2018 Mid-Year Report

2018 

Mid Year Report 

THE PRINTING & MAILING OF THIS REPORT WAS DONATED BY K&H PRINTING SOLUTIONS 

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Friends, 

I grew up in Sedro-Woolley during a time when there was no Boys & Girls 

Club. I was fortunate enough to be provided opportunities that culminated 

in my graduating law school. But many of my peers did not have the opportunities 

I had. The same is still true for many of the youth in our community. 

That is why I dedicate my time to the Boys & Girls Clubs, to continue to 

strengthen and grow the Clubs to fulfill our mission: to enable all young 

people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as 

productive, caring, responsible citizens. 

Our new strategic plan is outlined to do just this: strengthen the organization, 

expand reach, and provide increased opportunities. By strengthening 

our organization, expanding our reach, and providing opportunities to 

more youth we can continue making our community a better place to live 

for generations. I recently returned from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America 

National Conference in San Diego, CA where our organization was nationally 

recognized on several levels. This was a very big deal and it confirmed 

what I already knew: that our dedicated staff, volunteers, and community 

make us stand out as the great organization we are. 

Every time I enter a Club or hear one of our youth speak at an event I am 

amazed and inspired by our staff, volunteers, and youth who all work 

together to make the Boys & Girls Clubs a place to become. Thank you for 

your continued support which allows us to provide those opportunities to 

our youth. For those of you who have never done so, I encourage you to 

visit our Clubs. Come see first-hand the impact your support makes in the 

lives of our youth. I guarantee it will have a lasting impact. 

Sincerely, 

Holly Shannon 

2018 Board Chair 

Carson Law Group 

2018 

BOARD OF 

DIRECTORS 

President 

HOLLY SHANNON 

Carson Law Group 

President Elect 

TINA ASP 

Image360 

Vice President 

MIKE GUBRUD 

Mike Gubrud Farmers Insurance Agency 

Vice President 

ROB MARTIN 

Chinook Enterprises 

Treasurer 

BECKY TAFT 

Skagit Bank 

Secretary 

CARRIE WALLACE 

Skagit Bank 

Past President 

MARK LAWRENCE 

Simply Yards Landscaping 

Past President Emeritus 

ANNETTE BOOTH 

Booth Insurance/Allstate Insurance Co. 

Members 

DR. CARL BRUNER 

MVSD Superintendent 

PAT BARRETT 

Barrett Financial, LTD 

RAYMOND GODA 

DreamchasersRV of Burlington 

KELLY CODLIN 

Andeavor Corporation 

BILL OVERBY 

Skagit Valley College 

BRENDEN JONES 

Savi Bank 

MARK NILSON 

Retired, Education 

continued on page... 4 

3

JOSH AXTHELM 

Fisher Construction Group 

ROSS ROBERTS 

Shell Puget Sound Refinery 

BRIAN SONEDA 

Retired - Library Services / Government 

ERIC JOHNSON 

Stiles Law 

KRISTEN KELTZ 

Hotel Services Group, LLC 

4 

Thank you to our 

dedicated Volunteers! 

Volunteers make our Clubs strong. Volunteers 

at the Club help our members 

during program hours, with reading and 

homework. They head up special projects 

like building a reading bench or easels, or 

replace or repair old equipment, redo floors, 

build cubbies, and paint walls. They create 

new programs focusing on new skills like 

knitting, cooking, gardening, chess, and 

music. They introduce kids to their dog, kitten, 

or lizard. They bring in healthy snacks 

from their gardens. They lend their professional 

expertise to Club members as guest 

speakers and mentors. 

Our Community Council members meet regularly 

with Club Directors and work behind 

the scenes to strengthen the Club. Our 

Board members are involved at every level 

of operation and put in many many hours, 

sometimes after the end of their own long 

work day, to make sure the Clubs have what 

they need to thrive. Our local businesses and 

professionals host our Club members for 

our STEM programs, and for Career Launch. 

Event volunteers are eager to be put to work 

on whatever the event requires. 

Volunteers give their very best, because this 

is their time, and this is how they choose to 

spend it. We are grateful to them for their 

passion in helping youth achieve great 

futures. We’ve done our best to include our 

volunteers from the last year below, but 

probably missed some names. There are so 

many of you! Know that you are appreciated. 

Hooray for volunteers! 

Deborah Hall 

Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group staff 

Growing Veterans Staff 

Kris Tully 

Tracy Dugas 

Anacortes Police Officers 


Dear friends, 

Growing up, when I wasn’t in a foster home, I was living with my birth mother 

in a household constantly struggling to make ends meet. Even if there had 

been a more comfortable living arrangement, there was no thought or consideration 

to my development as a child and adolescent. If not for some wonderful, 

caring people in my life at key points, I certainly would not be composing 

this message, and fear what the outcome would’ve been. 

One of the common threads these individuals had, besides being completely 

loving, is that they afforded me opportunities I would not have otherwise had 

access to: my school counselor, pushing to get me tested for gifted; a church 

member who inspired my love of instrumental music and playing; a trusted 

coach who took me everywhere on the weekends, just to get me out of my 

house; my high school band director, who nominated me for anything and 

everything that would get me out of town, and especially, to college campuses. 

It is through their actions that my own passion for seeing other youth 

gaining access to opportunities was borne, and cultivated throughout my 

career in Boys & Girls Clubs by mentors. 

I have found wonderful alignment between my own personal passion and 

motivations, and that of the Skagit community as voiced through our Board 

of Directors and community stakeholders who provided input and direction to 

our strategic plan: Opportunity 2021. This plan establishes a foundation for 

guiding decisions made by the organization to further our mission in Skagit 

County, and themes of opportunity are found throughout. With the recent 

adoption by the Board, and subsequent release to our community in this Mid 

Year Report, 2018 is off to a great start. 

Because of you, and your investment, advocacy, and commitment to Boys 

& Girls Clubs, kids and teens in our communities continue to be engaged 

by quality staff using best practices as our Club members work to become 

productive, caring, responsible citizens. 

Yours in service, 

Ron McHenry 

CEO/Executive Director

IN THIS REPORT 

Letter from our Board President ...3 

Board of Directors ...3 

Letter from our CEO ...4 

Thank you Volunteers 

...4, 5, 9, 10, 13, 33 

A Place to Become ...6-7 

Launch Camp ...8 

Emerging Leaders ...11 

Advocacy & Government Relations ...12-14 

Meals Beyond the Club ...15 

By the Numbers: LaVenture & Mount Baker ...16 

Opportunity 2021 - Our Strategic Plan ...18-21 

Keys for Kids ...22-24 

Community, Camaraderie, and Pride ...26-28 

By the Numbers: Regular Attendance ...29 

Great Futures Gala ...30-32 

Observations from a new Board Member ...33-34 

Thank you Event Sponsors ...33,35 

Anacortes Fire Firefighters 

Kara Symonds 

Chris Seidel 

Lori Pedroza 

Alex Harmon 

Ryan Erps 

Hannah Williams 

Becky Taft 

James Johnson 

Wendie Granberg 

Lowes Employees 

Caroline Davis 

Jennifer Durney 

Kourtney Fleming 

Gable Wilkins 

Bill Overby 

Carole Straathof 

Bev Harrington 

Nancy Castellanos 

Ronda Tingley 

Andrew Bacus 

Stacy Enriquez 

Sarah Ward 

Tom Allen 

Jenny Fredriksen 

Jefferson Cuervo Villa 

Jennifer Doherty 

Jayne Branch 

Joe Jones 

Rob Martin 

Ryan Linman 

Officer Josh Murdock 

Jess Baker 

Kurt Swanson 

Josh Axthelm 

Shawn Kemp 

Pat Bedson 

Jenna Fonoimoana 

David Bishop 

Mark Nilson 

Trong Nguyen 

Evett Van Beek 

Ric Henderson 

Bette Thompson 

Dan Berard 

Jack Sather 

Kristin Twedt 

Bryan Jones 

Skagit Venture Club Members 

Pat Barrett 

Cabry Biddle 

David Mani 

Steve Torgerson 

Tracy Kane 

Will Hunter 

Shannon Bachtel 

Officer Edgar Serrano 

David Williams 

Maria Flores 

Jon Ronngren 

Skagit DVSAS staff 


5

a place 

to 

become 

6

Opportunity. Whether the 

dream is to become a 

Michelin-star chef, an 

astronaut, an all-star 

athlete, or anything else: if kids can 

dream it, Boys & Girls Clubs can 

help them become it. Opportunity is 

what A Place to Become is all about. 

What makes Boys & Girls Clubs A 

Place to Become? Youth Development 

Professionals and Everyday 

Moments. 

Youth Development Professionals—”YDPs” 

as we call them—are 

the backbone of the Clubs’ Formula 

For Impact. The first things you 

notice are the passion, the dedication, 

the drive to inspire greatness, 

and a commitment to proving that 

every kid & teen has what it takes. 

With a wealth of research, experience, 

and training behind them, 

these experts know how to make 

substantive connections with youth 

that will last a lifetime. 

“Everyday Moments—Even 

simple encounters can 

shape young lives: a word of 

encouragement at a critical 

time; a bit of advice from a 

trusted mentor; a simple smile 

and guiding hand. These are 

the moments that make a 

difference.” 

They’re called Mentor. Guide. Friend. 

Hero. They are on the front line with 

our members, working with them 

every day: running programs, helping 

solve problems, being someone 

to confide in about life’s challenges. 

We strive to provide every 

youth with opportunities for a Great 

Future, and our YDPs embody this 

principle to the fullest. They are 

constantly looking for more and 

better ways to engage our Members 

and make sure that each kid 

knows that they can succeed. Our 

YDPs undergo specialized training, 

focused on delivering high-impact 

programming, to prepare them to 

be effective in the Clubhouse. Recognized 

as leaders not just in Skagit 

County, but across the country for 

exemplifying the best practices in 

youth development, our staff team 

is constantly honing their skills, and 

improving the quality of programs. 

Everyday Moments—Even simple 

encounters can shape young lives: a 

word of encouragement at a critical 

time; a bit of advice from a trusted 

mentor; a simple smile and guiding 

hand. These are the moments that 

make a difference. 

Teaching, learning, growing and 

having fun! These are just some 

of the everyday moments Members 

experience in our Clubhouses. 

When a young person joins a Boys 

& Girls Club, they are welcomed into 

a safe place that many call their 

“home away from home.” Everyday 

moments happen because kids love 

coming again and again to their 

Club to build relationships with peers 

and mentors. Experienced directors, 

trained professional staff, and 

enthusiastic volunteers engage with 

young people and provide opportunities 

for youth to engage with each 

other in constructive, positive ways. 

Whether it’s building good character 

through Positive Action, getting help 

with homework, or just a place to 

focus on learning in Power Hour, or 

growing through play and developing 

identity through filling free time 

with games and physical activity, 

Everyday Moments are the fabric of 

Club programming. The more days a 

kid spends in their Club, the greater 

their opportunities are for building a 

Great Future. 

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Look for the dotted white circles to find our STEM Coordinator, Nathan Allen & LaVenture Site Director:, Brian Gustafson at the NESSP Summit 

launch 

camp 

8 

In 1969, NASA launched the 

Apollo 11 mission sending 

the first team of astronauts 

to the moon. The Apollo missions 

captured the imagination of 

the world and established NASA 

as scientific authorities on space 

exploration. Today, NASA continues 

to design missions and annually 

invests billions of dollars to advance 

our understanding of both Earth and 

the universe. They also invest greatly 

in the education of youth. 

The Northwest Earth and Space Sciences 

Pipeline (NESSP) is a NASA 

funded effort to bring high quality 

inquiry-based STEM education to 

underprivileged youth in order to help 

diversify the future of science. In collaboration 

with scientists from the 

University of Washington, the NESSP 

has created a summer camp curriculum 

that lets youth explore topics in 

environmental science and astronomy 

through hands-on and fun activities 

while also meeting many of the 

Next Generation Science Standards. 

From August 13th through 16th, the 

NESSP will partner with Boys & Girls 

Clubs to offer youth in Skagit County 

the opportunity to become rocket scientists 

through Launch Camp. The 

camp will offer youth the opportunity 

to learn more about NASA’s missions 

and become inspired to pursue science, 

technology, engineering, and 

math (STEM). “The kids at your summer 

camp may be the ones who help 

us get to Mars in the 2030’s,” says 

Kay Ratcliff, Outreach Coordinator for 

the NESSP. 

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit 

County recently sent two representatives 

to the NESSP Summit to learn 

about opportunities to collaborate 

with NASA. During the summit, the 

two staff collaborated with educators 

from multiple states and learned 

how to run culturally relevant STEM 

activities. With the help of the NESSP, 

Boys & Girls Clubs will be offering 

kids the opportunity to design, 

build, and launch rockets during the 

week in August. “Kids rarely get the 

opportunity to interact with NASA 

let alone send rockets hundreds of 

feet into the air,” says Nathan Allen, 

Director of STEM Initiatives for Boys 

& Girls Clubs, “The science they 

learn during the camp could easily 

turn into a career especially with the 

number of aerospace jobs available 

in Washington.” 

In addition to the rocket themed 

summer camp, Boys & Girls Clubs 

received several resources that will 

enrich STEM education next year at 

all of the Clubs. Brian Gustafson, 

Site Coordinator for LaVenture Middle 

School, received advanced training 

in Lego Mindstorms, a program 

that combines robotics and Legos to 

engage kids. In addition, youth will 

have opportunities to study the environment 

and provide data that will 

be used by actual NASA scientists 

through NASA’s Globe Program. 

Launch Camp will run from 

9:00am-3:00pm each day on 

August 13th-16th. Openings at 

Launch Camp are limited on a first 

come, first serve basis, and participation 

in the camp is free. For 

more information on how to register, 

please visit www.skagitclubs.org.

Ericka Catubo 

Pam Nevitt-Bruce 

Josh Scott 

Kelsey Langille 

Lin Tucker 

Brenden Jones 

Alberta Hendrickson 

Jessica Bigelow 

Darrell Hooper 

Chantel Bills 

Jim Scott 

Gary Anderson 

John Guinn 

Shanda Churape 

Carrie Wallace 

Stephanie Hooper 

Cookson Beecher 

Nels Strandberg 

Vanessa Murphy 

Pola Kelley 

John Bamonte 

Kristen Keltz 

Mindy Holland 

Kohls Staff 

Alex Hallett 

Jill Boudreau 

Shannon Henderson 

Jennifer Brown 

Katie Stamwitz 

John Small 

Teresa Cardenas 

Chris Hill 

Mary Staley 

Cameron Bigge 

Christine Valdez 

Jamie Yantis 

Dave Mercer 

Holly Shannon 

Planet Fitness Staff 

Lance Wilder 

Andrea Brown 

Pat Grenfell 

Colvin Swanberg 

Rebecca Schlaht 

Barbara Tucker 

Geri Cole 

Chelsea Martin 

Mount Vernon Fire Firefighters 

Bryan Harrison 

Judy Wiefels 

Kelly Codlin 

Anna Holm 

William Peland 

Mount Vernon Police Officers 

Richard Raymond 

Harry Otah 

Fielding Turner 

Patricia Stephens 

Rachael Wright 

Kiley Barbero 

Alice Bohnker 


9

10 

Elizabeth Bishop 

Megan O’Bryan 

Alix Baker 

First Tee members 

Bill Wartchow 

Verna McClure 

Karen Peirolo 

Dr. Carl Bruner 

Chief Mike Luvera 

Carmen Hubbard 

Kj Cooper 

Brandon Lange 

Renee Garman 

Stacie Oakes 

Kelley Tetzlaff 

Allison Gilham 

Bobbie Sadler 

Shellie Eubanks 

Burlington Fire Firefighters 

Mike Gubrud 

Annette Booth 

Patricia Dunn 

Bonnie Bowers 

Erika Littlewood 

Alex Johnson 

Matt Gehring 

Danielle Baird-Russell 

Anthony Maciel 

Kathie Roll (in memoriam) 

Judith Wiefels 

Leslie Wilson 

Darrell Smiley 

Skagit Bank Staff 

Jeff Duncan 

Don Neill 

Stephanie Hamilton 

Raymond Goda 

Annie McGary 

Jim Glackin 

Evie Bates 

Brian Soneda 

Troy Wright 

Barb Dahlstedt 

Liz Smith 

Erik Hansen 

Eugene Benson 

Jennifer Fix 

Dennis Penny 

Greg Reed 

Nancy Ptacek 

Brian Youngquist (in memoriam) 

Laura Swenson 

Georgia Coy 

Briseida Cardenas 

Dick Nord 

Barbara Atterberry 

Connie Bass 

Kellisa Overman 

Humane Society of Skagit Valley Staff 

Sedro-Woolley Police Officers 

Peyton Kane 


Concrete 

Announcing a new Club 

in Concrete, WA 

to serve grades K-12 

Opens on 

Oct 1, 2018 

more info at: 

skagitclubs.org

L to R: Brian Gustafson (Site Director, LaVenture), Carl Bruner (BGCS Board Member, Superintendent of Mount Vernon School District), Desni 

Fonoimoana (OJP Coordinator, Sedro-Woolley), Becky Taft (BGCS Board Treasurer, Skagit Bank) Andrew Flores (Program Director, Sedro-Woolley). 

Emerging 

Leaders 

John F. Kennedy once 

said “Leadership and 

learning are indispensable 

to each other.” In 

this spirit, we launched the first ever 

Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County 

Emerging Leaders Program. In January, 

four Youth Development Professionals, 

of various levels, were 

identified as up and coming leaders 

within our organization. These four 

individuals are staff members who 

demonstrated a hunger for growth, 

knowledge, and opportunities to 

demonstrate true professionalism 

and leadership within our Skagit 

County team. After all, the number 

one task of a leader is to develop 

more leaders. Ultimately, the mindset 

we are creating will trickle down 

into greater outcomes for our members 

as we help them build their 

great futures. 

Brian Gustafson, Elizabeth Hanna, 

Andrew Flores and Desni Fonoimoana 

were selected for this inaugural 

cohort. Beginning in January, 

the participants were provided the 

text, “The Leadership Challenge”, in 

which they gained a deeper understanding 

of the 5 Practices of Exemplary 

Leadership: Model the Way, 

Inspire a Shared Vision, Challenge 

the Process, Enable others to Act 

and Encourage the Heart. Utilizing 

the text and the accompanying 

workbook, participants met on a 

biweekly basis to have group discussions 

on the theories as presented. 

They were then provided 

with assignments to practice the 

theories on the job. This task proved 

to be a challenge as their thoughts 

and beliefs were questioned and 

potentially reshaped to improve the 

quality of leadership they demonstrated 

on a daily basis. The process 

took 6 months as each practice was 

thoroughly examined to ensure that 

concepts became habits. 

In addition to the practical learning 

elements of the program, the group 

was visited by prominent members 

of the Skagit Community, and Boys 

& Girls Clubs of Skagit County Board 

Members, to provide additional 

insight and advice based on experience. 

Mark Nilson, Former Educator 

and Administrator; Kristen Keltz, 

Senior Director of Sales and Marketing 

with Hotel Services Group; Carl 

Bruner, Mount Vernon School District 

Superintendent; and Becky Taft, 

Branch Manager at Skagit Bank, 

were among the prestigious guests 

who shared their valuable skills 

and knowledge with the group. In 

addition to visiting group meetings, 

Mark, Kristen, Carl and Becky have 

all agreed to be ongoing mentors for 

the participants as they further progress 

in their Club careers. 

Our mission to enable all youth, 

especially those who need us most, 

to reach their full potential as productive, 

caring, responsible citizens 

is only made more achievable 

when we live and breathe it in our 

everyday practices. We do this by 

enabling our staff to reach their full 

potential as the next generation of 

great leaders in our movement. 

11

12 

advocacy 

government 

relations

As part of the Great 

Futures 2025 Strategic 

Plan for Boys & 

Girls Clubs of America 

(BGCA), one priority is advocacy 

for youth development. While 

the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit 

County, as an independent, locally 

governed organization is under no 

obligation to adhere to the Great 

Futures 2025 plan, the Skagit Clubs 

were already on a path toward this 

when adopted. Alignment of these 

goals creates efficiencies through 

accessing enhanced development 

and engagement opportunities. The 

goal is to position Boys & Girls Clubs 

as the leading voice, thought leader, 

and advocate for America’s youth. 

One cornerstone project to support 

this priority is the expansion of Government 

Relations across all levels 

of Boys & Girls Clubs. To this end, 

the 2018 National Days of Advocacy 

convened more than 200 Club professionals 

and Board members from 

nearly every state, for a two-day 

whirlwind experience in Washington, 

DC in March. Currently serving 

as the President of the Washington 

State Alliance and Washington State 

Association of Boys & Girls Clubs, 

and with Skagit County recognized 

as a leader in this space, Club CEO 

Ron McHenry joined Club staff Ryan 

Scott of Bellevue, Elise Menashe of 

Southwest Washington, and Board 

Member Scott Horenstein from Vancouver, 

WA. 

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit 

County has been blessed to have 

good working relationships with 

both Congresswoman Suzan Del- 

Bene (D-WA, 1st) and Congressman 

Rick Larsen (D-WA, 2nd). 

They have spent time visiting Club 

sites, and serving as Congressional 

Champions for Boys & Girls Clubs 

in their District, and across the 

country. Their support is realized 

through USDA programs that provides 

reimbursements for snacks 

and meals opportunities for more 

than 1,700 kids each day during the 

school-year and summer, including 

The Boys & Girls Clubs of 

Skagit County has been 

blessed to have good 

working relationships with 

both Congresswoman Suzan 

DelBene (D-WA, 1st) and 

Congressman Rick Larsen 

(D-WA, 2nd). They have spent 

time visiting Club sites, and 

serving as Congressional 

Champions for Boys & Girls 

Clubs in their District, and 

across the country. 

a full dinner for kids and teens in 

Sedro-Woolley and Mount Vernon. 

Their voice in advocacy is also 

manifest in Mentoring programs in 

Anacortes and Sedro-Woolley, and 

the two 21st Century Community 

Learning Centers in Mount Vernon, 

where all 8th graders recently 

advanced to high school, meeting 

a very high benchmark standard in 

support of the Mount Vernon School 

Districts 100% Graduation Goal. 


Karin Wigen 

Matthew Cheney 

Helena Schlegel 

Dawn Hardman 

Mark Lawrence 

Sandy Rodriguez 

Laura Riquelme 

Steve Hoglund 

Mike Lumpkin 

Deborah McNeal 

Patrick Siler 

Melissa Nelson 

Jason Miller 

Keith Magee 

Cardenas Teresa 

Wanda Rowland 

Old Navy Stores 

Abraham Kidane 

Tina Asp 

Lucy DeGrace 

Dennis Parent 

Cory Kiehn 

Jose ‘Freddy’ Reyes 

Officer Jon Gerondale 

Gap Stores Employees 

Caleb Dobey 

Ross Roberts 

Bernadette Halliday 

Burlington Police Officers 

Mathew Cheney 

Skagit Land Trust staff 

Kelly Bowden 

Pam Allen 

Mike Crawford 

Joseph Bowen 

Armando Ruiz 

Jenny Cole 

Emerson Nordmark 

Eric Johnson 

Josh Anderson 

Esteban Vivanco 

Sally Hill 

Sedro-Woolley Fire Firefighters 

Mark Holland 

Christine Johnson 

Beth Bishop 

Ross Employees 

Christine Hill 

Sarah Morr 

Biruktawit Hasenbalg-V 

John Fromong 

Huy Seyler 

Katie Wilson 

Karen Pitt 

Demond Johnson 

Josh Carpenter 

Wes Fridell 

Sandi Johns 

Katie Davis 

Callie Shoemaker 

David Storey 


13

During the National Days of Advocacy, 

the Washington delegation 

met with all available members of 

Congress or their staff, primarily as 

a group, but also individually when 

scheduling difficulties were present. 

Not all Congressmen were engaged, 

but Skagit County was fortunate to 

meet with staff from Senator Maria 

Cantwell’s office, a brief meeting 

with Senator Patty Murray followed 

by a deeper conversation with a 

senior staffer, and some brief time 

with Congressman Rick Larsen 

before finishing with another staffer. 

We are grateful for the time that was 

provided by all, but especially for 

the time allowed us with Congresswoman 

Suzan DelBene. She carved 

out thirty minutes for passionate discussion 

and dialogue with us, and 

as a result, the delegation was the 

envy of many peers in the Boys & 

Girls Club movement. 

Participation in the National Days of 

Advocacy increased awareness of 

local needs and how they relate to 

governmental efforts at the federal 

level, as well as set the tone for the 


understanding the tremendous work 

and sacrifice made by our elected 

officials, really, at all levels. Gaining 

a deeper understanding as to the 

effort it takes to make change happen 

everyday highlights the need for 

a recommitment to stewardship on 

behalf of the organization. Skagit 

County Clubs certainly appreciate 

the ongoing connection, through 

visits and correspondence, and the 

voice that it provides the needs of 

the kids and teens served as we 

work to fulfill our mission: to enable 

all young people, especially those 

who need us most, to reach their 

full potential as productive, caring, 

responsible citizens. 

14

meals Beyond 

the 

Club 

Across Washington 

state, thousands of 

kids rely on free and 

reduced lunches for 

their next meal. However, during the 

summer, they can’t rely on school 

meals. “Skagit County youth face 

one of the highest rates of food 

insecurity in Washington State” said 

Ron McHenry, Boys & Girls Clubs 

of Skagit County CEO. In 2015, 

the Skagit Clubs saw a need and 

stepped up. “Some School Districts 

were providing lunches for some 

of the summer, but not in all communities. 

In becoming a provider, 

we were able to bridge the gap for 

lunches to be offered from the first 

day of summer to last, snacks for 

the entirety, and an additional meal 

when the schools were serving 

lunch. Participation meant that our 

Club members would have regular, 

consistent access to nutritious foods 

year-round.” 

Now, three years after our first summer 

meals program, we are proud 

to announce that, for the first time, 

we are serving lunch at John Storvik 

park in Anacortes. “Boys & Girls 

Clubs, whenever possible, serve at 

the pleasure of the community. We 

had received a number of requests 

to serve lunch out of Storvik Park, 

especially from adjacent low-income 

housing communities” said 

McHenry. This will give kids who 

need us most, even if they are not 

members, the opportunity to have 

a healthy meal every day. The new 

program at Storvik started last week 

and is still blooming as every day, 

we serve more and more kids. When 

it reaches full production, more than 

100 youth ages 0-18 will receive a 

healthy lunch every day, provided 

through funding from USDA. 

15

By the Numbers 

Laventure & 

Mount baker 

100 % 

Graduation Rate 

at LaVenture. Mount Baker data was not yet available. 

147 

Members who attended 30 

days or more 

up from 103 in 2017 

283 

Enrolled members 

up from 140 enrolled in 2017 

Dubbed our most passionate staff member, Brian Gustafson 

worked tirelessly to make sure every one of his members would 

graduate in 2018 after seeing 7 members not graduate last year. 

As an incentive and reward, he threw a graduation party and even 

temporarily dyed his hair blue. 

The Berc Group has done an independent assessment of these 

two Clubs in years 2016 & 2017. Data for 2018 will be available 

in September. The current data shows steady increases in regular 

attendance, homework completion, and increases in math, and 

reading proficiency since 2016. Funded through the 21st Century 

grant, our Mount Baker & LaVenture Clubs are located on campus 

at the middle schools. 

16

Hendricks Family 

Foundation 

The Jeff & Linda Hendricks 

Foundation proudly supports the 


17

our Strategic Plan 

The journey to the final 

development of OPPORTU- 

NITY 2021 began in August 

2017 with a task force 

created by the Board of Directors. In 

initial meetings, it became clear that 

the importance of a new Strategic 

Plan and timing in the organizational 

development of the Boys & Girls Clubs 

of Skagit County meant that nothing 

was to be rushed. Instead, the Strategic 

Plan Task Force set out methodically 

in creating a concept, framework 

for collecting data, and development 

of metrics that would correspond to 

goals and objectives. 

The first determination was whether 

or not to align with the recently 

released GREAT FUTURES 2025 

framework from Boys & Girls 

Clubs of America. As an independent 

Club organization, locally 

governed, there is no requirement 

to adopt into a plan set forth by 

Boys & Girls Clubs of America. 

However, in a more in-depth review 

of that plan, three of the four 

priorities resonated strongly with 

leadership, and form the basis of 

OPPORTUNITY 2021: Reach More 

Youth, Increase Program Quality, 

and Strengthen the Organization. 

Focus groups were convened consisting 

of community leaders, all 

facilitated by Greg Reed of Greg 

Reed Consulting who provided his 

services pro bono in support of 

the Boys & Girls Club. From these, 

themes emerged that identified areas 

of growth within the initially 

targeted considerations. At a joint 

Board and Club staff retreat, hours 

were spent in small and large groups 

discussing what objectives could be 

adopted to reach those goals, and 

over subsequent months, metrics 

created that allow for regular review 

and reflection in support of achieving 

OPPORTUNITY 2021. 

18

OPPORTUNITY 

Providing a Great Future for Skagit County Youth 

PURPOSE: To inspire and empower kids and teens in Skagit County to achieve success, and champion 

opportunities for all Club members 

PRIORITIES: 

• Reach More Youth 

• Increase Program Quality 

• Strengthen the Organization 

GOAL: To transform the operational ability of the organization to be best responsive to the evolving needs of 

youth ages 6-18 throughout Skagit County. 

Priority 1: Reach More Youth 

OBJECTIVES: 

• Increase Square Feet of Dedicated Club Space by 50% 

• Expand Outreach through Purposeful Program Integration 

At some point during the past three years, at least 

one community’s Clubhouse has found it necessary 

to implement a membership waiting list system due 

to lack of space capacity. Increases in dedicated Club 

space may mean capital expansion, opening new sites 

in existing mixed-use facilities, or entering into new 

shared-space agreements that result in more area for 

youth development. 

In recognition of the significant costs related to any 

expansion into additional space, another avenue of 

engagement focuses on building new partner relationships 

and serving youth in non-traditional ways that do 

not impact daily facility capacity. 

In meeting these objectives, total Club square footage 

would increase to 21,500 sq ft in Skagit County, and 

500 new unduplicated youth served annually. 

Opportunity 2021 

19

Priority 2: Increase Program Quality 

OBJECTIVES: 

• Increase Opportunity to Youth 

• Fully Implement Youth Program Quality Initiative 

As a result of a takeaway from an executive development 

program, Board and Staff journeyed through exercises 

to isolate an organizational “question zero”; primarily, 

with all activities and services considered within 

the context of the mission of Clubs, what single word 

best represented what is hoped Club members receive. 

That word was Opportunity. 

In relation to the objective listed, youth reflect about the 

life-changing result of different engagements, tours, and 

experiences that occur during Club membership. Additionally, 

the needs of our kids and teens are increasing 

in depth and breadth, with more requiring case management 

and referrals. 

Beginning in 2014, our Clubs were pilots for efforts in 

Washington to adopt the Youth Program Quality Initiative 

(YPQI), from the Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality. 

In seeing benefits from the creation of a Continuous 

Program Quality Improvement Cycle, it has become 

clear that fully implementing YPQI will increase program 

quality for Club members, with a secondary benefit of 

positively impacting staff retention through more profound 

professional development and engagement. 

Annual benchmark metrics are set that will impact the 

number of unique opportunities, the percentage of youth 

receiving referrals and case management services, the 

percentage of program staff trained in YPQI Basic and 

YPQI Methods, as well as the number of assessments 

conducted per site annually. 

Priority 3: Strengthen The Organization 

OBJECTIVES: 

• Grow Internally 

• Increase Community Engagement 

With any business, you are stronger the more institutional 

knowledge remains through better staff retention. 

This is also true with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit 

County, and perhaps even more critical. The basis for 

success with a Club member resides in the trusting, 

supportive relationship one builds with a staff member. 

In setting out to increase staff retention rates, the organization 

grows stronger as both a business and social 

service agency. To support this, we will provide better 

recognition of staff and volunteers and increase the 

number of staff receiving advanced professional development 

opportunities. 

Heard time and again, while many support the mission 

of the Clubs and know it is available to youth during the 

critical out-of-school hours, each time someone tours a 

Club for the first time, the same statement is offered: “I 

had no idea all that you did.” We know that by merely 

increasing the number of people touring our programs, a 

more profound connection will be made to our essential 

mission. Additional strategies to improve donor retention, 

already much higher than national benchmarks, 

will produce more significant resources which directly 

impacts all facets of OPPORTUNITY 2021 and allows for 

the successful execution of this strategic plan. 

When the objectives are fully realized, retention rates will 

improve both staff and donor/investors engagement, 

increased allocation of financial resources toward recognition 

primarily of part-time, hourly staff will set Clubs 

above others as an employer of choice, and more than 

500 unique individuals will have toured a Club program 

for the first time. 


20

Thank You For Building 

Opportunity 

FOCUS GROUP PARTICIPANTS 

Josh Axthelm, Architect, Fisher Construction Group 

Wayne Barrett, Superintendent, Concrete School District 

Kate Bennett, Executive Director, Leadership Skagit 

Laurel Browning, Superintendent, Burlington-Edison School District 

Anne Clark, VP of College Advancement, Skagit Valley College 

Mike Crawford, Retired 

Laurie Gere, Mayor, City of Anacortes 

Bryan Harrison, City Administrator, City of Burlington 

Carol Hawk, Program Director - CHOP, United General District #304 

Lynne Jordan, Non-Profit Consultant 

Sue Krienen, Community Advocate 

Debra Lancaster, Executive Director, United Way of Skagit County 

Rob Martin, Executive Director, Chinook Enterprises 

Mike Matheson, Retired 

Mary McGoffin, Executive Director, Skagit Community Foundation 

Maggie Potter, Land Use Consultant, Community Relations Services 

David Riddle, Principal, Mount Vernon School District 

Danielle Baird Russell, Realtor, John L. Scott - Skagit 

Rebecca Schlaht, Executive Director, Helping Hands Food Bank 

Brad Tuininga, Director of Philanthropy, Skagit Valley College Foundation 

Sarah Ward, Executive Director, Burlington Public Library 

Karin Wigens, Volunteer, Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County 

Levon Yangoyan, Fire Chief, City of Burlington 

BOARD LEADERSHIP 

Tina Asp, Image360 

Josh Axthelm, Fisher Construction Group 

Pat Barrett, Barrett Financial, LTD 

Annette Booth, Allstate Insurance 

*Dr. Carl Bruner, Mount Vernon School Dist. 

*Raymond Goda, DreamChasersRV 

Mike Gubrud, Farmers Insurance 

Eric Johnson, Stiles Law 

Brenden Jones, SaviBank 

*Rob Martin, Chinook Enterprises 

Mark Nilson, Retired 

*Bill Overby, Skagit Valley College 

Ross Roberts, Shell Puget Sound Refinery 

Holly Shannon, Carson Law Group 

Brian Soneda, Retired 

Becky Taft, Skagit Bank 

Kelly Codlin, Andeavor Corporation 

Carrie Wallace, Skagit Bank 

STAFF LEADERSHIP 

Nathan Allen, Director of STEM Initiatives 

Sarah Arquitt, Director of Administration 

Jayne Branch, AIM Program Coor. 

Shane Collins, Club Director 

Patrick Dougher, Teen Director 

Ian Faley, Associate Executive Director 

Andrew Flores, Program Director 

Desni Fonoimoana, OJP Mentoring Coor. 

Tammy Findlay, Director of Marketing 

Angela Freeberg, Area Director 

Brian Gustafson, Site Director 

Elizabeth Hanna, Program Director 

Ron McHenry, CEO 

Erik Pineda, Site Director 

Manny Smith, Director of Operations 

Evan Wright, Development Coordinator 

*Denotes Strategic Plan Task Force member 


21

Keys 

for 

Kids 

22 

It was in 2008 while attending 

the Boys & Girls Clubs of 

America National Conference 

in New Orleans, LA that Boys 

& Girls Club CEO Ron McHenry went 

to a dueling pianos bar for the first 

time. It was Pat O’Brien’s, a landmark, 

and he was hooked. Sitting 

there, drinking a “Hurricane” and 

singing along, he looked around 

and saw how engaged everyone 

was. Fun was a visible energy in the 

environment, and it was unlike anything 

he had ever experienced. Ron 

went every night that week, inviting 

friends from other Clubs to join in 

that fun, and by the end of the week 

Club staff nearly packed the house. 

With such a common passion, the 

building was electrified; the staff 

there had seen nothing like it. 

Flying home, McHenry began considering 

how to replicate that experience. 

It took several years of really 

trying to think through each element 

to ensure that it would be viable. 

During that process, it was realized 

that the envisioned event just 

wouldn’t work at the organization in 

Eastern Washington. There simply 

wasn’t the infrastructure of staffing 

nor strength of marketing, and it 

wasn’t a community where events 

in the nonprofit world were a common 

occurrence. It was not long 

after moving to Skagit County when 

the realization came that the dueling 

pianos concept could potentially 

work. When Tammy Findlay joined 

the marketing team, and Ian Faley 

stepped into the role of Director of 

Development, the organizational 

capacity was in place. 

Ian took the initial vision and further 

refined the concept, integrating organizational 

best practices in stewardship 

and donor confidence. Tammy 

would create iconic marketing materials 

which captured the essence 

of what was hoped would be the 

outcome of the event, and curiosity 

was piqued. The Board was willing 

to put energy into promotion, even 

one member who was pretty sure 

continued on page... 24

23

24 

it just wouldn’t work, and ended 

up becoming one of the greatest 

champions after attending that first 

year. It’s because the organization 

had the right conditions that things 

worked, and funds were secured in 

support of the mission. It’s because 

of YOU that wildest expectations 

have been exceeded. 

The first year of Keys for Kids raised 

$35,000 for programs and operations 

and there was a strong sense 

the event was indeed something 

special. People were talking about 

it months after the fact, and after 

taking feedback from that first night 

some guiding principles were developed 

about the future. Producing 

Keys for Kids outside in an unusual 

way was a big hit, and with the 

next five years locked-in at our new 

venue at Stepping Stones Garden, it 

will continue to be so. Keeping the 

experience intimate is another ongoing 

commitment. So often, events 

focus on volume to ensure success. 

It is certainly helpful, but this year 

proved there are ways to strike a 

good balance. 

Each year has set new records, and 

the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit 

County are appreciative of the community 

for taking a chance on Keys 

for Kids in 2015. Together, we have 

demonstrated that remaining committed 

to those guiding principles 

was the right choice, as we celebrate 

the event generating more 

than $80,000 toward the mission 

of the Boys & Girls Club: to enable 

all young people, especially those 

who need us most, to reach their 

full potential as productive, caring, 

responsible citizens. 

At this year’s Keys for Kids, Clubs 

welcomed more than 60 new investors 

who were responsible for nearly 

$15,000 in new revenue in support 

of our important mission. And, from 

an execution context, it was the 

smoothest year for staff, took less 

manpower, and seemed to be most 

enjoyable with just the right balance. 

Because of you, Club kids will continue 

receiving access to incredible 

opportunities and field trips, 

snacks and meals year-round, staff 

mentors, supplies for life-changing 

programs, and an investment 

specifically for our part-time staff 

in deeper training and professional 

development. Beyond this, the event 

results significantly beat even our 

stretch goal. Always conservative 

with resources and assets, some 

of this will be set aside for future 

sustainable needs. 

However, there is also enough to 

provide the base for the Burlington 

Summer Breeze program for next 

year, and on June 28th, the Board 

of Directors voted to allocate $5,000 

toward the purchase of AED units for 

all Clubhouses. This has long been 

on our wishlist of equipment to further 

our commitment to Child & Club 

Safety, and will be available as a 

resource to anyone nearby during 

Club hours. 

From deepening impact through 

quality programs, to attaining 

life-saving equipment, the difference 

Skagit has made through participation 

in the Keys for Kids event is a 

legacy that will provide a return for 

many years, manifest as youth transitioning 

into adulthood equipped 

with key assets resulting from 

achieving Boys & Girls Club priority 

outcomes of Academic Success, 

Healthy Lifestyles, and Good Character 

& Citizenship. Thank you for 

making Keys for Kids a truly qualified 

success!

It’s not just about achieving your goals... 

It’s about the path that gets you there. 

A place to become... a buisness leader, a teacher, and artist; if 

kids and teens can dream it, Boys & Girls Clubs can help them become 

it. Because it’s not magic that makes dreams come true, it’s people. 

People like our youth development professionals, who tell every kid 

and teen who enters our doors that they believe in and care about 

them, and provide each with opportunities to become the person they 

want to be and achieve a great future.

The group at Shout (back row): Sarah Arquitt (Director of Administration), Josh Johnson (Holly’s spouse), Tina Asp (Board President-Elect), Brian 

Gustafson (Site Director, LaVenture), Manny Smith (Director of Operations), Ron McHenry (CEO). Front row: Andrew Flores (Program Director, 

Sedro-Woolley), Holly Shannon (Board President), Elizabeth Hanna (Interim Club Director, Anacortes), Tammy Findlay (Director of Marketing), Desni 

Fonoimoana (OJP Coordinator, Sedro-Woolley), Ian Faley (Associate Executive Director), Evan Wright (Development Coordinator). Photo next page 

top right: Brian is ready to lead a group for a conference break-out session. Photo next page, bottom: Ron McHenry (center left) and Whatcom 

County’s CEO Heather Powell (center right) accept the State Alliance of the Year Award on behalf of the Washington State Alliance from BGCA 

President Jim Clark (left) and Senior Vice President of Resource Development and Government Relations, Julie Teer (right). 

Feeling Community 

Camaraderie and pride 

Staff & Board members travel to National Conference 

26 

by Tammy Findlay 

Held annually, BGCA’s 

National Conference 

brings together over 

400 staff, board members, 

volunteers, and Club members 

from 4,300 Clubs nationwide. A 

variety of speakers, Club member 

talent, award ceremonies, and celebrations 

complete with food and live 

music fill out the general sessions. 

Break-out sessions throughout the 

day focus on specific topics, tailored 

to common needs of Club organizations. 

The conference provides a 

valuable opportunity to further professional 

development. Staff and 

board members get a chance to 

network with other individuals from 

other Clubs facing them same types 

of challenges, and share successes, 

as well. Every year, depending on 

budgetary considerations, CEO Ron 

McHenry makes the tough choice on 

which staff members will go. This 

last May, a group of 16 representing 


traveled to San Diego for Boys 

& Girls Clubs of America’s 112th 

National Conference. 

Community: a feeling of fellowship 

with others, as a result of 

sharing common attitudes, 

interests, and goals. 

I recently was introduced to an old 

science video called “Powers of Ten” 

that had a powerful impact on me. 

It starts with a family sitting on a 

picnic blanket, at one meter wide, 

adding incrementally 10 seconds 

and ten times zoomed out, as one 

eventually sees Chicago, then North 

America, then the whole earth, then 

the orbital paths of the planets, then 

the solar system, then eventually our 

galaxy, and additional galaxies, to 

the farthest we can see into space. 

Perspective is important on so many 

levels. Our mission may start with

one child who needs us most at one 

Club, with one staff member. As we 

zoom out we see another youth, and 

another. Then, we see more staff, 

and volunteers. As we zoom out 

more, we see a town or city, filled 

with businesses, schools, public 

officials and stakeholders invested 

in our Club’s mission. We continue 

our journey outward and our view 

includes Skagit County our six Club 

sites, and administration office, as 

we eventually encompass Washington 

State and their 147 Clubs. 

This may give some insight into the 

magnitude of the Boys & Girls Club 

movement. This is what I re-learn 

when we attend conference. We 

share a common goal with all of 

these Club organizations across the 

nation. That is a powerful feeling. It 

helps me feel ready to tackle any 

challenge ahead, because we know 

we do it together. 

“Honestly, one of my favorite takeaways 

was from Eric Boles, a former 

NFL player and one of the speakers 

during Wednesday’s general session,” 

reflected Evan Wright, Development 

Coordinator for Boys & Girls 

Clubs of Skagit County. “Boles said 

‘Run though the wedge!’ a football 

analogy he used to illustrate that 

we should embrace challenges, 

rather that avoiding them. We kept 

yelling that to each other throughout 

the whole conference. That 

saying is going up on my office 

wall.” Director of Administration, 

Sarah Arquitt talked about hearing 

the personal stories of Club Alumni 

who were inducted into the BGCA 

Alumni Hall of Fame. “Knowing 

what these alumni have achieved 

in their lives speaks to the efficacy 

of our Clubs, and gives hope for the 

futures of our youth, and the great 

future they can achieve.” 

Camaraderie: mutual trust and 

friendship among people who 

spend a lot of time together. 

One of the challenges we face as 

an organization is creating cohesion 

among six geographically isolated 

locations, between Sedro-Woolley, 

Mount Vernon, Burlington, and 

Anacortes. The nature of proximity 

means that some locations work 

closer together than others. We see 

each other, but all work together 

less often. It’s important to create 

moments for us to interact, build 

“When I saw the pride— 

sincere and authentic pride— 

in a staff person’s or board 

member’s eyes, especially 

from our board members who 

work so hard as volunteers, 

that was a highlight for me.” 

CEO, Ron McHenry reflected. 

“It’s important that people 

have pride in what they do.” 

trust, and understanding. The conference 

is one of these opportunities. 

We travel together, conference 

together, and share accommodations. 

It’s a chance for us to get to 

know each other better. 

Our days at the conference are 

long and full, typically starting at 

7:30am and ending well after 9pm. 

We do, however, carve out some 

time for fun. Because the conference 

was held in San Diego, an 

area Ron knows well, he treated us 

to an adventure, out-on-the-town 

at Shout, a dueling pianos bar. We 


27

were joined by other staff from Clubs 

in Washington State from Whatcom 

and Benton & Franklin Counties. It 

was a definite highlight of the trip, 

and a well-deserved night out after 

long days spent at the conference. 

Pride: a feeling or deep pleasure 

or satisfaction derived from 

one’s own achievements, the 

achievements of those with whom 

one is closely associated, or from 

qualities or possessions that are 

widely admired. 

Some may have begun to notice 

a hashtag gaining popularity on 

our social media channels, and in 

our publications, #skagitpride. It’s 

important that as an organization we 

take notice of our “wins” with humility. 

The conference gives our staff 

and board members a chance to be 

recognized for the hard work they 

put towards our mission, and we 

celebrate our accomplishments with 

our peers from other organizations. 

“When I saw the pride—sincere and 

authentic pride—in a staff person’s 

or board member’s eyes, especially 

from our board members who work 

so hard as volunteers, that was a 

highlight for me.” CEO, Ron McHenry 

reflected. “It’s important that people 

have pride in what they do.” 

It’s true that this year we were able 

to send a greater number than usual 

to represent Skagit County and with 

that deeper investment, we see 

greater value in return. Additionally, 

our board members make a great 

sacrifice in attending conference, 

spending their own hard-earned 

funds and vacation hours to volunteer 

for the Clubs. They will tell 

you that it wasn’t a sacrifice, but 

their pleasure. Nevertheless, we are 

deeply grateful for their investment. 

28

By the Numbers: 

Regular Attendance 

Attendance serves as the foundation of the Boys & Girls Club measurement strategy. To 

effectively demonstrate impact, Clubs must know who is in their building, how frequently 

they attend and in which programs they participate. In order to attract new members, 

retain existing members and encourage members to attend more often, we know that 

a Club must provide a powerful Club Experience. Therefore, measuring attendance and 

participation also helps the Club assess the effectiveness of its Club Experience. 

Number of members that attended the Club 52-99 

days during the 2017-18 school year 

Club 52: 216 

Studies have shown that Club Members who attend at least 52 times per year are most 

likely to reach our priority outcomes. Each of our Clubs strive to increase our average 

daily attendance—to get as many Members in our Clubs as possible each day, and to 

improve our retention/renewal rates—keeping our Members in the Club through high 

school graduation. 

Number of members that attended the Club 100 days 

or more during the 2017-18 school year 

Club 100: 198 

This fall the Clubs will launch a new reward system for Club 100 members where they 

will be given a special membership card. In addition to the cool graphics on the front of 

the card setting their achievement apart, the back of the card will feature coupons. With 

the card, members will be able to visit participating businesses to get free items. If you 

know a business that would like to partner with us to reward our Club 100 members, 

please contact Evan Wright at evan.wright@skagitclubs.org. 

29

Great 

Futures 

Gala 

a Night on the 

Gridiron 

30

y Ron McHenry 

We knew that 

starting our new 

Great Futures 

Gala venture was 

going to be exciting, and we believe 

we set the bar high when we kicked 

things off with Evander Holyfield. It 

was a knock-out of an evening in 

all aspects, and the feedback from 

our guests was clear: it’s a one-ofa-kind 

experience, so what’s next? 

As the staff and Board of the Boys 

& Girls Clubs of Skagit County processed 

through the changes and 

evolution of our most significant 

fundraiser held each fall, one guiding 

principle was held highest. We knew 

that a deep connection to youth with 

our featured guest was essential 

and that preferably, they are alumni, 

making a genuine connection to the 

possibilities that are available to our 

youth, through the opportunities provided 

by Clubs through the investment 

of our communities. 

Unless you were cheering 

or reacting to a play on the 

field, talking was saved only 

for commercials, as friends 

quickly learned when they’d 

spend the night and join me in 

the ritual. You did not want to 

take attention away from the 

game, lest you get the stink 

eye that bored into your soul, 

and a threat of no cake and 

ice cream. 

Congressman, Steve Largent 

I had the benefit of perspective and 

lessons-learned through running 

a similar event in the Tri-Cities for 

nearly ten years. Spud Webb, Mack 

Strong, A.C. Green, Dave Krieg, Scott 

Hatteberg - are just a few that I’ve 

been fortunate enough to engage 

and learn from, and have my passion 

for this work ignited time and 

again. Even Mike Carey, who made 

‘the call’ during that fateful Steelers 

vs. Seahawks game, and ended up 

being one of the kindest, respectful, 

and humble individuals I’ve met. 

In conducting research as to 

whether or not this type of event 

would resonate with our constituents 

in Skagit County, Ian Faley, 

the Associate Executive Director, 

responsible for resource development 

and community partnerships, 

and I traveled back to Eastern 

Washington so he could observe 

the event in a completely objective 

manner. That year, their speaker 

just happened to be Mr. Steve 

Largent, and we were mesmerized. 

My connection to #80 is perhaps 

one of my most personal, and emotional. 

As many know, most of my 

life was spent in foster care. My 

family tree is rather thin as well. The 

one person who was consistent, 

and the only source of unconditional 

love for me, was my grandmother. 

When I first entered foster care in the 

Olympia area, she moved from her 

support network and the house that 

she loved in Seattle and settled in 

Thurston County to be close to me. 

Because of her health and age, she 

couldn’t be a relative placement, but 

thankfully, I spent many weekends 

visiting, until her passing when I 

was in High School. 

The strongest, and by far most positive 

memories from that period in 

my life were sitting in the living room 

of the apartment to which she had 

downsized. We would play cards 

until all hours of the night, and of 

course, there were Seahawks Sundays. 

She had been a fervent fan 

of the team since their inception, 

and it naturally transitioned to me. 

Those Sundays were exceptional. 

Steak and eggs for breakfast, with 

the smell of the perfectly broiled 

meal lingering for hours, and getting 

hooked on vegetable platters with 

ranch dressing to snack on the rest 

of the day. Kickoff meant the distinct 

sound of Grandma opening her ritual 

Miller High Life, and me getting a 


31

Pepsi. She loved spending time with 

her ‘two handsome fellas’ - Steve 

and I. Unless you were cheering 

or reacting to a play on the field, 

talking was saved only for commercials, 

as friends quickly learned 

when they’d spend the night and 

join me in the ritual. You did not 

want to take attention away from 

the game, lest you get the stink 

eye that bored into your soul, and 

a threat of no cake and ice cream. 

Being a part of the team welcoming 

Steve Largent to Skagit County 

is an honor that I could never have 

imagined during rides in the car 

with caseworkers shuttling me from 

home to home. It is because of the 

very obstacles I faced personally, 

that this outcome was realized. You 

invest in our Clubs and our mission, 

and through that, our kids and teens 

have a Great Future ahead of them, 

with limitless possibilities. One day 

that could mean they are the next 

Evander Holyfield, Steve Largent, 

Jennifer Lopez, Bill Clinton, Denzel 

Washington, General Colin Powell, 

Condoleeza Rice……… 

We hope that you will join us for 

our 2nd Annual Great Futures Gala 

on November 2nd, 2018. A limited 

number of corporate sponsorships 

that include enhanced interaction 

with Mr. Largent are available, and 

admission reservations are filling 

quickly. More information can be 

found on our newly redesigned 

website, www.skagitclubs.org, and 

Ian or I are always happy to meet 

up to provide more details on this 

and all of our projects and ongoing 

operations. 

32

Eric Johnson 

2018 Board Member 

Stiles Law 

Observations from a 

New Board Member 

If you had told me back in April 2017, before I decided to run for public 

office, that within a year I would be elected to the Sedro-Woolley School 

Board and nominated to serve on the Board of Directors for the Boys 

and Girls Clubs of Skagit County, I probably would have politely smiled at 

you and said “I like your optimism”. All the while thinking that you were 

completely nuts. Yet here I am. It has been a whirlwind year filled with 

some great opportunities to meet new people and discover the many 

great things that Skagit County has to offer. However, the opportunity 

that excites me the most is the chance to serve our community. 

The end goal is to make the Skagit Valley a more just, more equitable 

and a better thriving community then when I was entrusted to serve it. 

It is my firm belief that education and opportunity are two key components 

for making that goal a reality. They provide the foundation by 

which success is achieved and progress is realized. To put it simply, 

if you want to make the world a better place, you don’t have to look 

any further than your community and, specifically, the individuals that 

make up that community – your neighbors. Yet, this isn’t just my end 

goal. It is deeply shared by the staff, administration and board of the 

Boys and Girls Club of Skagit County. 

I feel very fortunate to be a part of group of like-minded individuals 

who have taken on the duty and responsibility of serving as stewards 

of our community’s greatest asset – our kids. We share a common 

vision of seeking to enhance the lives of our youth now and create 

more opportunities in order that they might have a better future. And it 

is our belief that clubs are one of the most effective tools for bringing 

that vision to fruition. Or as we like to describe it, clubs are “a place to 

become” for our youth. They provide the necessary framework, mento- 

Donnabell Lathrom 

Pat Garrett 

Voula Alexopoulos 

Antonio Powell 

Paul Godfrey 

Bill Wallace 

Don Bates 

Thank you to our 

Event Sponsors! 

2018 Youth of the Year: 

Dinner with Friends Keystone Sponsor 

Hendricks Family Foundation 

Leadership Sponsors 

Skagit Valley College 

Draper Valley Farms/Perdue 

Terry & Vince Oliver 

Program Sponsors 

Trident Seafood 

Eaglemont Golf Course 

2018 Sedro-Woolley Winter Fundraiser: 

Royal Title Sponsor 

Dwayne Lane’s North Cascade Ford 

Noble Sponsor 

Janicki Industries 

Grand Sponsor 

Barb & James Thompson 

2018 Annual Breakfast: 

Title Sponsor 

Trico Companies 

Keystone Sponsor 

K&H Integrated Print Solutions 

Torch Sponsor 

Skagit Transportation 

Logistics Sponsor 

Bayside Specialties 

2018 Anacortes Breakfast: 

Title Sponsor 

Kiwanis Sunrisers Anacortes 

Torch Sponsors 

Cap Sante Inn 

Anacortes Rotary Club 

RIS Insurance 

Strandberg Construction 

2018 Keys for Kids: 

Grand Piano Title Sponsor 

Andeavor 

Baby Grand Sponsor 

Dwayne Lanes Skagit Subaru 

Full Staff 

Drain Doctor 

Stepping Stones Garden 

Key Sponsor 

Boundary Bay Brewery & Bistro 

Table Sponsors 

Columbia Bank 

Farm & Cottage Enterprises 

Joanie & Stephen Moe 

RIS Insurance Services 

IMAC General Construction 



33

ing and support that kids need to 

grow and learn. 

As a new board member, I quickly 

made two observations. First, 

passion is what fuels the clubs. 

There is no shortage of it even at 

the Board level. It permeates all 

levels and is quite contagious. The 

second is the quality and openness 

of its governance. I am well 

versed from my background and 

education that you can have the 

greatest of goals and mission in the 

world, but without a proper vision 

for achieving those goals and that 

mission and the willingness to work 

through the many struggles it takes 

to realize them, it is all for naught. 

Our kids face many challenges and 

struggles on a daily basis. Our staff 

and administration work hard to 

provide the support and mentorship 

our youth need to succeed in 

facing those struggles. It is our job 

at the board level to be judicious in 

our decisions with how resources 

are allocated and managed. This 

requires open dialogue built on a 

culture of ‘no surprises.’ 

OF THE 

It is our hope that the youth in the 

clubs today will become the board 

members of tomorrow. In that 

respect, the Board serves as an 

example of what it means to be a 

caring and engaged citizen. That 

requires a great deal of self-awareness 

and a willingness to face 

challenges head on. I have seen 

nothing less from my fellow board 

members. They take their mission 

seriously—making our community 

better, one kid at a time. 

34

Dahl Electric 

Safway Services, LLC 

2017 Golf Tournament: 

Join the Heritage Club 

The Heritage Club is an association of friends of Boys 

& Girls Clubs from all across the country. Like you, 

these people seek to ensure that the future needs of 

our nation’s youth are met by including their local 

Boys & Girls Clubs in their estate plans. This planning 

might include a will, charitable gift annuity, a trust 

arrangement, a real estate gift or a life insurance policy. 

Your support through a planned gift will ensure 

that future generations of our children will have 

the opportunity to live successful lives in a safe, 

positive and caring environment. 

Joining The Heritage Club is easy! Simply let us 

know that you’d like to join by printing, signing and 

returning the enrollment form available at 

www.skagitclubs.org 

or contact Ian Faley at 

ifaley@skagitclubs.org or 360-419-3723 x7. 

Title Sponsor 

Blade Chevrolet 

Dinner Sponsor 

Judd & Black Appliance 

Lunch Sponsor 

Bayside Specialties 

Rotary Club of Burlington 

Contest Sponsor 

Heritage Bank 

Mike Gubrud – Farmers Insurance 

Skagit Transportation 

Swinomish Casino 

Snack Cart Sponsor 

CPI Plumbing/SaviBank 

Barrett Financial – Community Caring Project 

Hole Sponsor 

Wells Fargo 

Green/Tee Sponsor 

Banner Bank 

Bob’s Burgers & Brew 

Brown Line LLC 

Central Moving & Storage 

Conover Insurance 

Cook Road Shell 

Farmstrong Brewery 

Flyers Restaurant & Brewery 

Gateway Transmission 

Just Peachy Frozen Yogurt 

Land Title & Escrow 

Louis Auto Glass 

Rallye Auto 

Safelite AutoGlass 

Scholten’s Equipment 

SEMRAU Engineering & Surveying 

ServiceMaster 

Skagit River Steel & Recycling 

ServPro Skagit 

Skagit Valley Marine Corps League 

Smiley Insurance 

2017 Great Futures Gala: 

Keynote Sponsor 

Jack Gubrud Memorial Fund 

Title Sponsor 

Dreamchasers RV 

Premier 

CPI 

Gold 

KarMART 

American Dream Realty 

Silver 

Simmons Partner Network 

Louis Auto Glass 

Alaska Marine Lines 

Andeavor 

Chinook Enterprises 

Image360 

Strandberg Construction 

Bronze 

Samish Indian Nation 

Judd & Black 

Birch Equipment 

Columbia Distributing 

Skagit Regional Health 

Fisher Construction Group 

Pacific WoodTech 

Skagit Bank 

35

PO Box 947 

Mount Vernon, WA 98273 

THE PRINTING & MAILING OF THIS REPORT 

WAS DONATED BY K&H PRINTING SOLUTIONS 

36

2018 Mid-Year Report

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