That hand-lettered sign graced a column inside the Admiral Pub as the WSB Forum Community and fellow funseekers rocked the house during tonight’s get-together and fundraiser. More pix (plus video) ahead:
That’s JoB and JanS strategizing at the raffle-ticket table set up just inside the entrance. Raffle winners were announced every so often from a corner near the bar:
Kevin manned the mike for that drawing, with Kathy to the right, but it was a collaborative effort all night long, with others taking turns. Not far from there, Charlabob kept track of the silent auction bids. (Name tags handed out at the door featured forum handles as well as actual first names.) We also talked briefly with Michael Dein, Puget Sound Key and Lock owner, who told WSB it makes him “feel great” to know how many people are wishing him well and joining forces to help as he works to rebuild from the still-unsolved arson that gutted his business one month ago today. We’re awaiting final figures from the Forum Community — we know the proceeds from the raffle/silent auction alone made it to about $1,500, thanks to their hard work and the generosity of many in the community who donated raffle items — and we’ll add video here shortly that’ll give you a better idea of the excellent turnout (plus the citywide media followup — KING5, KIRO7 and Q13 all sent crews). By the way, donations can still be made to the Puget Sound Key and Lock benefit account set up through Wells Fargo. 11:15 PM ADDITION: First clip, with a quick look at how crowded even the entrance was, early on – we start with a glimpse of Kathy doing an interview with the KING5 crew, then panning to folks milling around the raffle-entry table:
11:35 PM ADDITION: A peek at one of the raffle announcements, then a quick spin around the room:
12:40 AM ADDITION: And one more look around:
Congratulations to the Forum Community and other West Seattleites for coming together in a big way to lend a hand. The idea that they turned into reality, by the way, was generated within minutes of our first followup on the fire the morning it happened — check it out here; we published our report at 9:29 am, the first comment “how about a fundraiser” was added at 9:35. We’re proud to be connected with you all … this community, online and offline, truly has a heart.
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