanie Hamilton 

RIS Insurance Services 

Fidalgo Island Rotary Foundation 

Howard & Elaine Huffstodt 

Albert Stubbs 

Desha Furin 

Docking Bay 93 

Hugh & Stacy Pierce 

Brian Soneda 

Skagit Valley Signs. 

Life Care Center of Skagit County 

Skagit Community Foundation 

Jack & Shirley McIntyre Family Foundation 

Joseph Chong 

Dawn & Patrick Severin 

Pelindaba Lavender 

Robert Coffey, MD 

Cap Sante Inn, LLC 

Annette Pankey 

Kroger 

Pete Gilbert 

Woods Coffee 

Tony Salas 

James & Betsy Shields 

Shannon Charnley 

Bill & Shirlee Reinard 

Gary & Hollie Brand 

Shannon Patt & Suzanne Butler 

Ryan & Kaitlyn Brisson 

Waterfront Cafe 

Microsoft Matching Gifts Program 

Dorothy McCartney 

Jan Link 

Anacortes Housing Authority 

Jeff Jones 

John & Tanya Probstfield 

R.W. Baird 

Gerald & Bonnie Bowers 

Curt & Monica Oppel 

Marie Anthony 

Flowers on Woodworth 

La Conner Civic Garden Club 

MaryAnn Hatfield 

Richard & Jodie Curtis 

Cascade Pizza 

John & Julie Small 

Ron & Jan Wesen 

David Willams 

Catherine & Keith Wyman 

Mark & Deanna Collins 

Janna Gage 

El Gitano 

Cascade Natural Gas 

J.W. Zielinski 

Fred & Sharon Fisher 

Dana Andrich

New Initiatives: 

YOUTH PROGRAM 

QUALITY INTERVENTION 

What gets measured, gets improved. In the ever 

evolving world of youth development programs, 

it is important that we stay up to date with 

the latest methods and techniques that are required 

to provide high quality programs for our Club members. 

The Youth Program Quality Intervention (YPQI) is 

one tool that will help us stay in the forefront of youth 

development and after-school programs. 

Developed by the David P. Weikart Center for Youth 

Program Quality, YPQI is an in-depth evaluative process 

for improving program quality, built around the 

evidence based Youth Program Quality Assessment 

(PQA), it involves a three part approach to program 

quality: Assess-Plan-Improve. This sequence helps 

programs turn membership participation data into 

useful information for program improvement. The 

PQA allows for staff to have data-informed conversations 

that will enhance professional development 

decisions and increase strategies for better programs 

and outcomes for our Club members. 

The PQA is already in use within The Washington State 

Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs and the Boys & Girls Clubs 

of Skagit County. In November, four of our Club sites 

participated in external assessments. Representatives 

from outside agencies spent some time observing various 

staff and programs, and provided feedback in the 

areas of Safe Environment, Supportive Environment, 

Staff Interaction with members, and Member Engagement. 

The results of these assessments provided 

valuable information regarding strengths and vulnerabilities 

within our program implementation methods. 

Club staff will use that information to develop quality 

improvement plans focused on enhancing the overall 

Club experience to include additional staff training and 

making program enhancement modifications. 

We are committed to only providing the best product 

for our members and communities. Moving forward, 

the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County, in collaboration 

with neighboring organizations, will increase our participation 

in YPQI through increased external assessments 

throughout our sites. Additionally, we will work 

to engage our staff, community councils and board 

members in conducting internal assessments and peer 

Continued on page ...9 

7 

Our Team 

John 

Garman 

Director of STEM 

Initiatives 

Katelynn 

Sullivan 

Community 

Development 

Coordinator 

Alivia 

Holman 

Club Director, 

Sedro-Woolley 

Shane 

Collins 

Program Director, 

Sedro-Woolley 

Patrick 

Dougher 

Teen Coordinator, 

Sedro-Woolley

Taylor 

Bannister 


Anacortes 

Andrew 

Worcester 

Program 

Director, 

Anacortes 

Tori 

Grace 

Teen Coordinator, 

Anacortes 

Mary 

Sue 

Walker 


Mount Baker 

Middle School 

Rotary Club 

of Burlington 

Our Team 

Proud to Support 

Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County 

8 

Mac & Jack Brewery 

Carl & Carmen Bruner 

Jordan & Kimberly Joy Mellich 

All About Hearing 

Mexico Cafe 

Mona Reynolds 

Bryace & Kristen Schaffner 

James & Michele Tangaro 

Tesoro Companies, Inc 

Kecia Fox & Brian Adams 

La Conner Channel Lodge 

K Johnson 

Ed & Sharon Jackson 

Roche Harbor Resort 

Perfectly Posh 

Holland America Line, Inc 

Ed King 

MJB Properties, LLC 

Skagit Law Group, PLLC 

Kendall & Nancy Gentry 

Greg & Lou Ann Reed 

Rebecah Fratianni 

Jackie Davison 

Erin Baker’s Wholesome Baked Goods 

Ken Codlin 

Gail Renovard 

Kiwanis Club of Mount Vernon 

Ann Wilder 

David Svaren 

Dick & Dawn Nord 

Guy & Sandra Davidson 

James Bobb 

Nancy & Joe Halton 

City of Anacortes 

Kelli Larson 

Garrison Engineering 

Christina Molina & Eduardo Martinez 

Katie Stamwitz 

Elizabeth & Harley Theaker 

Janson Foundation 

Isaac & Sarah Williams 

Blade Chevrolet 

Beth & Tim Wallace 

Jennifer Blanchard 

Jennifer Arnold & Shawn Palmer 

Sue Harrington 

Dave Evans 

Chris & Cynthia Adams 

Pat Grenfell 

Sebo`s Do-It-Center 

La Conner Pub & Eatery 

Craft Stove 

Shirley Yap 

Sara Myers 

Janicki Industries 

Tammy Findlay 

Envy Salon 

James & Janet Ebersole 

Burlington Rotary Foundation 

John & Dolores Bratland 

Evan Henke 

Jerry Smith Kia 

Costco. 

Sierra Pacific Foundation 

George Busse 

Per Dona Salon Spa 

Naun & Perpetuo Gallardo 

Eugene & Doris Benson 

Bernadine & Pat Galbraith 

Neighbors In Need Food Bank 

Emmett & Mary Richards 

Scott Sutton 

Gap, Inc 

Caroline Lamantia 

Lynnette Setmire 

Jeanne Law Designs 

Kevin L Rogerson 

Jim Barrio

eviews. Our goal is to advance towards our objective 

of providing an Optimal Club Experience through data 

informed conversations and planning, furthering our 

mission to grow as the preferred youth serving organization 

in our community and beyond. 

Supporters continued... 

Bernadette Halliday 

Gina MacDonald 

Lee Mann Photography 

Brinderson, L.P. 

Jennifer Durney 

Debbie & James Allen 

Kelly Boardman 

Robert Shrumm 

Levi Mather 

Seth & Sarah Woolson 

State Street Barber Shop 

Robert & Jeannette Papadakis 

Triple Play Family Fun Park 

Joe Slidich 

Brian Jackson Insurance Agency, Inc. 

Thomas & Candace Kingman 

Joe & Diane Best 

The Stall 

Kathy Elde 

Karen Keown & Dan Melka 

Brian & Peggy Paxton 

Ronald & Jamie Mitchell 

Kim Hildahl 

PACCAR Technical Center 

Carrie Balser 

Reisner Distributor, Inc. 

Mary-Ann Gutierrez 

Esco Bell 

Jim & Paula Glackin 

Brenda & Sean Cornett 

Farmers Group, Inc 

Brian & Caroline Davis 

Jim & Sharon Dillon 

Bernard & Mireille Kramer 

Mount Baker Gymnastices 

Collin Guildner 

Megan Tuohig 

Claire Wagner 

Bob’s Burger & Brew 

Rob Martin 

Jonna Zieber 

Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund 

Jennifer L Fix 

Express Employment Professionals 

Bill & Gina Gillespie 

Kevin Thomas 

Majestic Inn & Spa 

TJ & Karen Larrick 

Regence BlueShield 

Janet Whalen 

Thompson’s Greenhouse 

Wendy & Jerry Lucas 

Charles & Talbot Thompson 

Michael & Georgette Lanhart 

Patrick Dougher 

Tony & Tina Asp 

Sandra Ball 

Holly & Josh Shannon 

Jessica Cantrell 

Tesoro Foundation, Inc 

The Woolley Market 

Victoria W Morell 

Diederick Bron 

Shelly’s Shack 

Darren & Renata Maybruck 

9 

Our Team 

Angela 

Freeberg 


Mount Vernon 

Erik 

Pineda 

Program Director, 

Mount Vernon 

KJ 

Evans 


La Conner 

Brian 

Gustafson 


LaVenture 

Middle School 

 


Boys & Girls Clubs 

of Skagit County 

(360) 466-4014 • 614 1st St • laconnerseafood.com

BUILDING CAPACITY 

Building Capacity is established as the ideal 

maximum number of youth a facility can serve on 

any given day. This is determined by taking available 

square footage, and including at least one ‘group’ 

outside where feasible. This results in just 20 square 

feet per member. None of our Clubhouses were truly 

designed as kid facilities, and are primarily modular 

or annex space, built just beyond residential specifications. 

Imagine a 1,600 sq ft home with 80 youth 

ages 6-18 engaging in activities and programs for 

perspective; this is certainly not ideal, but we work 

to serve as many young people as we can within 

these limitations. 

FUNDING CAPACITY 

Funding Capacity is determined by several 

factors. What the building will actually hold takes an 

obvious priority, and is followed by a careful balance 

of community need, local support, and special funding 

that is sometimes only available to specific communities 

based on targeted demographics. Often, 

cooperative and collaborative endeavors also define 

how we can serve, as is the case in Mount Vernon— 

home to LaVenture, Mount Baker, and Mount Vernon 

Clubhouses. Thanks to engagement with the Mount 

Vernon School District, Community Action of Skagit 

County, Western Washington University, and Skagit 

Land Trust, the organization was able to secure 21st 

Century Learning Center funding, with a total value 

of more than $300,000. 

CURRENT ATTENDANCE 

Our Current Attendance is strong, and has 

grown by 100% in the last three years. In only their 

second year, the LaVenture and Mount Baker Clubhouses 

are quickly growing and are projected to reach 

capacity this Spring. All others are above funded 

capacity, which places significant strain on our professional 

staff and volunteers to deliver quality programs. 

As a result, waiting lists are established until 

additional funding can be secured to reach building 

capacity. In Mount Vernon, there simply is no more 

room for elementary age youth, and larger space is 

needed to reach those kids who need us most. 

10

By the Numbers: 

BUILDING CAPACITY, FUNDING CAPACITY, CURRENT ATTENDANCE 

ANACORTES: BUILDING CAPACITY: 120 

80 

82 

120 

FUNDING CAPACITY: 80 

CURRENT ATTENDANCE: 82 

LA CONNER: BUILDING CAPACITY: 75 

45 51 



75 

SEDRO-WOOLLEY: BUILDING CAPACITY: 140 


110 

113 

140 


MOUNT VERNON: BUILDING CAPACITY: 75 

75 

75 

82 



LAVENTURE MIDDLE SCHOOL: BUILDING CAPACITY: 90 



65 

80 

90 

MOUNT BAKER MIDDLE SCHOOL: BUILDING CAPACITY: 90 

55 



80 

90 

SKAGIT COUNTY: BUILDING CAPACITY: 590 

448 

495 

590 



11

SAVE THE DATE 

February 

May 

SAT 

25 

THURS 

18 

WINTER FUNDRAISER 

Sedro-Woolley Club Director, Alivia Holman, is adding some 

spice to this year’s Sedro-Woolley Club Fundraiser with some 

karaoke and a special guest appearance. There will also be 

a dinner, a silent auction, local beer & wine, and a dessert 

dash. Come warm up your singing voice and enjoy a night 

with friends, all while supporting the Woolley kids. 

Sponsored by Dwayne Lane’s Cascade Ford 

ANACORTES BREAKFAST 

The Anacortes 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 Club unique. 

Sponsored by Anacortes Kiwanis Sunrisers 

March 

June 

15 23 24 

/ 

WED 7:30AM FRI SAT 

BREAKFAST FOR GREAT KIDS 

The Annual Breakfast is our celebratory wrap-up to our Campaign 

for GREAT Kids. Recognizing the incredible business & 

community support that enables the work of the Clubs, the 

Breakfast is our time to thank our partners, while sharing the 

passion & goals of 2017. 

Sponsored by Trico Companies, LLC. 

KEYS FOR KIDS 

Choose your night! Come enjoy a summer garden party with 

us at the exquisite gardens of La Conner Flats. Featuring 

dueling pianos, dancing, games, premium wine & beer, and 

a delicious dinner. 

Sponsored by Tesoro Corp 

12

FRI 

August 

11 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 

NOV 

GOLF TOURNAMENT 

Our signature Golf Tournament is a time to come and enjoy 

the links, on behalf of the Clubs. With business partners from 

all over the Valley represented, visit with your friends, and 

celebrate the beautiful course at Avalon Golf Links. Hosting 

great games, and fun competitions throughout the course, 

come and shoot par for the kids. 

Sponsored by Blade Chevrolet 

November 

FRI 

3 

DINNER WITH FRIENDS 

Each Club holds their own Dinner with Friends event. These 

friend-raisers 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. 

January 

2018 

GREAT FUTURES GALA 

This annual fundraiser celebrates the incredible work that 

sets the Clubs apart and emphasizes the singular impact the 

Clubs can make in our youths’ lives. Come and bid for the 

kids, enjoy festive food and drink, engage in fun activities 

with your friends, and be a Champion for youth in our area. 

Sponsored by DreamchasersRV 

YOUTH OF THE YEAR 

This dinner is the culmination of the Youth of the Year program 

and the greatest recognition of youth leadership in 

Skagit County. At the Dinner, the representative chosen to 

be the Youth of the Year for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit 

County is announced, and we celebrate the staff that make 

our programs amazing. With the presence of community 

leaders, we look to recognize the #GreatFutures that we 

are enabling. 

Sponsored by Hendricks Family Foundation 

13

Reflections: 

THE ANACORTES CLUB 

My first day of work 

with the Anacortes 

Boys & Girls Club 

was at the tail end of summer, 

in 2007. It was my 

first job and was a hectic 

first day of learning how 

things worked, and trying to remember the names of 

each Club kid that ran up to say “hello.” One of the first 

Club members that I remember meeting was a little 

7 year old girl named Erin. Erin made herself known 

quickly and informed me that she could answer any 

questions I might have about my new position. Over 

the years, Erin became a constant figure in my Club 

life. She asserted her personality in Club programs 

and excelled greatly through Junior Staff. She never 

lost her spunk in terms of looking at herself as a Club 

staff member, and was always the first to volunteer for 

duties like giving tours or explaining Club rules to kids. 

In 2010, I made the decision to leave the Clubs to pursue 

my education at Western Washington University. 

My plan had always been to earn a degree in theatre 

arts and education. During my year away from the Club, 

however, I would think about my Club kids like Erin, and 

how they had been such a constant in my life for the 

past 3 years. I realized then that, while teaching would 

afford me the ability to teach and grow hundreds of 

youth, my job with the Clubs would allow me to do that 

Taylor Bannister 

Club Director, Anacortes 

AND to be a part of each 

youth’s life for up to 12 

years, leading to an incredible 

impact. My trajectory 

changed completely. In the 

summer of 2011, I returned 

to the Anacortes Club, taking 

on the role of Program Director, to the excitement 

and joy of many of my past Club kids. 

Since then I have had the opportunity to meet and 

mentor more youth than I can count, having a hand 

in days, weeks, or years of their life and their own 

trajectory. I have watched numerous past Club members 

graduate from High School, and will have my 

first group of youth who joined the Club when I did, 

in 2007, graduate in just two more years. What a feat 

to be a part of. 

This year my point of pride is being a mentor to Erin as 

she competes in the Youth of the Year competition as 

a junior in high school. From that rambunctious seven 

year old who knew more about the Clubs than I did, 

to a strong and inspirational sixteen year old who not 

only excels in school but also on the basketball court. 

Being a part of her growth and life from that moment 

she first shook my hand, to now, is such a great accomplishment. 

I couldn’t be more proud to have been even 

a small piece of what helps her be great. 

14 

L to R: 2016 Anacortes Youth of the Year, Erin H. when she first attended the Club, and today, pictured with her father. Club Director, Taylor 

Bannister with a group of Club kids on a Summer field trip. 2013 Anacortes Youth of the Year, Alexis H. at her 2016 Cap Sante High School 

Graduation with Taylor.

INVESTING 

BACK INTO OUR 

FUTURE! 

www.karmart.com 

Patricia & Darwin Anderson 

The Drain Doctor 

Dad’s Diner A-Go-Go 

Lani Donohue 

5th Avenue Theatre 

Simply Yards Landscape & Design 

Elizabeth & David Bishop 

Rod Hendricks 

Modern Cleaners 

Donald & Colleen Slack 

Michael & Patricia Norris 

Nadine Larson 

Shannon & Eric Whalen 

Panera Bread 

Joan Yonker 

Aleli Howell 

Steve & Roxy Forbes 

James & Katherine Duffy 

All in One Insurance 

Mark & Mary Kiser/Joe & Linda Lindholm 

Ferry & Company, LLC 

Phil & Tamera Brockman 

Leslie Hasting 

Tim & Nicole Martinson 

InFaith Community Foundation 

Red Door Gifts 

Mary Poppe 

Alyeska Ocean 

Roger Noar 

Mike & Barb Matheson 

Donald & Ora Jonasson 

Kim & Matt Miller 

Epicure 

Rick Stack 

Tiffany & Tom Urland 

Beverly Harrington 

Warren Gilbert 

Gary & Pam Miller 

Bart & Patty Smith 

Kaye Shaw 

John & Kari Barone 

Jason Garten 

Sandy Swartos 

Cottage Salon 

William & Wendy Rabel 

JoAnn Fabrics 

Danielle Rasar 

Kelli Segars 

Joanne Tallman 

Charlie & Ute Collins 

Christine & David Stafford 

Raymond Goda 

Wycoff Insurance 

Tanya Griffey 

Tom & Mari Wuellner 

Soroptimist International of Sedro-Woolley 

Steve Garcia 

Brad & Kristen Tully 

Ann Thompson 

Mike McCallum 

Nancy Lawrence 

Darick Brewer 

Mark Miller 

Fidalgo Island Quilters 

Chuck & Toni Ruhl 

Safeway 

Greg & Karen Peterka 

Terry & Melissa Willard 

Safeway - Anacortes 

Eaglemont Golf Course 

Skagit Ready Mix/Smokey Point Concrete 

Colton Staker 

Banfield Pet Hospital 

Barrett Financial, Ltd. 

Paul & Shirley Rochon 

Pat Rimmer’s Les Schwab Tire Centers 

Jerry Carbert 

Sara Ireland 

15

PROUD TO SUPPORT 


1100 Freeway Dr., Mount Vernon, WA 

360-424-3231 • www.bladechevy.com 

NEW & 

PRE-OWNED 

VEHICLE 

LIMITED 

POWERTRAIN 

LIFETIME WARRANTY

A 

s 

Reflections: 

A SECOND HOME 

KJ Evans 

Club Director, La Conner 

a child, the Boys & Girls Club was like a second home for me; it’s where 

I learned social skills, and engaged in a number of recreational sports, 

but, most importantly, I learned how the positive influence of a mentor could 

change my entire perception of an organization. When I first became a member 

of the Boys & Girls Club, I thought it would be a complete waste of time. But, I 

soon realized that the club was a great place to be, there was nothing to dislike 

about the entire experience. The staff were absolutely amazing, and there was 

one individual that became a mentor to me right away. He and I are still very 

good friends, to this day. In fact, he will actually be a groomsmen in my wedding. 

But, as a kid, coming into an environment and seeing multiple basketball 

courts, an arcade room, games room, art room, learning center, and concession 

stand—that’s all any kid could dream for. Also, knowing we had access to the 

pool, and the baseball/softball field were additional bonuses. The Club has had 

a tremendous impact on the man that I have become in many ways, which is 

why I have a burning desire to have the exact same impact on the lives of our 

youth—having the impact that my mentor had on me, as a young Club kid. 

It wasn’t until I became the Club Director of the La Conner Boys & Girls Club 

that I realized how great of an impact the Club staff have on these members, 

each and every day. The joy and excitement we see on their faces as they enter 

those Boys & Girls Club doors, the countless moments of laughter being shared 

between members and staff. As I look back on my Boys & Girls Club memories, 

being a young Club member, I truly value and appreciate those individuals that 

were mentors to me, and it gives me a great deal of satisfaction knowing that 

I have the exact same impact on today’s youth. Needless to say, as a child I 

would’ve been lost without the support & guidance of my amazing parents, 

sisters, and Boys & Girls Club staff. I truly value and appreciate those individuals 

who have played an integral role in my upbringing. 

Skagit Farmers Supply 

Betty Foster 

Sean & Diana Bartlett 

Alicia Huschka 

Sheri Miklaski 

Edward Small 

Sarah Murphy 

Angel of the Winds Casino 

Disneyland Resort 

Neighbors In Need 

Mary Johnson 

Susan B Macek 

Eagle Nest View, LLC 

Brian & Kathy Wolfe 

William Murray 

Brooks 

Windermere Foundation 

John & Carol Mosier 

Greg King 

Kurt Hefferline 

Retirement Inn Residence Council 

Karen Ray 

Joyce Siniscal 

Kohl’s 

Andrea Locati 

Beverly Dillon 

Roland & Ramie King 

John Howard 

DC Health Chiropractic 

The Encore Shoppe 

Sara & Matthew Gill 

Renee Stewart 

John & Kari Mathis 

Francis & Ann Olsen 

Pilgrim Congregational Church, UCC 

Richard Hudson 

Cook Road Shell 

Doug & Gay Woods 

Andrew Worcester 

Larry & Susan Forsythe 

Taproot Theatre 

Jennifer & Brandon Provalenko 

Harry & Judy Brown 

Holly Parkes 

Cassidy Dent 

Richard & Kathryn Bennett 

Ben Aragon 

Ebby Sabbagh 

Bob & Marian Sadler 

Frederick & Elaine Morton 

Rouw Insurance Agency 

Dana Orbe 

Ruby Parker 

Jay Kaemingk 

Michael & Christine Morrell 

Anacortes Construction Services, LLC 

Joshua Anderson Insurance, Inc 

Mary Ellen Byerly 

Barb Weymouth 

Rick the Peanut Man Foundation 

Brenden Jones 

Boys & Girls Clubs of America. 

Mike & Suzzane Casey 

Fred Meyer 

Pola Kelley 

Travis Collins 

Carol Strandberg 

Kathie Roll 

Dustin & Dreabon Knowles 

Children`s Museum of Skagit County 

Northwest Linings & Geotextile Products, Inc. 

Seattle Sounders F.C. 

Bart Borusinski 

Dianna Whitney 

Thurston Wolfe Winery 

Andy Porter Photography 

Mike Painter 

Donnie Measamer 

17

UNDERSTANDING THE BUDGET 

Our 2016 Year-end Totals are generated in-house, 

and come before a complete audit is conducted. Clubs, 

in accordance with IRS regulations, and generally 

accepted accounting principles (GAAP), operate in 

an accrual accounting system. However, without 

engaging a full-charge bookkeeper or accountant 

full-time, there are certain elements of our internal 

accounting system that process through in conjunction 

with our annual audit. To do so otherwise would 

be prohibitively expensive, and consume resources 

that can better be deployed in direct service of our 

mission to youth. This typically relates to depreciation, 

bequests, endowments, and assets held by the 

Skagit Community Foundation that are the items processed 

in this manner. 

For 2016, a strong end of year Campaign resulted in 

a small anticipated surplus for the year. With some 

funding down in areas, primarily related to Events 

& Fundraisers, staff worked hard to control costs 

to actual income, and the surge of investment in 

December, helped realize a net gain, however small, 

for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County. 

Major increases in expenses, in comparison to 2015, 

relate primarily to Personnel & Benefits, and Program 

Delivery. 2016 is the first full year of two new Club 

programs, at Mount Baker and La Venture Middle 

School, as well as increased benefit costs the organization 

has little control over. The vast majority of 

increase in Program Delivery relates to the addition 

of food service, providing lunches during the summer, 

and dinners during the school year, at many of our 

locations. These expenses are under-written in whole 

by the US Department of Agriculture who provides 

reimbursement to the Club organization for service. 

Those funds are currently represented in Miscellaneous 

income. 

As we begin 2017, we are holding the line in our 

budget in many areas, with one notable exception— 

Personnel & Benefits. Initiative 1433, raising the minimum 

wage, is the single largest represented addition 

to the budget. As a result of this, staff wages wholly 

across the Board had to be raised, and even then, 

there are now part-time staff making more per hour 

than their supervisors. This will continue to be a difficult 

piece for the organization moving forward, as 

we try to balance these elements with being able to 

increase services to youth in our community. 

18

By the Numbers: 

2016 YEAR END TOTALS*: INCOME & EXPENSES 

Income 

Expenses 

DONATIONS & CONTRIBUTIONS: $326,883 

PERSONNEL & BENEFITS: $1,086,858 

PROGRAM ADMIN & SUPPLIES $34,926 

EVENTS & FUNDRAISERS: $342,337 

OCCUPANCY: $61,688 

PROGRAM DELIVERY: $109,872 

GRANTS & OTHER INVESTMENTS: $606,113 

TRANSPORTATION/TRAVEL: $13,717 

MEMBERSHIP DUES/FEES: $176,123 

INSURANCE: $26,633 

FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION FEES: $31,129 

PROGRAM REVENUE: $3,498 

MARKETING: $3,366 

MISCELLANEOUS: $31,167 

OUTREACH: $8,110 

FUNDRAISING EXPENSE: $85,120 

IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS: $215,924 

TOTAL: $1,702,045 

IN-KIND EXPENSE: $215,924 

TOTAL: $1,677,343 

*Unaudited Projection, decimal points rounded to nearest whole number. 

19

20 

CLUB INFO 

Any youth age 6, or entering into 1st 

Grade, up to age 18 can attend the 

Clubs. During the school year all of 

our Clubs operate Monday thru Friday, 

from 2pm to 6pm, except for the 

Sedro-Woolley Club, which operates 

till 6:30pm. *The Clubs also operate on 

select early release days and during 

school breaks. Select Fridays are Teen 

Nights. During the summer, Clubs are 

open Mon-Fri from 7am to 6pm. 

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. 


360-428-6995 

MOUNT BAKER CLUB 

2310 E. Section St. 


360-428-6127 x32175 

LA VENTURE CLUB 

1100 N. La Venture Rd. 


360-428-6109 x31177 

SEDRO-WOOLLEY CLUB 

915 McGarigle Rd. 

Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284 

360-856-1830 

BURLINGTON SUMMER BREEZE* 

Maiben Park 

1011 Greenleaf Ave. 

Burlington, WA 98233 

*Some hours depend on the number of 

registered participants. 

*Summer only. 

Worthington Foundation 

Diane Eiesland 

Dr. Teak Martin 

Wells Fargo 

Erin Shinn 

WA State Boys & Girls Clubs Assoc. 

Jason & Linda Tyler 

Allan & Sharon Gubrud 

Tara Dowd & Steven Nelson 

Jeff & Mary June Curtils 

Kurt & Brittany Swanson 

Robert & Rebecca Gates 

Skagit Aggregates LLC 

Bonnie & John Haley 

Gail Tuohig 

B.J. & Walter Carol 

NOIC Whidbey Island 1st Class Assoc. 

Johnny Picasso`s 

Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton & Franklin Counties 

Donna Johnson 

Howard & Amy Roberts 

H. Coleman McGinnis 

Dairy Queen 

Troy Kunz 

Rich Oickle 

Courtyard Gallery 

Williams & Nulle, PLLC, CPAs 

John & Diane Guinn 

Richard Livingston 

Eric & Emily Schuh 

Strandberg Custom Homes & Design 

Kay Eckenberg 

Mount Vernon Building Center 

Boyd & Ginny Bode 

Shell Puget Sound Refining Company 

Kyle Doran 

Town of La Conner 

Dan & Debbie Boffey 

Ian & Whitney Crawford 

David Ryberg & Joan Penney 

Blake Boatman 

Mark & Terry 

TRICO Companies, LLC 

Craig Crawford 

Keith & Rebecca Short 

La Conner United Methodist Church 

Kati Shannon 

Rotary Club of La Conner 

Aleisha Regan 

Anacortes Kayak Tours 

Lorena Cisneros 

Darrell Pearson 

Danielle & Michael Russell 

Todd & Elizabeth McNett-Crowl 

John & Renee Garman 

William & Susanna Epler 

Julie & Robert Stuart 

Gravity 

Bryan & Carol Harrison 

Rod & Karen Carter 

Valley Electric Co. of Mt. Vernon, Inc. 

Richard Olds 

Marni Shockey 

Empire Ale House 

Sushi By Chin 

Samish Tyee 

John & Kathy Parker 

Jim Eberhardt & Kaylene Farley 

Roy & Treva Hari 

Fran Thoreen 

Christina Jepperson 

William & Patricia Sarvis 

Kate Szurek 

Jack & Joan Hilde 

Fine Feathered Friends 

Subway 

Jeff Morris 

Lowman House LLC 

Michael & Carol Herbert 

James & Cathryn Griffith 

Jim & Midge Hanson 

Bruce & Sylvia Gillette 

Bushey Pet Sitting 

Donnie & Kristen Keltz 

Bob Taylor 

Otterbox 

Azusa Farms & Gardens 

Stowe`s Shoes & Clothing 

Anacortes Lodge #1204 B.P.O.E 

Michael & Jessica Good 

Mark Thompson 

Robert & Susan Plumb 

Andrea Shick 

Melissa & Hugh Dougher 

Fisher Construction Group 

Justin Remaklus 

Hands of Steel 

Papa Murphy`s Anacortes 

Lynn Murphy 

Ron Cann 

Cheryl Bishop 

Wendie Granberg 

Ray & Carolyn Bloom 

Ken & Jenni Morrison 

Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting 

Gail Hvatum 

Gloria & Bud Fish 

Jeff & Linda Hendricks Family Foundation 

Brian & Kristia Poppe 

Frontier Industries, Inc. 

Sarenna Presnell 

John Percival 

Karen & Douglas Fryer 

Nell Thorn Restaurant & Pub 

Todd Rhonemus 

William & Patti Van Wieringen 

Mutual of America 

Ken & Florence Dahlstedt 

John Sandifer 

William Mercer 

Heritage Bank 

Colleen Sargent 

Patrick Harrington 

Michael & Colleen McClure 

Gordon Bruchner 

Ed & Judy Zavala 

John & Trish Archibald 

Cynthia Simonsen 

Rick & Meredith Machin 

Michale & Jamie Whiton 

William Whittemore 

Manresa Castle 

Philip Prud`homme 

Farmstrong Brewing Company 

WoodCraft Arts, LLC 

Kippy Strandberg 

Becky & John Taft 

Julie Buchanan 

Carol Tailor 

Debra & Douglas Lancaster 

Keith Magee 

Mike & Jessica Ferguson 

Richard & Ellen Raymond 

James & Glenda Hobbs 

Mary Perry 

Trendz Salon 

Laureen Atkinson 

Ron McHenry 

Dale & Monica Summers 

Angela Watts 

Evelyn Syverson 

David & Eddylee Scott 

Dwayne Lane’s North Cascade Ford 

Elliot Johnson 

Terry Johnson & Pamela Myers 

Brett & Eva Fox

“ 

The 

Reflections: 

THE CLUB THAT 

BEATS THE STREETS 

Manny Smith 

Director of Operations 

Club that Beats The Streets”—this was the motto for the Boys & Girls 

Clubs when I first joined as a member, way back in 1986. It was a perfect 

fit for a kid like me. Growing up in the poverty-stricken areas of Tucson, Arizona, 

my family had fallen largely to the epidemic of gangs and drugs, living a life on 

“the streets.” Thankfully, we moved into a house that was literally across the 

street from the Old Pueblo Boys & Girls Club. The Club quickly became my safe 

place to go to after school. It provided a place where I was able to build positive 

relationships with adults, and peer relationships with other kids from similar 

circumstances to me—two very critical things I did not have at home. It was 

probably the first time I started to realize that I was not alone in what I was 

experiencing in my life. 

Many alumni refer to the Club as their “home away from home.” For me, the 

Club became my home as I spent every possible minute I could there. First and 

foremost, it was one of the only places I felt safe, both physically and emotionally. 

I knew that the staff at the Club had my back at all times. It is where 

I learned basic values of respect, honor, and good character—traits that are 

essential to becoming a productive adult. 

The supportive relationships and lessons I got from the Club are the reason that 

I was the first of 6 kids in my family to graduate from high school, go to college, 

and have a career. I am the only one to not use drugs and to have never been in 

trouble with the law. Whenever I reflect back on my life, and wonder how I was 

able to make it this far, it always comes back to some lesson, program, or staff 

member I connected with at the Club. To this day, my best friends and mentors 

are people I met at the Club. 

As a professional, I realize that the Club set a foundation that equipped me with 

tools to have a career in youth development, providing the same type of support 

and lessons to today’s young people who have come from, and still experience, 

some of the most disadvantaged circumstances. For me as a kid, the Club truly 

did “beat the streets.” It also set a foundation that allowed me to accomplish so 

much in my adult life. Speaking from personal experience, great futures really 

do start here. 

Laura Riquelme 

Linda Jones 

Erin Long 

Tulalip Casino & Resort 

Kevin Thomas 

Dean & Lisa Maxwell 

Showline Beagles 

Jeremy & Jamie McCullough 

Kyle Reep 

Highwaters Media 

Peoples Bank 

John & Bonney Howe 

Matt Marusich 

Tyler Koble 

Darcy Swetnam 

Bayside Specialties, Inc. 

Seattle Theatre Group 

Enterprise Rent-A-Car 

Best Buy Foundation 

Rich Weyrich & Betta Spinelli 

Peter Goldfarb 

Janna Haupt 

Kent & Christine Mathes 

Roger & Lynda Burke 

Gardner Orthodontics 

Penny Stubbs 

Diane Cocke 

North Cascades Health Council 

Sons of the American Legion Squadron 43 

Randy & Debbie Larson 

Wayne & Barbara Bradford 

Flyers Restaurant 

Pelar Holmes 

American Alpine Institute 

Oliver-Hammer 

Barbara Kehoe 

B.J. Larson 

Brett & Laurie Fontes 

David & Syd Olausen 

Ann Dursch 

Wayne & Shelley Sligar 

Franklin Bjorseth 

Barbara Atterberry 

Scott & Tracy Dickison 

Sedro-Woolley True Value Hardware 

Allen & Janet Lindbo 

Andrew St Lawrence 

Joanne Bruland 

Laurie Gere 

Katie Carson 

Eric & Lynette Johnson 

Navsukh Enterprises, Inc. 

Tucker Family Foundation 

George Reeves & Rosann Wuebbels 

Jonathan Kull 

Matt Lehman 

Ken & Joan Liebscher 

Hugh & Diana Kendrick 

Danielle & Darrek Martin 

Mary LaFleur 

Safelite Auto Glass Foundation 

Brittney Crandall 

Sedro-Woolley Food Pavilion 

Expressions Art Gallery 

Noah & Taylor Bannister 

Jama Hiltz 

Steve Edwards 

Ted & Cyndie McCammant 

Peter Cutbill 

Jerald & Pamela Munson 

John & Nancy Darnton 

Emerson Nordmark & Kim Liebscher 

Ezaquiel Banda 

William & Myo Shears 

Rallye Auto Sales, Inc. 

Jenny & Adam Coleman 

Zane & Kelli Wyll 

Deb Bundy 

21

22 

YOUTH OF THE YEAR

Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles, Good Character & Citizenship: 

these are the priority outcomes our Clubs work to develop in all of our 

Club members. Perhaps the single best manifestation of these results is experienced 

during Youth of the Year. 

Each year in January, the Skagit community comes together to celebrate youth 

during a waypoint in the Youth of the Year journey and timeline. Those that 

attend the Youth of the Year Dinner leave inspired, and often with a much 

deeper understanding as to the impact that Boys & Girls Club staff and volunteers 

have had in the lives of Club members. 

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 Club member being selected at their 

Clubhouse Dinner with Friends, held in November. From there, the Club Youth 

of the Year’s continue honing their skills through repetition, workshops, and a 

retreat, held jointly with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County, and Boys & 

Girls Clubs of Benton and Franklin Counties. 

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. 

Pg 22, L to R: Erin H. (Anacortes Youth of the Year), Bobby Castro (2014 Youth of the Year), Charles B. (La 

Conner YOY), Paula B. (Sedro-Woolley YOY). Jacky Melanson and Justice Lively (2015 Skagit County & 

Washington State YOY). Annette Booth (Board Member), Geoffrey H. (Anacortes YOY Runner-up) and 

Kindred M. (Sedro-Woolley YOY Runner-up). Misty McIntire, Stephanie Hooper (Board Member) and 

Becky Taft (Board Member). Paula B. (2017 Skagit County YOY), Jazzelle E. (2016 Skagit County YOY) 

and Kindred M.. Erin H. (Anacortes YOY). Elijah P. (La Conner YOY Runner-up). Pg 23: The gang at the 

YOY retreat in Ellensberg: Jazzelle, Charles, Charlie, Patrick Dougher (Sedro-Woolley Teen Coordinator), 

Erin, Kindred, Geoffrey, Paula, and Tori Grace (Anacortes Teen Coordinator). 

Bill Irning 

Carla Wood 

Justin & April Ward 

Georgetown Brewery 

Lou Ann Davis 

Savi Bank 

Yoshihiro Okamoto 

Suzanne RothMeyer Photography 

Kim & Shane Walley 

Suzette & James Richards 

Paula Brownrigg 

Pacific WoodTech Corporation 

Smiley Insurance 

Sedro-Woolley Police Benevolent Fund 

Karen Gallardo 

Heather Powell 

Steve & Felisa Hoglund 

Lora & Richard Hiltz 

Brian & Laura Faley 

BYK Construction, Inc 

Peter Donovan 

Josh & Mallory Anfinson 

Michael & Andrea Rogers 

Servpro Of Skagit 

Deception Distillery 

Germaine Kornegay 

Don Wick 

Cottage Hobby House 

Jennifer Barnwell 

Gerry & Susan Christensen 

Tom Pasma & Sue Sultze 

Rob & Nancy Tiffany 

Bill Poindexter 

Jill & Daniel Boudreau 

Soroptimist International of Anacortes 

Emily & Robert Messmer 

James Hobbs 

Karl Yost 

Lorenzo’s 

John & Carmen Voth 

Skagit Transportation 

Michael & Elizabeth Jackets 

John & Colleen McIntyre 

United Way of Skagit County 

Sheila Bean 

Brian Hanrahan 

Patrice Blakeway 

Thomas Lebovsky & Jane Billinghurst 

Scott Pringle 

Dennis & Melissa Boe 

Soroptimist International of La Conner 

Connie & Michael Russell 

Dick & Susan Straathof 

Swinomish Golf Links 

Paul Godfrey 

Katie Mauricio 

Bertelsen Winery 

Erik & Jennifer Crawford 

Tracy Dugas 

Sylvia Hosford 

Len & Jimmie Lee Dawson 

Cookson Beecher & Dean Harrington 

Nathan Skinner 

MillerCoors 

Robert Leber 

Rick & Karen Pitt 

Jon & Teresa Ronngren 

James & Megan Taylor 

Mike & Rebecca Love 

Birch Equipment & Sales 

Claudette Gubrud 

Barbara Dahlstedt 

Kiwanis - Anacortes Noon Club 

Charles Fine Jewelry 

Anthony & Kimberlee Smith 

Art Jensen 

Jack & Dena Poling 

Rolf & Mary Oxos 

23

Lynn Wade 

The Ledger 

Dorothy Ann Downs & Robert Raymon 

Dan & Nicole Hoffman 

Suellen Lemmon 

Christopher & Cassandra King 

John & Sarah Ney 

Marylee Owings 

Dennis & Mary Staberg 

Susan Wilson 

Howard & Carol Pellett 

Aztec Self Storage 

Janice & Norman Vigre 

Jack Sather 

Kristi & John Chambers 

Cecil Thomas 

Gregg & Lea Davidson 

John & Tammie White 

Mary Gleason 

Rebecca & William Murray 

Brynne & Pat Kelly 

Ooh La La Salon 

Gateway Transmissions, Inc 

Josh Bluhm 

Terje & Jessica Culp 

Mike Blade 

Chad Fisher Construction, LLC 

The Rustic Rooster 

Tom & Caree Brownfield 

Chelsea Bowman 

Michael & Dana Webb 

Soroptimist International of Fidalgo Island 

Jennifer & Charles Hardin 

Kim & Steven Stafford 

Donald L Fenton 

Puget Sound Energy Foundation 

Tom & Fay Shane 

Lowe’s Store 

Henry’s Humdingers 

Scott Johnson 

Jerry Kopp 

Sharon Wright 

K&H Integrated Print Solutions 

KS Excavating, Inc 

Eagles - FOE #2069 

Rick Trelstad 

Jacqueline Zoolkoski 

Judd & Black 

Herb & Judy Hansen 

Bill & Laurie Wallace 

Sherry Hendrix 

Washington State Auto Dealers Services, Inc 

Frontier Building Supply 

The Brown Lantern Alehouse 

Kim Gardner 

Land Title & Escrow Company of Skagit & Island County 

Patricia Gordaoff 

Mary Staley 

Montana Sporting Club 

Mike & Mary Stepanski 

Alyeska Design, LLC 

Colleen Smiley 

Barbara Bear 

Scott & Harmony Bahr 

Joyce Nagel 

Mildred Metzger 

Michael & Rita King 

Dan & Marie Donat 

Day Creek Sand & Gravel 

Eleanor Kuenzi 

Clay Taylor 

Espresso Connection 

Thomas & Deborah Moser 

Cedar Country Lumber 

Tim & Sarah Van Dyken 

John Roozen 

Will & Diane Reichardt 

Rob & Erin Reiger 

24 

This year, one of the judges made an observation that resonated 

deeply with staff: They knew that Clubs did good things, but it 

wasn’t until seeing the process up close that they realized how 

important Clubs were to youth, the need for this type of service, 

and how irreplaceable Clubs really are in the community. 

For 2016, we had three Clubhouse Youth of the Year, and four runners-up. Each 

story was different, but within them common themes and experiences the Club 

members identified as changing them for the better. Acceptance—through 

being welcome and knowing they always had a place to talk to someone, in 

a safe environment. Opportunity—heard time and again as several reflected 

on their experience this last summer on our first major College Tour. Finally, 

Staff—a deep, personal relationship with one or more staff members who 

have helped to shape their personalities, and who have provided them guidance 

during their life. 

The Club member selected to represent Skagit County immediately begins 

preparation for the next stage—the state program in March. It begins on a 

Tuesday evening, with all the organizational Youth of the Year joining together 

in ice breakers and some fun. First thing Wednesday morning, the youth go to 

the Governor’s Mansion for a breakfast in their honor where they are joined by 

legislative representatives from all over the state. While there, the Governor’s 

Community Service Scholarship award is presented, and all youth are introduced 

officially. 

A whirlwind 36 hours follows the visit to Olympia, and includes meeting community 

and civic leaders, engaging in vibrant discussion, polishing up on interview 

and speech delivery skills, going through another round of judging, and finally, 

one youth being crowned as the Washington State Youth of the Year, earning a 

$5,000 scholarship, and opportunity to represent the state at the Pacific Region 

event in June, in Los Angeles, CA. The Pacific Region Youth of the Year earns an 

additional $40,000 in college 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. 

Representing Skagit County for 2017 is Paula Banda, an 8th grader from Cascade 

Middle School in Sedro-Woolley. While rare to have someone so young 

selected, Paula meets all the qualification requirements, and made a significant 

impression on the judges. To determine a winner, seven judges received 

advance materials that include biographical information, essays, and supporting 

letters and other materials. A rubric is provided for the entire cycle, and the 

judges come together to hear speeches, and interview all the candidates, the 

day before our Youth of the Year Dinner. Because of the quality of our Club 

members participating, for the second year in a row, just two points separated 

winner and runner-up. 

This year, one of the judges made an observation that resonated deeply with 

staff: They knew that Clubs did good things, but it wasn’t until seeing the process 

up close that they realized how important Clubs were to youth, the need 

for this type of service, and how irreplaceable Clubs really are in the community. 

We are thankful for our judges, for staff simply could not make the choice themselves. 

Perhaps a wonderful testament to this is Paula’s own opening line in her

It’s that very confidence that is leading Paula to work toward a 

career as a lawyer. She has plans to attend Skagit Valley College 

for Running Start before setting sights on her aspirational goal, 

Harvard University. There is no doubt that Paula will reach that 

goal before accomplishing many others and make a significant 

mark in the world. 

one of her essays: “My Club experience is a lot like everyone else’s; amazing, 

impactful, wonderful, unforgettable, and life changing. It is also uniquely mine 

because of the amazingly awesome staff at The Club and all the unforgettable 

friendships I’ve gained over the years.” 

Paula holds the SMART Girls program high in her list of reasons for success. 

“SMART Girls is the program that has probably had the biggest impact on 

making me into who I am today. I learned a lot of lessons in SMART Girls. It 

taught me to talk to someone when I need to and not just keep my emotions 

bottled up. It is also where I learned how important it is to be respectful and 

to be confident.” 

It’s that very confidence that is leading Paula to work toward a career as a 

lawyer. She has plans to attend Skagit Valley College for Running Start before 

setting sights on her aspirational goal, Harvard University. There is no doubt 

that Paula will reach that goal before accomplishing many others and make a 

significant mark in the world. 

While we celebrate Paula, we also honor the achievements of Charles from La 

Conner, and Erin from Anacortes, who represented their Clubhouses passionately 

and ably. Being named Youth of the Year is the greatest recognition a Club 

member can achieve, and all our candidates are worthy of such an honor. 

To learn more about the Youth of the Year program, or be placed into consideration 

as a judge for 2018, please contact CEO Ron McHenry at rmchenry@ 

skagitclubs.org or 360-419-3723, x3. 

Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program 

Mark Kaufman 

Todd & Debbie Thompson 

Dolores Snelson 

Katelynn Sullivan 

Maggie Potter 

Linda & Jim Turner 

Bruce & Margaret Evertz 

Randall & Carol Garberg 

Vicki Stasch 

Robert Gruber 

Fidalgo Bay Coffee 

Charlie & Karen Wend 

Tom Hammack 

Carl`s Towing 

Kevin Anderson 

James Cornell 

Kiwanis- Burlington-Edison 

Robert & Jane Hyde 

Paul Benz 

Darrel & Bernice Homan 

Skagit River Steel & Recycling 

Justin Campbell 

Julia De La Cerda 

GAP 

Valley Shine Distillery 

Skagit Valley Food Co-Op 

Dagnija Johnson 

David & Armanda Martinez 

Foothills Toyota 

Janicki Logging & Construction 

Frank Marzec 

Tom Griffin & Lani Donohoe 

Wyman Park 

Levon & Dorothy Matson 

Dakota Creek Industries 

Norman & Shirley Cross 

Kjell Carlsen 

Wendy Rohrbacher 

E & E Lumber 

Michael & Lisa Janicki 

Gary & Christine Rood 

Anacortes Aktion Club 

Christy Hawley 

Austin’s Pet Grooming 

Sound Development Group, LLC 

Dawn & Jody Latimer 

Dorothy Hughes 

Quantum Construction Inc. 

Susan Duffy 

Tamara Straub 

Thomas Nichols 

Ristretto Coffee Lounge & Wine Bar 

Westminster Presbyterian Church 

Erin & Scott Welliver 

Ken & Susan Johnson 

Laura Swenson 

The Cambia Employee Giving Campaign 

Dale & Elaine Gorsegner 

Noah Richards 

Peter Cisneros 

Candi Newcombe 

Anthony Young 

ServiceMaster Clean by Roth, Inc. 

Knutzen Farms 

Louis Auto Glass, Inc 

Tom & Pam Allen 

Patrick Mullen 

Gene & Marilyn Derig 

Pat & Kathy Rogers 

Glen & Susan McInelly 

Ed Alskog 

Anita Mitchell 

Courtney Walters 

Oasys 

Avenue Catering 

John King - Highwaters Media 

K&H Integrated Printing Solutions 

25

Reflections: 

THE MOUNT BAKER CLUB 

Being a leader in the 

Boys & Girls Club 

21st Century Program 

at Mount Baker Middle 

School is amazing. Having 

spent over 10 years as a 

classroom teacher, I value 

how this program allows me to be a mentor—time and 

energy I rarely had as a teacher. 

At Mount Baker’s “Grizzly Hangout” Boys & Girls Club, 

my team of passionate and skilled staff and I deliver 

high quality, engaging programs based on the interests 

of our members. We focus on the multiple dimensions of 

our members. We support their academic development 

by working closely with teachers and counselors, and 

devote a full hour to supporting their academic growth. 

Mary Sue Walker 

Club Director, Mount Baker 

After that, we focus on 

their passions for writing, 

science, art, sports, 

culture, film, health, and 

more. Through our Youth 

of the Week, Youth of the 

Month, and Jr. Youth of the 

Year programs we emphasize and recognize the good 

character and citizenship development of our members. 

Monthly family nights allow us to connect with families, 

providing opportunities to connect with community 

resources and support, while celebrating the accomplishments 

of our youth in a public way. I am grateful to 

belong to the Mount Baker Middle School Program, as 

it allows me to bring my passion for youth development 

into the school setting and help our members develop in 

powerful and meaningful ways. 

Reflections: 

THE LAVENTURE CLUB 

26 

Looking back on the 

last nine months at 

the LaVenture “Flying Falcons” 

Boys & Girls Club, 

it has been both a great 

working, and learning experience. 

Much of our success 

can be credited to the Club staff, for their hard work 

and dedication to giving our members an Optimal Club 

Brian Gustafson 

Club Director, LaVenture 

Experience. Each staff 

member has brought their 

own unique strength to our 

programs, crafting meaningful 

connections with 

Club members, whether it’s 

a great smile, caring attitude, 

or helping our members succeed academically. 

Each day, staff work hard to improve on the quality, 

not just quantity.

Great programs and activities, such as Power Hour, 

Triple Play, The Arts, and STEM are key to our Club 

and organization success. Power Hour, a program that 

focuses on homework completion with Staff mentoring, 

has had an impact on many members’ grades. We 

have received appreciation letters from parents and 

teachers that have noticed how their child’s academic 

performance has improved because of our program. 

“Good morning Brian, 

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you and your staff 

for all the hard work that goes on in your after school program! 

Both of my daughters Kaylah and Leia attend Flying 

Falcons on a regular base and I’ve notice a huge improvement, 

especially with my oldest Kaylah (she’s the one that needed the 

help!). She’s still working on missing assignments but they’ve 

definitely gone down, and she’s getting better grades because 

of it. Both of my daughters enjoy going so that alone tells me 

how great this program is. I know they focus on work the first 

hour and then they get to do something fun after working 

hard. Again thank you for helping our struggling students.” 

~Yesenia M.- Club Parent 

“I can’t hold back my appreciation and respect anymore; Flying 

Falcons Club, you have decreased my classes’ missing work 

by over 70% in the last 2 weeks. Students are turning in their 

missing work with pride in their eyes and an obvious weight 

lifted off of their shoulders. 

The work you are doing is 

1. So important! 

2. Meeting more than just homework needs of students. 

3. Giving them structure and safety. 

4. Making a difference everyday. 

5. Helping students with organization. 

6. Holding them to high standards and helping them 

succeed at that level. 

I see so many teachers supporting this group as they support 

us. I love that! 

Keep up the great work EVERYONE!” 

 

~Karen M.- Teacher at LaVenture Middle School 

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I am very humbled to receive such encouragement! 

Our success is a credit to our amazing team—all of 

us working together, LaVenture Club Staff, Club members, 

Teachers, Parents, and Volunteers, as well as 

Club management, our Board of Directors, Donors, 

and the Skagit County community at large. We create 

GREAT Futures for our youth together. 

27

28 

COLLEGE TOUR INSPIRES NEW HEIGHTS 

After months of preparation, a small caravan of 

vehicles departed Skagit County on Monday, 

August 15, 2016 on a trip that for many, would be 

completely life changing. Thanks to funding from the 

Tesoro Corporation Foundation, 50 teens and staff 

were set to visit four universities and two regional 

technical and vocational trade schools. In just five 

days. In four different states. 

Clubs have three priority outcomes, that we endeavor 

to elicit in each and every member served; Academic 

Success is one of them. In the Boys & Girls Club movement, 

this means graduating from High School ready

for college, trade school, military service, or full-time 

employment. For so many of our youth, obstacles are 

present that can significantly inhibit their realization 

of this outcome. Some are very real, but most of the 

obstacles are simply perceptual, as our kids are often 

the first in their families to have the opportunity to 

achieve a higher education and choose their path in 

life based on their passion and interests, instead of 

simply what’s available. 

The first day began early, with a 7:00am departure 

from Skagit County. Just before the bus arrived at 

Central Washington University, the advance vehicles 

finished preparation of 51 lunches so that when the 

kids bounded off that bus, they’d be able to eat and 

enjoy their first tour of the trip. After seeing all the wonderful 

options available to future Wildcats, the convoy 

continued on with a stop at Perry Technical Institute in 

Yakima, WA to see a different side of post-secondary 

education at a premier place of learning. 

During the trip, not only was there a lot of road-side 

and parking lot preparation of meals, the network 

of Boys & Girls Clubs was engaged for support, and 

When youth arrived back in Skagit 

County late Friday night, they did so 

armed with significant knowledge of not 

only all the pathways available to them 

for success, but also what tools and 

goals were needed to secure their own 

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Rental • Sales • Equipment • Tools • Lawn & Garden 

helped to keep costs minimal which truly allowed a trip 

of this magnitude to even occur. Perhaps the favorite 

Clubhouse sleepover that week was the first night in 

Prosser, WA, the former Club of current Skagit County 

Club CEO Ron McHenry. A joint teen night was held, 

and included Prosser Rotary Club members presenting 

a full barbecue spread at a special swim night that left 

everyone fulfilled and exhausted. 

Tuesday was the longest on the road, with more than 

400 miles covered between Prosser, and Twin Falls, ID. 

There, Club members talked excitedly about their college 

tour held earlier in the day at Boise State University 

while enjoying a pizza party at Boys & Girls Clubs 

of the Magic Valley. While at BSU, a full tour of the 

campus kept kids on their feet, and included a visit to 

the smurf turf. 

Continued on page ...23 

29 

Where the Locals Go for any project, big or small. 

Mount Vernon - Anacortes - Bellingham

30

Boise was also the stop that highlighted the importance of all the 

preparation, and need for additional vehicles, when one Club member 

sprained his finger while playing catch on the field. Because of regulations 

concerning driver time, and other logistics, the bus couldn’t 

stay, but it was clear our young man needed more than simple first aid. 

Thanks to the BSU Health Center, and the staff who stayed behind in 

the trailing vehicle, he was safe, and so were the rest of our kids, who 

were content on the bus headed to Twin Falls. 

A highlight, and once-in-a-lifetime experience for most, including staff, 

took place on Wednesday following a stop at Eastern Idaho Technical 

College. The itinerary was tight, but one simply can’t get that close and 

not make room for a trip to Yellowstone National Park. There wasn’t 

much time for exploration, but all were in awe when honored to be 

present for quite a show from the Old Faithful Geyser. 

Tours of both Montana State University and the University of Montana 

were on tap for Thursday, and perhaps a bit surprisingly, gleaned the 

strongest response from our teens. They loved the size of the schools, 

as well as proximity to communities that were large, but not overwhelming. 

Many commented on the beauty of the area, and weather, 

though were also reminded that Montana was a very different place 

in the winter. 

A visit to the other school with a vividly colorful Football field began 

wrapping up the trip on Friday, as Club teens descended on the 

“Inferno” at Eastern Washington University. Lunch was at the Gingko 

Petrified Forest, overlooking the Columbia Gorge, and providing a perfect 

bookend to the STEM-centered week long journey. 

When youth arrived back in Skagit County late Friday night, they did 

so armed with significant knowledge of not only all the pathways available 

to them for success, but also what tools and goals were needed 

to secure their own #greatfuture. More than that, Club staff had been 

pretty sneaky and managed to impart other important life lessons 

along the way: Personal hygiene is incredibly important, especially 

when traveling in groups; Always leave a place better than you found 

it; Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, because you 

never know when you’re gonna be stuck in a small space for hours at 

a time; Take time to appreciate the world and nature around you, and 

position yourself to be able to take advantage of it in the future. Just a 

few of many ways Skagit County Clubs stand apart in youth development—a 

deep understanding by Club professionals to maximize each 

moment as a learning opportunity. 

Plans are underway for 2017 already, and this year’s trip, while definitely 

shorter in mileage, will still pack a punch, be centered around 

STEM, and include an amazing moment as the trip begins in Newport 

Beach, OR, prime location for viewing the total solar eclipse occurring 

on Monday, August 21st. 

Scholten’s Equipment Inc. 

Heritage Flight Museum 

Robin Lindstrom 

Darrell & Patricia Pienta 

Keith & Cyndi Sorestad 

Sundarah Hammontree 

Scott & Angie Rutherford 

Skagit Island San Juan School Retirees Association 

Angel & Diane Demeroutis 

Brown Line, LLC 

Steven & Jan Massey 

Matthew & Heather Miller 

Whidbey Coffee 

Kevin Johnson 

Les & Fay Huggins 

Dave Wilder 

Arty & Elinor Nakis 

Brandmuscle 

Ken & Debbie Cheney 

Alice Bohnker Insurance 

Dale & Marlene Klein 

Hampton Inn & Suites 

Josh & Stephanie Hoines 

Lakeside Industries 

Walmart 

Al Chandler 

BrandQuery 

Rachael Sylte 

Michael & Anita Roozen 

Donna Sitts 

Amy Angelli 

Kristin Knopf & Brian Hanners 

Trevir & Mindy Faley 

Amanda Cecotti 

Madeleine Roozen 

Margaret Cartwright 

Fred & Marilyn Buckenmeyer 

Enchanted Florist 

Chuck & LuAnne Burkhart 

Mary Davis Lighting 

Blank L+T 

Martin Commercial Fueling 

Clyde & Norma Clay 

John L. Scott 

Anacortes Chamber of Commerce 

Dunkin & Bush 

Humane Society of Skagit County 

Carrie Wallace 

Dwayne Lane’s Skagit Ford Subaru 

Wendy Fauver 

John & Michele Pope 

United Way of King County 

Gary & Claudean Talbert 

Dick Gudmunson 

Christopher & Jennifer Cram 

Holly Giles 

Arthur Watson 

Leanne Shannon 

Temcov Foundation 

Kiwanis Club of La Conner 

Vince Cicotte 

Swinomish Casino & Lodge 

The Arthur W. Perdue Foundation, Inc 

Marcella & Kenneth Baker 

Don & Kay Gordon 

Ron & Anne Smith 

Image360 

Michelle Cervantes 

John Piazza Jr. Construction & Remodeling 

Josh & Sarah Arquitt 

Darrell & Sherilyn Skiles 

Grocery Outlet 

Ian & Theresa Faley 

Strauss Jewelers 

Just Peachy Yogurt 

Richard & Betsy Humphrey 

State Street Deli 

Usborne Books 

31

IN MEMORIAM OF JACK GUBRUD 

John Gubrud, known as Jack to 

everyone, was born during the 

height of the depression in North 

Dakota, before his family moved to 

Skagit Valley just two years later, 

in 1937. A 1953 graduate 

of Mount Vernon 

High School, Jack also 

attended Skagit Valley 

College before serving a 

term in the United State 

Marine Corps. While in 

the service, Jack married 

Claudette Coleman, his 

high school sweetheart. summer of 1997. 

After graduating with a 

degree in accounting and 

working at the Shell Oil Refinery, Jack would drive 

away in his new found career, all puns intended. Starting 

with a used car lot, he would grow into a Chrysler 

dealership and then started Gubrud Valley Datsun. 

Jack was instrumental in establishing I-5 Auto World 

in Burlington, and served his community through many 

Board positions and service organizations. During all 

this, he started a family, and loved his kids—Mike, 

Mark, and Colleen. 

Jack also grew another family; one that would impact 

the lives of many throughout Skagit County for nearly 

Mr. Gubrud was a founding member 

of the Skagit Valley Youth Association, 

which would ultimately become the 

Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County, 

with the first Club opening during the 

20 years, before his passing on 

August 25th, 2016. 

Mr. Gubrud was a founding member 

of the Skagit Valley Youth Association, 

which would ultimately 

become the Boys 

& Girls Clubs of Skagit 

County, with the first Club 

opening during the summer 

of 1997. Participation 

has truly been a family 

affair, with Claudette 

serving as a direct volunteer, 

engaging youth for 

many years, Colleen as an 

integral piece of fundraising 

initiatives, especially a 

very successful Gala and Golf Tournament, and Mike, 

following in his father’s footsteps, as a member of our 

Board of Directors. 

In reviewing historical documents recently, one finds 

Jack’s handwriting everywhere—quite literally. In 

memorandum and correspondence, it’s easy to see 

how his mind for business, combined with such a 

strong passion for youth, provided a striking balance 

for the fledging non-profit organization, sometimes 

faced with quite difficult decisions. That’s not too surprising 

though, considering how often stories of Jack 

32 

L to R: Claudette & Jack Gubrud at the 2015 Annual Breakfast. Jack and friends at 2013 Annual Gala. Joyce Nagel, Claudette, & Jack at the 1996 Boys & 

Girls Clubs of America National Convention in Las Vegas. Jack & Claudette with members of the Mount Vernon Club at the 2014 Dinner with Friends.

Gubrud still come out when Club leaders visit community 

members to update on progress. 

Most current staff are new to the organization, joining 

in just the last three years. However, Jack’s contribution 

is so significant that his legend is palpable and 

goes deep into our history. It’s because of this that 

Club staff take so seriously the legacy that Jack, and 

many others, have created, that inspire Club professionals 

to fulfill the mission of Boys & Girls Clubs to 

the best possible outcome: to enable all young people, 

especially those who need us most, to reach their full 

potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. 

Unfortunately, Club leadership was at a pre-scheduled 

Conference the day of Jack’s memorial, and 

could not attend. Thankfully, we were able to celebrate 

his memory the night before during a dinner 

with 500 other leaders from throughout the Boys 

& Girls Club movement, assembled in Phoenix to 

engage in training and professional development. 

Jack was recognized on stage for his contributions 

to youth, and his leadership as a Club founder and 

former Board President. 

On behalf of the thousands upon thousands of kids 

who have benefited, and will continue to do so 

because of Jack’s moxie, our Board of Directors, past 

and present, and all Club professionals, we offer a 

hearty thank you to Mr. John V “Jack” Gubrud for 

making “a place for youth” in Skagit County. 

33 

L to R: The first logo for the Skagit Valley Youth Association created by Jack. 

Claudette & Jack at the 2013 Annual Gala. Joyce Nagel, Jack, Blase Dillman, 

and Claudette at the Soroptomist International of La Conner, 1997 Microbrew 

Festival to raise funds to build a Club in La Conner. Claudette & Jack at the at 

the 3rd Annual Golf Tournament in 1998.

34 

Chuckanut Manor 

Peter & Laurel Browning 

John & Katy Janicki 

Wendy Cobb 

Joshua Serrano 

Mark Amano 

La Conner School District 

Kaia & Jason Matheny 

Steve Hayford 

North Cascade Veterinary Hospital 

Schwab Charitable 

Tari Roche 

Jean Champagne 

Cory Ertel 

Towne Foundation 

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival 

Lincoln Theatre 

Symetra 

Jack & Carole Straathof 

Doug & Laurie Lundgren 

Cargill Incorporated 

John & Marie Erbstoeszer 

Betty Rockwell 

Scott & JoAnn Blade 

John Doyle 

Christ Episcopal Church 

Kris Schramm 

Sharon Stafford 

Darrell & Elizabeth Heisler 

Jerry Chastain 

Jamie Maloney 

Bill Nutting & Jessie Tapp-Nutting 

Macy’s, Inc. 

Sandi Andersen 

Karl & Debra Pankaskie 

University of Washington 

Roger Buck & Brenna Zavala 

Skagit Valley Marine Corps League-Detach. 1043 

Kevin & Melissa Sullivan 

Jaci Chamness 

Ronald & Sherry Oberst 

Torolf & Anna Torgersen 

Barbara Legas 

Scott Terrell 

DreamChasers RV 

Adara Salon 

Central Moving & Storage 

Swinomish Indian Tribal Community 

Jim & Linda Hauptman 

Hughes Law Group PLLC 

Mark & Alison Miller 

Rob Preinesberger 

Thorne Metal Studio 

Materials Testing & Consulting, Inc. 

Seanna Faley 

James & Melissa Kirk 

LeAnne Wiseman 

Mount Vernon School District #320 

Take2seconds 

K.C. & Angela Freeberg 

TruckVault, Inc. 

Deb & Jason Matier 

Anne Braaten 

Traviz Hernandez 

Rick & Angela Davidson 

Anacortes Community Health Council 

Susan Krienen 

Schuh Farms 

Roger Peterson 

Dan & Sandi Sims 

Lynne Jordan 

Scott & Cinde Wakeman 

Kara Moore 

Suzan DelBene 

Jacqueline Beamer 

Jim Davison 

Jennifer Wilson 

Ronald & Joni Swanson 

G 

rowing 

Reflections: 

GROWING UP WITH THE CLUBS 

Alivia Holman 

Club Director, Sedro-Woolley 

up in a single parent household taught me responsibility at an 

early age—skills that I picked up at my local Boys & Girls Club. They taught 

us the importance of school, friendships, and a healthy lifestyle. I would go in 

each day, scan in, and go to the computer lab to start and finish my homework. 

If I ever got stuck, or just needed to be challenged, there was always a staff 

member to help me out. Having responsible adults around helped me become 

successful in school. This took some stress off of my mom, because my brother 

was the complete opposite when it came to doing homework. Sometimes my 

brother and I didn’t get along, but what siblings get along all the time?! At the 

Club, we were able to put aside our differences because of the rules that we had 

to obey. I credit the Club’s standard of conduct in helping me develop the strong, 

healthy relationship I have with my brothers, today. 

When my mom married and became pregnant, the Boys & Girls Club was a 

second home to me. Scott, the Director, was always there to help me and my 

brother when our stepfather forgot to pick us up, because he decided to go out 

drinking after work. Scott made sure that our schoolwork was done and that we 

had something to snack on until our mom got to the Club to pick us up. When 

I was in 5th grade my mom got a divorce, because the constant drinking and 

fighting wasn’t healthy for my brothers and me. Between the court hearings, 

therapy, and visitations, there just wasn’t time to go to the Club anymore. This 

had an effect on my social life at this time, but fortunately, I had two really good 

school friends that I could talk to. 

It was hard for me to leave the Club when I entered 6th grade because of all the 

friendships I had made. I missed being able to just be a kid, and not having to 

worry about any problems going on at home. When it was just my mom, brothers, 

and me, I had to start helping out with homework, babysitting, laundry, dishes, 

and getting everyone to bed. It was harder than my mom always made it look. She 

had two jobs at this point, so all the skills of responsibility, time management, and 

patience that I had learned from the Club helped me get by. When I finally made it 

back to the Boys & Girls Club, it was a weight lifted off of my shoulders. 

Without the Boys & Girls Club, I can honestly say I wouldn’t be the women I am 

today. The Club helped me when I had to grow up at a young age. Experiencing 

hardships has taught me that everyone is going through something, and we all 

need support. I wouldn’t give up working with children for the world.

Thomas & Maggie Thompson 

Robin`s Pet Salon 

Sedro-Woolley Chamber of Commerce 

CPI Plumbing & Heating 

Animal House Pet Grooming 

Pat Hammond 

Ken & Jame Witzel 

Dan Berard 

Annabelle Rockwood 

Eleven Vexler & Richard Brocksmith 

Rodd & Aimee Frantz 

Albert Clay 

Bob Cromack 

Patrick & Jean Ward 

Aldi Kllogjeri 

Lynn Pugh 

Wendy Gray & Mac Madenwald 

All Rivers & Saltwater Charters 

Michael Fredlund 

Chuck Gorecki 

Warren & Linda Walz 

John McArdle 

Brandi Hendrickson 

Interwest Construction Inc. 

Natalie Johnson 

Whatcom Community Foundation 

North Cascade Seventh Day Adventist Church 

Shane & Amy Collins 

John Leaver 

Il Granaio 

Brandy & Scott Kohlmeier 

Altria 

Edco, Inc. 

Skagit Bank 

KarMart USA for Kids 

Dale & Randi Freidig 

Roberta Hubbell 

Tasha St Clair 

Dolores & Tom Holtcamp 

Beverly Whitsell 

Shirlee Christensen 

Kyle & Angela Lindsay 

Richard & Linda Nelson 

Roger Small 

Patrick Garrett 

Douglas & Linda MacGregor 

Felt Family 

Dale & Susan Ragan 

Duane & Nancy Clark 

Dr. Paul & Gina Williams 

Pat Severin 

Patricia Odlin 

TriPower Construction 

Mike & Dawn Durham 

Jim & Mary Scott 

Pamela Keller 

Robert & Janet Gubrud 

James & Joyce Nichols 

Melissa Pearson 

James & Joyce Anderson 

Ruth & Dean Smiley 

Guemes Women Fellowship 

Mike & Dianne Crawford 

JB Smoove 

Joseph Bee 

N-Viro Lawn Care 

Trident Seafood Corporation 

Bella Soul 

Haggen Food & Pharmacy 

Karin Baldwin 

Beverly Bowen 

Jason Easton 

Janet Lightner 

Columbia Bank 

Seattle Mariners 

Ed Perry 

Snelson Companies, Inc. 

George & Suzanne Santino 

35 




400 E. Fairhaven Ave. Burlington 

360-757-7000 • mgubrud@farmersagent.com 

Proud Sponsor of the 

Boys & Girls Clubs

2016 IN REVIEW 

JAN 

FEB 

MAR 

JUN 

Breakfast 

for GREAT 

Kids 

Philanthropy was in 

abundance, as more 

than $105k was 

raised for Boys & 

Girls Clubs of Skagit 

County that morning. 

MAY 

Youth of 

the Year 

Jazzelle Elias, of 

Sedro-Woolley, 

is selected to 

represent Skagit 

County as Youth of 

the Year. 

School 

Supplies for 

Club Kids 

Thanks to an 

investment from the 

Argus Fund, 450 

backpacks filled with 

school supplies were 

distributed to kids at 

six Club locations. 

Windermere 

Work 

Party 

Skagit Valley 

Windermere agents 

held a Volunteer Day 

at the Sedro-Woolley 

Boys & Girls Club were 

they painted, cleaned, 

& landscaped inside 

and outside the Club. 

Keys for 

Kids 

For this 2nd Annual 

event an additional 

night is added, 

increasing the fun 

and funding with 

over $40k raised 

over both nights. 

36

2016 IN REVIEW 

JUL 

Burlington 

Summer 

Breeze 

At Maiben Park 

in Burlington, in 

partnership with the 

local agencies, Club 

staff serve up free 

lunches, and fun to 

approximately 50 

youth a day 

AUG 

SEPT OCT NOV 

Dinner 

with 

Friends 

Hosted by Club 

members, attendees 

witness presentations 

by each Club’s Youth 

of the Year hopefuls, 

and Club youth 

are honored and 

recognized for their 

achievements. 

College 

Tour 

50 teens visited four 

universities and two 

regional technical 

and vocational trade 

schools, as well as 

national parks & 

monuments. 

Back to 

School 

Clubs start the year 

strong with all six 

Clubs ready to serve 

the kids that need 

them most. 

Farmer’s 

Share 

An outdoor Farmer’s 

Share, orchestrated 

by Helping Hands 

Food Bank, was held 

at the Mount Vernon 

& Sedro-Woolley 

Clubs, where Club 

youth and their 

families were able to 

stock up on free fresh 

vegetables and fruits. 

DEC 

Clubs 

Reach 1,700 

Served 

With 900 youth 

served in 2013, 1,200 

in 2014, and 1,500 

in 2015, the trend is 

clearly growing— 

Youth are voting for 

Clubs. 

37

Reflections: 

THE MOUNT VERNON CLUB 

Fifteen years ago I 

stepped into the 

Mount Vernon Boys & Girls 

Club for the first time, as 

a part-time Program Lead. 

What was intended as a 

short-term part time job 

turned into a career and passion—a place I love to 

go each day. The greatest reward has been watching 

Club members grow from young children into young 

adults, and being able to witness our mission fulfilled 

as they becoming productive, caring, responsible 

citizens. Over the past couple of years I have 

had the opportunity to see many of those Club members 

graduate from High School, head off to College, 

and start careers and families. I can still see their 

little faces as excited, sometimes mischievous, 6 or 7 

year olds running around the Club. The phrase I hear 

so often from these kids is that the Club has been 

their “home away from home.” It is where they have 

worked through difficult times and celebrated successes. 

The Club has been a part of their childhood 

and shaping who they are. 

One of the things I have loved the most is seeing former 

Club kids come back to work at the Club. The Mount 

Vernon Club currently has 4 former Club Alumni working 

for the Club. Each of these staff members experienced 

the Club as a kid. Their memories of the Club, 

and the impact it had on them, has given them the 

desire to give back in the capacity as a caring adult, 

and to be a mentor and positive role model. Each of 

these former Club kids are successful adults. They 

were AVID Students, Mount Vernon High School Graduates, 

and are all currently either enrolled in Skagit 

Angela Freeberg 

Club Director, Mount Vernon 

Valley College, Western 

Washington University, or 

have graduated. What a 

testament to the impact 

the Club has on our kids. 

For me it is a powerful 

experience to see these 

former Club kids effecting change in the next generation 

because of what they experienced when they 

spent time in the Club as children. 

Two months ago I invited Isaac, a former Club Alumni 

and Mount Vernon Youth of the Year to help with 

this year’s Youth of the Year interviews and judging. 

I had the opportunity to know Isaac my first two years 

working at the Club. Isaac shared openly with the Club 

members and fellow judges his Club experience as 

a youth. He shared that he was here watching with 

excitement the day they broke ground to build the 

Mount Vernon Club. When the Club opened, he came 

every single day after school. He said that if it wasn’t 

for having the Club to come to every day that his life 

would have been much different, and he wouldn’t be 

where he is today if he had not had the Club. He is currently 

finishing his Criminal Justice degree at Skagit 

Valley College. I love that “kid,” and am so proud of 

him. As a Club professional, we don’t always get to 

hear or see the success stories, but it was a reminder 

of how every child who enters our doors is precious. I, 

along with each of the staff and volunteers, have an 

opportunity every day to lift a child up, to build their 

self-esteem, encourage them, and put them on a path 

to a great future. What could be a greater purpose 

than that? 

38

Shellie Eubanks 

Christine Johnson 

Norman & Patricia Dahlstedt 

Raymond & Stephanie Freier 

Island Hospital 

Chad Fisher 

Allstate Foundation 

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory 

Jerry & Eva Fader 

Anacortes Sunrisers Kiwanis 

Steven & Sarah Dahl 

Semrau Engineering & Surveying 

Committee to Elect Jason Easton 2014 

Carolyn Howe 

Burton Jewelers 

Boundary Bay Brewing Co. 

Lin & Carla Tucker 

State of Washington 

Gary & Janet Davis 

Lisa Bond 

William & Ellen Wiegand 

Kelly Tuohig 

Richard Henderson 

Kalie Canfield 

Robert & Erica Pickett 

Lisa Hoover 

John & Mary Ferlin 

Jennifer Robbins 

William & Annette Boerner 

Torey & Melissa Nelson 

Mike & Victorian Gubrud 

Don Fenkner 

Homer & Rosette Dawson 

Jason & Bobbilyn 

Larry Carr 

Von & Elizabeth Kuehn 

Josh & Marna Carpenter 

Linda Brookings 

Tri Power Construction LLC 

Madison MacKenzie 

Jo Finkbohner 

Nancy Wong & Thomas Decker 

The Simmons Insurance Group 

R.J. & M. Lodolce 

Vince & Terry Oliver 

R. H. & G.C. Freier 

Trever & Candace McGhee 

Andy & Dawn Mayer 

Kari Ranten 

Camp Fire Samish 

Brooklyn Denero 

Columbia Distributing 

Morgan’s Espresso 

Carl & Betty Romtvedt 

Stephen Pogline 

Diane L Yates 

Susanna Franklin 

Mary Huff 

Kathy Foster 

Jennifer Ecker 

Mark & Julie Wenzel 

Odyssey Performance Enhancement Network 

Trumpeter Public House 

Gary & Judy Shand 

Jim & Kathy Stone 

Nels Strandberg & Colleen Craig 

Sandra & Ryan Nootenboom 

Mark & Pam Estvold 

Jim & Carma DeGroot 

Grant Feek 

Julie Foort 

Terri & Clifford Hodgins 

La Conner Senior Center 

Matt Halliday 

Marjorie Davis 

Joshua & Susan Schanen 

Mot’s Custom Clothing & Alterations 

Opus Community Foundation 

39 

Lic#CPIPLPH850MN 

360.707.5422 

12135 Jacqueline Dr., Burlington, WA 98233 

sales@baysidespecialties.com 

DARRELL & STEPHANIE HOOPER 

Promoting You Is What We Do - Since 1983! 

QUALITY PRODUCTS 

DELIVERED ON TIME • GUARANTEED

STEM 

AT THE CLUBS 

& IN THE FIELD 

40 

In 2016 the Clubs boosted Science, Technology, 

Engineering, and Mathematics programming at all 

six locations, Sedro-Woolley, Mount Vernon, LaVenture 

& Mount Baker Middle Schools, La Conner, and Anacortes, 

as well as the Burlington Public Library. Through 

this initiative, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County 

have increased STEM awareness to more than 1,000 of 

the 1,700 youth who attended the Clubs this year. 

Moving into the new school year in September, the 

focus has been to continue to promote STEM awareness 

across the board while increasing STEM proficiencies 

in youth 6th grade and up. Beginning with 

increasing access to STEM resources, in order to guide 

members through developing STEM proficiencies, youth 

discover new methods of observing and interacting 

with the world around them. This has resulted in more 

hands-on projects that have real world applications; for 

example—moving from coding exploration to learning 

how to design and create smart phone apps. 

Beginning September of 2015, the Clubs began an 

initiative to increase STEM access through programming 

at each of its Clubs and investing in technology 

resources. This was accomplished through a generous 

partnership with the Tesoro Corporation. Programming 

for the second half of the 2015-16 school year involved 

incorporating new computers, digital cameras—and 

at two Clubs—a set of iPads for daily activities, which 

helped to boost member participation in educational 

activities. Among the STEM program activities were: 

coding exploration, popsicle stick bridges, gardening, 

and exploring the world of 3D design. This end of the 

school year program rewarded teen participants with 

a College Tour Road Trip. Through the summer, Club 

staff worked to develop the Tesoro STEM Academy

Launching the DIY STEM 

programming from Boys & Girls 

Clubs of America last January, 

has made a tremendous impact 

in promoting STEM proficiencies 

through all ages. 

which emerged this school year and targets sixth, 

seventh, and eighth graders with the goal of engaging 

them in exploration and developing the future 

of STEM. Continuing a partnership with Tesoro to 

integrate STEM programming has increased STEM 

access at all six Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County 

locations, and Club staff continue to find new ways 

to engage the youth of Skagit County in making 

STEM commonplace in their day-to-day lives. 

Launching the DIY STEM programming from Boys 

& Girls Clubs of America last January, has made a 

tremendous impact in promoting STEM proficiencies 

through all ages. This program helps to support 

the goals of STEM programming by embracing the 

culture of Boys & Girls Club programming; offering 

on-the-spot STEM fun, getting messy with kitchen 

chemistry, and building monuments and gadgets 

out of recyclables. The current generation of youth 

is particularly interested in anything that they can 

do themselves and take ownership of—the DIY 

STEM activities promote just that. With some staff 

guidance, Club members are presented with a “problem” 

and then work together to plan how to solve it. 

After developing their plan, members work together 

to create their designs and implement their plan. 

Through this process members gain real world STEM 

experiences by collaborating with a group of their 

peers, embracing their creativity and innovation, and 

ultimately gaining recognition that reinforces positive 

attitudes towards the sciences. 

Each of us 

must come to care 

about everyone else's children. 

We must recognize that 

the welfare of our children and grandchildren 

is intimately linked to the welfare 

of all other people's children. 

After all, when one of our children 

needs life-saving surgery, 

someone else's child will perform it. 

When our children dial 911, 

someone else’s child will answer it. 

When our children need a helping hand, 

someone else’s child will be there to lend it. 

If one of our children is threatened 

or harmed by violence, 

someone else's child will be responsible 

for the violent act. 

The good life 

for our own children 

can be secured 

only if a good life 

is secured 

for all other people's children. 

Mike & Dianne Crawford hold these words to be true 

& dear to their hearts. That is why they are proud to 

support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County 

41

Reflections: 

THE SEDRO-WOOLLEY CLUB 

Cookson Beecher 

Club Volunteer, Sedro-Woolley 

When I started volunteering at the Sedro-Woolley 

Boys and Girls Club, I thought of it as a 

way to help individual students. And while that’s definitely 

true, I’ve also learned that it goes beyond that. 

Each time that I come to the Club, I’m happily amazed 

to see how much the kids love being outside and 

playing sports. Some of the girls are actually doing 

cartwheels on their way to the sports fields. I also see 

the flowers and vegetables the children have planted. 

For some of them, gardening is pure pleasure, not to 

mention the excitement that comes with seeing the 

first green shoot pushing up out of the soil. They also 

take pride in making flower bouquets and eating the 

vegetables they’ve planted. 

Once inside, I see a room full of kids doing crafts, taking 

delight in what they’re creating. In the main room, kids 

are playing all sorts of games with each other. And in 

the “homework room,” kids are quietly reading or getting 

help with their reading or math. In the next room, 

kids are on computers, learning skills such as coding. 

For them, improving their reading and math skills and 

learning more about computers is a way to boost their 

chances of succeeding in life. Instead of relying on 

luck, they’re relying on their own hard work and persistence. 

As the saying goes, “the harder you work, 

the luckier you get.” 

Over at the teen center, teens are playing basketball, 

doing their homework, getting help with “life skills,” 

and just plain enjoying the chance to “hang out” in a 

safe and positive place. 

As impressive as all of this is, even more impressive 

is how happy the kids are to be with each other and 

having the chance to burn off some energy, play, and 

learn. Each and every day, they’re doing and learning 

so much. They get to choose what they do, and along 

the way, they get to learn a lot of valuable lessons that 

help them make the right choices. 

What I’ve learned is that this is more than a Club, 

more than a group of children, and more than the staff 

members and volunteers. It’s a community of young 

people who will take what they’ve learned at the Club 

into their future. And by doing that, they’ll be making 

sure the next generation has the chance to experience 

what they’ve experienced. They’ll be working toward 

ensuring that their community is a good place to live 

and for children to grow up in. 

As a volunteer, I see this as a circle that winds around 

the present and embraces the future—a circle that 

extends from individuals to the community as a whole 

—a circle that includes all of us. How fortunate can 

we be! 

42 

L to R: Club kid grandmother with Cookson at the Farmer’s Market Share. Playing board games. Dahlia’s grown & arranged with Cookson. Power 

Hour (homework help) with Cookson & a Club member.

PO Box 947 


THE PRINTING & MAILING OF THIS REPORT 

WAS DONATED BY K&H PRINTING SOLUTIONS 

OUR MISSION 

TO ENABLE ALL YOUNG PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY THOSE 

WHO NEED US MOST, TO REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL 

AS PRODUCTIVE, CARING, RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS. 

OUR VALUES 

FUN, RESPECT, INTEGRITY, COMMUNITY, AND ACCEPTANCE. 

OUR OUTCOMES 

Academic Success 

Graduate from high school ready for college, 

trade school, military or employment 

LEARN 

Healthy Lifestyles 

Adopt a healthy diet, practice healthy lifestyle 

choices and make a lifelong commitment to fitness 

LIVE 

Good Character & Citizenship 

Be an engaged citizen involved in the community, 

register to vote and model strong character 

www.skagitclubs.org 

LEAD

2016 Annual Report

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