2016 Mid-Year Report

On June 24th and 25th the Boys &
Girls Clubs of Skagit County held
their Fundraiser, Keys for Kids
for the second year in a row, this
time adding a second evening. Featuring a dueling piano
show performed by Kirk Garrett and Rich Wyman, of
Killer Keyz, the event took place at La Conner Flats where
the flowers and gardens were in full bloom, and the atmosphere
was perfect for an evening outdoors.
Each evening opened with a social hour and an opportunity
for guests to play minute-to-win-it games for a
chance at raffle prizes. Some were embracing the competition
as friends cheered them on, laughing as they
raced to unwrap a candy bar with oven mitts on. Many
enjoyed the photo booth with wacky props on hand, and
others were happy to relax under the big tent with selections
from Thurston Wolfe Wines and Boundary Bay
Brewery. A lovely dinner was served by Avenue Catering,
as guests got the opportunity to visit with friends
and make new acquaintances.
Kirk and Rich got everyone out of their seats early, laughing
and clapping, as they captured someone who was
not so keen to be volunteered, to demonstrate a choreographed
version of “Jeremiah was a Bullfrog” by Three
Dog Night. They were a good sport, though, and inspired
everyone get energized for a night of fun.
The dueling piano duo did a tremendous job of engaging
the audience and encouraging guests to outbid song
choices, and each other. During the show, guests had the
opportunity to hear their song by placing a bid, with highest
bid on songs played first. Anyone could stop the
song playing by outmatching the bid by a dollar. On
Friday evening, “Uptown Funk,” by Bruno Mars
brought people to the dance floor, vying for
their tempo and song, while 12 Variations
of “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”
brought ovations from the audience. On
Saturday, the hotly contested “Friends in Low
Places” by Garth Brooks, brought angst as half of
the room loved country and the other half absolutely
hated it. In the end country won out with the most bids, a
dance floor take over, and a boisterous sing along.
Jazzelle Elias, Skagit County’s 2015 Youth of the Year,
gave a compelling speech on how the Club changed her
life when she needed it most, and other Club members followed
her lead, learning how to speak confidently in front
of a crowd. Representatives from Tesoro took a moment to
confirm their commitment to fund STEM programs for the
Clubs, commented on their belief that the Clubs are a very
sound investment, and celebrated the singular impact the
Clubs have in serving youth in the community.
“It was a great event supported by a wonderful community
who continues to make sure that we serve the
kids that need us the most.” said Mark Lawrence, Board
President for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County.
“Raising over $40,000 for both nights, it was a testament
to our community’s support and to how delightful
the Keys for Kids event is.”
Many fantastic photos from the event can be found on
the Club’s Flickr album. Just visit skagitclubs.org, click on
News & Events and follow the link from the menu on the
right. Those interested in attending next year can also use
the form under the same menu to RSVP for 2017.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County would like to thank
those people and businesses who operated behind the
scenes and played a part in the event’s success.
They are especially grateful to Grand Piano Title
Sponsor, Tesoro, and all the sponsors and
attendees that invested in Keys for
Kids to support youth. •••
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