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YOU CAN HELP: Give the gift of life, get a gift in return
June 18, 2025 9:06 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Health | How to help | West Seattle news

If you can give blood, there’s a special incentive for a one-day drive that’s exactly two weeks away – here’s the announcement, along with other dates if that one doesn’t work:

Blood donors in West Seattle will have multiple opportunities to make a life-saving impact this summer, with blood drives scheduled at Our Lady of Guadalupe on June 30, July 1, 2, 7, 8 and August 4, 5, 6, 11, and 12. The drives are organized by Bloodworks Northwest, a regional nonprofit dedicated to ensuring a safe and reliable blood supply to hospitals across the Pacific Northwest.

In a special promotion on Wednesday, July 2, all donors will receive a coupon for a free pint of Seattle Sorbet as a thank-you gift. The “Give a Pint, Get a Pint” campaign is proudly sponsored by Seattle Sorbets and Electric Butter Marketing.

Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, July 2, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Gym
Address: 7000 35th Avenue SW

Appointments are strongly encouraged and can be scheduled at donate.bloodworksnw.org. Donors should use the code OLG2 when checking in to receive their sorbet voucher. For help booking, email schedule@bloodworksnw.org.

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LAST CALL: How about M’s tickets for Father’s Day gifts? Last day for a deal benefiting two local student sports teams
June 13, 2025 3:30 pm
|    Comments Off on LAST CALL: How about M’s tickets for Father’s Day gifts? Last day for a deal benefiting two local student sports teams
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Today’s the deadline to buy discount Mariners tickets benefiting Chief Sealth International High School sports teams – they asked us to mention it one more time before it’s too late:

Tickets can be purchased using the QR code on our flyer or by clicking this link: schoolpay.com/pay/for/Mariners-vs-Astros–July-18th-710PM/Sd5GIel

The game is Friday July 18th at 7:10 PM against the Houston Astros. It is also an ’80s-themed fireworks night!

View Level Seats – $20 each

Main Level Seats – $30 each

Last day to purchase tickets is Friday, June 13th (today).

Proceeds will directly support Chief Sealth Football and Chief Sealth Girls Bowling.

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YOU CAN HELP: Running on Friday, pledging now, for 2025 Alki-A-Thon
June 11, 2025 11:50 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

That photo courtesy of the Alki Elementary PTA is from last year’s Alki-A-Thon – an end-of-school-year all-school fun(draiser) that’s coming up again this Friday (June 13)! They’re hoping you’ll pitch in and pledge in advance – here’s what the PTA wants us to know:

This jog-a-thon brings together students, staff, and families for a fun-filled day of running, music, and community spirit, all in support of vital programs at Alki Elementary. We’re actively seeking donations now through the event to fund arts and science enrichment, field trips, classroom resources, and equity efforts not covered by district budgets. It’s our most energizing school event of the year, and we’d love community donations to keep SPS students thriving.

Who: Alki Elementary students (kindergarten through 5th grade) running; family and immediate friends invited to attend

What: Alki-a-Thon, the school’s annual jog-a-thon fundraiser

When: Friday, June 13, 2025 (during the school day)

Why: To raise funds for PTA-supported programs that enrich student learning and support

To donate: app.99pledges.com/fund/alkiathon25

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FOLLOWUP: Grocery-store food drive change after supplier problem
June 10, 2025 11:26 am
|    Comments Off on FOLLOWUP: Grocery-store food drive change after supplier problem
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

We mentioned again in today’s highlight list that PCC West Seattle (WSB sponsor) had a few more days to go in its food drive for the West Seattle Food Bank. That’s apparently changed – we just got this from WSFB’s Robbin Peterson:

Grocery supplier UNFI got hit by a cyber attack, and their IT system had to be taken down, which impacted their ordering system. It’s meant trouble for grocers who heavily rely on them (PCC, Whole Foods) with low shelf levels on products, and as such, PCC has cancelled all remaining days of their food drives across all stores in Puget Sound.

If people have items to donate to WSFB, they can bring them directly to us (35th/Morgan) between 9 am-3 pm weekdays, or drop them in any of the permanent food drive barrels around town.

· West Seattle Thriftway
· Tom’s Automotive
· Meeples Games
· YMCA Fauntleroy
· West Seattle Animal Hospital
· West Seattle Eagles
· Admiral Safeway
· RealFine Coffee
· Rainier Hair Studio

All this aside, ongoing federal cuts and state/local budget crunches mean organizations like WSFB need your help more than ever, so however and wherever you donate, if you can, please do.

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YOU CAN HELP: Roxhill Elementary Jog-A-Thon this Friday to ensure cuts won’t cost kids ‘experience of a lifetime’
June 10, 2025 9:04 am
|    Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP: Roxhill Elementary Jog-A-Thon this Friday to ensure cuts won’t cost kids ‘experience of a lifetime’
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

With a little more than one week of classes left for most Seattle Public Schools students, it’s time to look ahead. That includes a Roxhill Elementary fundraiser this Friday for which your help can make a big difference – here’s how:

Roxhill Elementary School will host our annual Jog‐A‐Thon on June 13 to support the 5th grade overnight outdoor learning field trip to Nature Bridge in the fall. Our students are collecting pledges for running laps on the playground this Friday, and community members are invited to make a donation.

During their 4-night stay, students engage in various outdoor learning activities that build self-confidence, team building skills, and knowledge of physical sciences. It has been a tradition for many years that each 5th grade class attends an outdoor learning education overnight field trip. It is the experience of a lifetime! Donations will help cover a portion of transportation costs, meals, and other expenses.

This year’s fundraiser is especially important because the new Washington State budget removed the Outdoor Learning Grant program that previously helped offset the cost for Title I schools to go to camp. We hope our community will help us fill the gap and also support other impacted West Seattle elementary schools facing the same cuts.

Donate to the Roxhill Jog-a-thon now!

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YOU CAN HELP: West Seattle Food Bank launches donation drive Friday at PCC
June 5, 2025 9:18 pm
|    Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP: West Seattle Food Bank launches donation drive Friday at PCC
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

Starting tomorrow, PCC (WSB sponsor) is hosting a weeklong donation drive for the West Seattle Food Bank.

WSFB’s Robbin Peterson adds, “We will also be there this weekend taking donations and selling Summer Raffle Tickets!” (Here’s the raffle announcement from two weeks ago.) If you can donate food, here’s the short wish list from WSFB:

Ready-to-eat meals like canned pasta
Meals in a box – mac and cheese, hamburger helper
Canned protein – fish, chicken
Peanut butter
Cereal

PCC is at 2749 California SW; store hours are 6 am to 11 pm, every day of the week.

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YOU CAN HELP: Two Chief Sealth teams offering you discount Mariners tickets
June 4, 2025 11:11 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Two Chief Sealth International High School sports teams are selling discount tickets to an upcoming Mariners game, and offering them to the community:

“Chief Sealth Football Night at the Mariners”

Tickets can be purchased using the QR code on our flyer or by clicking this link: schoolpay.com/pay/for/Mariners-vs-Astros–July-18th-710PM/Sd5GIel

The game is Friday July 18th at 7:10 PM against the Houston Astros. It is also an ’80s-themed fireworks night!

View Level Seats – $20 each

Main Level Seats – $30 each

Last day to purchase tickets is Friday, June 13th.

Proceeds will directly support Chief Sealth Football and our partnering organization, Chief Sealth Girls Bowling.

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COUNTDOWN: 4 days until you can Loop the ‘Lupe – and challenge soccer stars
June 3, 2025 8:12 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | High Point | How to help | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo)

This year’s Loop the ‘Lupe is four days away! It’s the Seattle area’s only 5K obstacle course – one of four events that comprise Loop the ‘Lupe – and it’s raising money for community and social work done by Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, which is headquartered steps away from Walt Hundley Playfield, where you can Loop the ‘Lupe this Saturday (June 7). We checked in with Loop the ‘Lupe leader Brian Callanan about last-minute reminders. For one, he reminds you that you can sign up all the way until race day, so there’s room for procrastinators too. And whatever you’re signing up for if you’re 16 or older – the obstacle 5K, the fun run 5K, the Senior Saunter – here’s an extra option, Brian reminds us:

We still have 15 slots open for our inaugural Penalty Kick Soccer Shoot-Out with West Seattle Junction FC and the Rhodies. This is for registrants age 16+. For only $25, you’ll get to compete with other Loop athletes to see if you can score on some of West Seattle’s top goalkeepers! All entrants will receive 2 tickets to a Fan Appreciation Day for one of the teams later this summer (6/28 for Rhodies, 7/8 for WSFC). Our champion (we’ll do a playoff between our contestants to see who makes/who misses) will receive a pair of tickets for BOTH Fan Appreciation Days, plus a scarf and t-shirt.

Look for that as an option when you’re registering. And last but not least:

If people are looking for some volunteer hours, we have slots available, and especially could use help on obstacle teardown and general cleanup: runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/WA/Seattle/LoopTheLupe

Lots of other reasons to Loop the ‘Lupe too – it’s a party, a health fair, more.

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WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: WS Booster Club’s Paddle Battle
June 1, 2025 3:07 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(This photo and next two by Hayden Yu Andersen for WSB)

To the victor goes the … sauce. Murder Hornet Hot Sauce and Wilson custom pickleball gear are among the prizes that go with victory in the West Seattle Booster Club‘s first-ever fundraising Paddle Battle pickleball tournament, continuing into early evening at the Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex racket-sport courts.

Organizers tell us nine teams competed today; they’re hoping to make this an annual event. Event volunteer Mike explained that their goal is to “mend the gap in funding for extracurricular programs that the district isn’t meeting … it’s always worthwhile to support the kids.”

Volunteer Garret added, “It’s also just a day to bring out the community, and have fun.” We’ll update with results when we hear from organizers post-tournament; find out more about the WS Booster Club here.

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YOU CAN HELP! West Seattle Bee Garden needs mulchers Sunday
May 31, 2025 5:44 pm
|    Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP! West Seattle Bee Garden needs mulchers Sunday
 |   Gardening | How to help | West Seattle news

Spread mulch, help bees! That’s the task awaiting helpers at tomorrow’s monthly West Seattle Bee Garden work party. Lisa asked us to, well, spread the word:

Please join us this Sunday, June 1st, 10 am-12 pm in the Bee Garden for our June work party.

Our big task is re-mulching the pathways. We’ll have wheelbarrows and pitchforks to complete the work but bring your own if you have a favorite. As usual, dress for the weather (looks like sun!) and wear closed-toe shoes. Light snacks provided.

We’ll have additional tasks as well, such as weeding (always) and possibly some planting.

Thanks to our amazing community support, this season we’ve been been able to relaunch the field trip program as well as welcoming other education groups back to the garden. It wouldn’t have been possible without your help. Thanks for your continued support!

The West Seattle Bee Garden is on the north end of High Point Commons Park, Lanham/Graham.

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WEEKEND PREVIEW: 2 days until Paddle Battle for pickleball bragging rights
May 30, 2025 2:58 pm
|    Comments Off on WEEKEND PREVIEW: 2 days until Paddle Battle for pickleball bragging rights
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Another unique event set for this weekend: The West Seattle Booster Club says there’s still time to sign up to play pickleball in its Paddle Battle tournament on Sunday (June 1). It benefits their fundraising for West Seattle High School, and it’s set for 8 am to 5 pm Sunday on the Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex courts west of Southwest Pool. If you’re not signed up already, you can register here right now:

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Question: How can you support West Seattle Farmers’ Market in addition to shopping? Answer: Play trivia!
May 28, 2025 7:33 pm
|    Comments Off on Question: How can you support West Seattle Farmers’ Market in addition to shopping? Answer: Play trivia!
 |   How to help | West Seattle Farmers' Market | West Seattle news

(West Seattle Farmers’ Market, last Sunday)

The first-ever West Seattle session of Seattle Neighborhood Farmers Markets Trivia is set for one week from tonight – Wednesday, June 4. It’s happening 6-8 pm at Great American Diner and Bar (4752 California SW). Besides buying a ticket to play, you also can buy raffle tickets, and the money all supports the organization that coordinates WSFM and other markets around the city. You can buy a trivia ticket in advance for $15, or pay $20 at the door; you can play alone or with a team of up to six people. You can buy your ticket(s) – trivia and/or raffle, and/or make a donation – by going here.

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YOU’RE INVITED: OLG students to host ‘Voices for Refugees and Immigrants’ community meal Sunday
May 28, 2025 8:59 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(OLG photo: Walmesley Center)

Two students from Our Lady of Guadalupe School have sent us postal-mail letters about this community event coming up Sunday (June 1). This transcribed excerpt is from one letter, sent by 7th grader Emmett:

…This year our class has read books on a refugee’s journey and the history of discrimination and racism in our country, even here in Seattle. We also had a guest speaker come in and talk about his journey from Equatorial Guinea, through South America, and making his way to Seattle. After listening to his powerful story, we began taking action in our Missionary Discipleship Institute response project. After brainstorming, we decided on hosting a community meal. This response project matters to me because my grandparents were immigrants from the Philippines, and I was never really told the story. The reason the event is so important to me is so that immigrants and refugees can tell their story, their journey to America, to Seattle.

Our event is called “Voices for Refugees and Immigrants: A Community Meal” and will be hosted on June 1, at 12 pm. Our meal will take place at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Gymnasium, and the address is 3401 SW Myrtle St., and our goal is to welcome the community of Seattle. At this event, we will be taking donations that will be put into making care kits for immigrants or refugees settling into their homes. …

The OLG website announcement notes that students have designed the entire event! The gym is in the Walmesley Center, across SW Myrtle from the main school building, with its main entrance off the parking lot to its east.

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YOU CAN HELP: West Seattle HS students raising money for gardening
May 27, 2025 9:02 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Gardening | How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

West Seattle High School students hosting a “beautify the school” event are inviting donations for their gardening project. Here’s the announcement they asked us to share:

West Seattle High School ASB members Sam Flynn, Jonah Pelander, Charlie Lewis, and Christiano Solis are putting on an event to add beauty and color to the surrounding premises of WSHS through plant life. We’re all very passionate about nature and our community and we would love if fellow community members could support us through donations, specifically to buy plants to plant. We thank you for your time and the impact you will have on the youth.

Here is the link for donations. Thank you for your time.

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YOU CAN HELP: West Seattle Food Bank’s summer raffle; White Center Food Bank’s Taste of WC
May 23, 2025 3:31 pm
|    Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP: West Seattle Food Bank’s summer raffle; White Center Food Bank’s Taste of WC
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news | White Center

Two fun ways to help your local food banks:

WEST SEATTLE FOOD BANK’S SUMMER RAFFLE: Tickets are available now!

The West Seattle Food Bank is thrilled to announce its annual Summer Raffle, a triple win for everyone involved. Not only does every raffle ticket support local families in need, but each stub doubles as a coupon good for 10% off one visit at each of our 6 fantastic partner businesses! This summer, your ticket to doing good comes with real perks — because when neighbors support neighbors, everyone benefits.

Here’s How It Works:
 Tickets: $10 each, only 500 printed
 Available: Until Sept. 12, or until they sell out.
 Drawing: Sept. 12 – winners notified by phone
 Prizes Include: 1st ) $150 gift card to West Seattle Thriftway, 2nd ) $100 gift card to Supreme Pizza and tickets for 4 to the Museum of Flight, 3 rd ) $50 gift card to Mioposto.

 Every Ticket Stub Is a Coupon For:
o 10% off one visit to each of our 6 generous partners:
The Neighborhood
Peninsula Soul Food
The Roll Pod
The Westy Sports & Spirits
Viscon Cellars
West Seattle Wine Cellars

Ready to Play Your Part?
Buy Tickets Now: Available in-person from the West Seattle Food Bank (35th/Morgan), at our booths at summer festivals or ask WSFB board members and staff!

TASTE OF WHITE CENTER: The White Center Food Bank, whose service area includes south West Seattle, has just announced its annual fundraiser for June 28, 11 am-3 pm, at venues throughout WC. (you buy “taste” tickets for any or all of 30+ restaurant/bars, and get a map, at a central booth). Full details are on our partner site White Center Now.

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ENCORE: Another fundraiser Women’s Clothing Swap coming up in West Seattle
May 14, 2025 2:50 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Gatewood | How to help | West Seattle news

That sign marks the entrance to the dropoff spot for the next nonprofit-benefiting Women’s Clothing Swap, a little over two weeks away. Here’s the announcement sent to us to share with you:

After the success of our first swap, where community members scored amazing finds and even walked away with whole new wardrobes, we’re so excited to do it again! Join Leaps and Bounds Children’s Therapy for the Women’s Clothing Swap on Saturday, May 31st, from 11 AM to 3 PM at 7141 California Ave SW (Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation).

Participants are encouraged to drop off gently used and clean women’s clothing (clothes, shoes, purses, and accessories) ahead of time to help streamline the swap. Donations can be placed in the designated bin by the sunflower wall in the parking lot during drop-off hours (Monday–Thursday, 10:30 AM–7 PM, and Friday, 10:30 AM–6:00 PM). For added convenience, local pick-up is available for a $20 fee. Day-of donations will also be accepted as space allows. Please label your bags with your name and contact information if you are planning to participate in our swap – no personal undergarments, please.

Entry is $20, with proceeds supporting Leaps and Bounds’ work with West Seattle families. Tickets (and raffle entries for a chance at early access) can be purchased in advance at www.leapsandboundswa.org/swap.

With West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day just past, this is a perfect chance to donate what you’re ready to let go of (but didn’t sell), and score some incredible new pieces for yourself (that you didn’t find). Some participants last time left with enough to rebuild their entire wardrobe, all for just $20!

This event is more than just a swap, it’s a fun way to refresh your closet, meet new people, and support a local nonprofit making a difference in our community. To schedule a donation pick-up or ask questions, email swap@leapsandboundswa.org. Hope to see you there!

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COUNTDOWN: One week to West Seattle 5K!
May 11, 2025 6:34 pm
|    Comments Off on COUNTDOWN: One week to West Seattle 5K!
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo: All ages welcome at West Seattle 5K!)

We’re getting into the time of year when every weekend has something big happening, and next weekend it’s the West Seattle 5K! The run/walk leaves Alki/61st at 9:30 am next Sunday, May 18, headed to Luna/Anchor Park and back. This is another West Seattle tradition dating back to the ’00s; the West Seattle High School PTSA has been coordinating and benefiting from this waterfront run/walk since 2009. Bring the whole family, your neighbors, co-workers, classmates (organizers are especially encourage more students to run and have a friendly class vs. class competition set up) … strollers and dogs are often seen too. You can register online right now. The West Seattle 5K is powered by community co-sponsors, too (including WSB and more than two dozen other local businesses spotlighted here) – we’ll see you at the beach next Sunday!

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GRATITUDE: Stamp Out Hunger notes
May 10, 2025 3:36 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

That’s a photo from a volunteer helping out at the West Seattle Junction Post Office as letter carriers and volunteers sort the donations received during today’s Stamp Out Hunger food drive. It’s a nationwide food drive organized by the National Association of Letter Carriers every year on the second Saturday in May; you leave a bag of nonperishable food by your mailbox or slot, your carrier picks it up, and it’s destined for local food distributors like Food Lifeline. This morning, we got a call from a woman who identified herself as a local carrier and said she wanted us to convey thanks to everyone who donated – she explained that the carriers are no longer provided with thank-you cards, but wanted to express their gratitude for so much generosity.

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COUNTDOWN: Less than a month until Loop the ‘Lupe 2025 – here are two reasons to sign up now
May 8, 2025 2:43 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo)

Just under one month until West Seattle hosts the city’s only obstacle-course 5K (you can run/walk it without obstacles, too), Loop the ‘Lupe! It’s four events in one at Walt Hundley Playfield on Saturday, June 7, benefiting the community/social work of nearby Our Lady of Guadalupe. You can enter the obstacle-course 5K, the fun run, the Youth Dash, or the Senior Saunter. Organizer Brian Callanan says one incentive for signing up now is that they’re about a week away from putting in their T-shirt order, and you’re guaranteed to get the size you want if you’re registered by then. A second reason to sign up ASAP if you haven’t already – there are still spots in the bonus Penalty-Kick Shootout for entrants 18+: everyone who enters the shootout ($25, while tickets last) gets free tickets to a West Seattle Junction FC or Rhodies FC match (players will be there for a 1:30 pm exposition match before the 2 pm shootout). The shootout winner gets “a special West Seattle soccer prize pack!” Here’s where to register.

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VIDEO: ‘Stress magic,’ music, movement highlight Center for Active Living’s lively 2025 benefit breakfast
May 7, 2025 11:49 pm
|    Comments Off on VIDEO: ‘Stress magic,’ music, movement highlight Center for Active Living’s lively 2025 benefit breakfast
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

(WSB photos/video)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

One of the speakers at The Center for Active Living‘s fundraising breakfast served up one word that you can use to beat stress.

The entire event, in fact, could have been characterized as stress relief of a sort – the more money the center raises, the less it has to worry about how it’ll continue being able to pay for the many programs and services it offers as “The Center of It All,” the theme of this year’s event, held Tuesday morning at Alki Masonic Center in The Junction.

Last year’s breakfast event introduced the former Senior Center’s new name, better reflecting its status as a hub of community connection for people of all ages. Since then, executive director Amy Lee Derenthal told the 200 attendees Tuesday morning, the center’s serving more people now than ever in its 50-year history – 1,500+ members, three times what it had in 2021, ages from late 20s to 100. The center has added new programs – totaling more than 50 programs each week. The center feeds people via community dining and Margie’s Cafe, and delivers 400 meals “to home-bound folks” every month. With the help of volunteers, they offer tech navigation, make home visits via Westside Friends, and staff the Stop & Shop on the center’s lower level. Plus their staff includes two social workers; their work includes running support groups that regularly serve more than 100 people.

“As a small community-based nonprofit, we’re constantly stretching our budget to meet our needs,” Derenthal explained. It’s challenging, but it’s “my dream job,” she said, her voice cracking with emotion just a bit. Here’s everything she told the crowd:

She’s not the only one for which the Center for Active Living work fulfills dreams of making a difference in others’ livesi. “It’s nice to be involved with people helping other people,” said a center volunteer/member in this new video debuted at the breakfast.

Donors experienced fulfillment too, including board member Emily Austin, who spoke about her reasons for giving.

She talked about growing up in family circumstances that led her to gravitate toward older adults, even when she was a kid. She got involved with the center after moving here in 2011. Then in 2022,she joined its board, learning about the “bravery and courage” it takes to operate a nonprofit. “We need the center to thrive fir years to come,” she said, imploring attendees to help make that possible with their gifts.

The center’s work provides everything from classes to meals to social events and group gatherings. Attendees got to sample some of those offerings – like the ukulele group:

And pianist extraordinaire Larry Knapp, who leads the lineup on Jazz Nights at the center:

Not much for music? How about movement?

Denise Geroux was onstage to demonstrate some of what she teaches at the center, focusing on “body awareness … learning how to support yourself through your skeleton …” That’s what she says we should be focused on, not just our muscles.

And then came the “stress magic” we mentioned at the start of this story. Dat Tran, stress-mastery coach, showed how the word “extraordinary” can help you conquer stress:

“Instead of focusing on lowering your stress or taking on less stress, focus on feeling extraordinary,” he advised.

Many in the room had reasons to do exactly that, emcee Ryan Sheaffer suggested, opening the morning with a round of acknowledgments, particularly for the volunteers. And he energetically led a round of live-donating – you could even contribute via text! – getting the center close to its $75,000 goal.

“Your support supports the physical, mental, emotional wellbeing of this community,” said board president Stephanie Bruno in closing. “I got involved because I first thought this woud be a great place for my grandmother .. then I realized it was a great place for me.”

HOW YOU CAN HELP: We followed up with executive director Derenthal today. She says, “Thank you to everyone who donated. We are close to our $75,000 goal. Help us cross the finish line by making a donation! Gifts $500+ are matched thanks to a generous donation from Nucor.” The donation link is here.

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COUNTDOWN X 2: 12 days to West Seattle 5K, 4 days until prices go up
May 6, 2025 3:44 pm
|    Comments Off on COUNTDOWN X 2: 12 days to West Seattle 5K, 4 days until prices go up
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle school closure

If registering for this year’s West Seattle 5K is still on your to-do list, instead of your “done” list, here’s an incentive to take a couple minutes and do it now: The prices go up this Saturday (May 10). The West Seattle 5K is now only 12 days away, a chance to enjoy your morning running and/or walking along Alki, from 61st/Alki to Anchor/Luna Park and back, on Sunday, May 18. It’s organized by, and benefiting, the West Seattle High School PTSA, which launched the 5K more than 15 years ago as a way to raise more money for the school’s educational needs. To register, just go here, and we’ll see you at Alki on Sunday morning, May 18th! (And if you have a WSHS student in the family, check to be sure they’re participating in the competition to see which class registers the most participants!)

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VIDEO: West Seattle Food Bank brings together 250+ to help neighbors ‘Nourish & Flourish’ amid ‘injustice and chaos’
May 4, 2025 9:00 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

(Updated Monday with results)

(WSB photos/video unless otherwise credited)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

The decor and attire were cheerful and bright.

But a darker note of urgency also ran through the West Seattle Food Bank‘s “Nourish & Flourish” fundraising dinner and auction last night.

Food, clothing, and housing insecurity are “injustices (that WSFB) addresses at their source,” observed board president Joe Everett, opening the program with short remarks to those gathered at West Seattleite-owned DSquared‘s 4105 event space in SODO. “That is our mission … we could not do it without you, especially right now, in this moment … There are signs that in the coming months and years more families are going to need help; sources (of funding) are dwindling … so much chaos.” Here’s everything he said:

The food bank’s executive director of 24 years, Fran Yeatts, echoed what Everett had said about “chaos (at this) point in history.” She said the state of things has left her “feeling nervous about the world” even as she experiences abundance and comfort in her own life, and with that in mind, she wondered aloud, what must it be like for neighbors experiencing need?

Hundreds were there to do what they could to answer the need, starting with their ticket purchase, continuing on with bidding in a silent auction and paying for pre-dinner games, then bidding in the live auction called by emcee Ian Lindsay, with items from exotic getaways to dinner and cocktail parties hosted by WSFB leaders (the margaritas-and-tacos party with Yeatts and Lester Yuh sold twice, for $2,000 each).

After the live auction, and StraightEIGHT Films‘ inspirational introduction to people WSFB has helped, a round of “raise the paddle” for monetary donations brought in more than $100,000.

But that is a fraction of the increasing cost of what the food bank does (distributing 2.6 million pounds of food last year was just the start).

As one of the easel-mounted boards on display at 4105 explained, WSFB “spends up to $1 million per year on emergency rent and utilities assistance,” to try to keep people from becoming unhoused. Its Clothesline clothing bank distributes more than 85,000 pieces of apparel each year. And you might not be aware that WSFB distributes pet food, too – thousands of pounds every year.

Generous eventgoers did their best to chip in. One table even marshaled up $5,000 for first choice from among a table of tasty treats (all donated) in the “Dessert Dash.”

Everything helps, said emcee Lindsay, with so many people “living right at the edge, where something small can push you off the edge.”

The generosity was also shown by numerous local businesses who donated auction items and/or served as event sponsors. The latter list included WSB again this year, and we also were honored to accept the WSFB’s annual Changemaker Award, accepted by your editor after joining Fran Yeatts on the room-center stage:

The award was for WSB but especially poignant in view of our loss of co-founder Patrick Sand half a year ago. Of Patrick, the award announcement in the event program said in part, “With his camera in hand and heart wide open, he made sure our work at the West Seattle Food Bank – and that of so many other organizations – was seen, supported, and celebrated.”

That’s always been the heart of our work (and that’s why we would have been covering the event, as we have in many years past, even if we hadn’t been there to accept the Changemaker Award).

(Photo courtesy Ben Viscon)

A final word about last night’s event: Attendees were exhorted to invite their friends, co-workers, and relatives to join them in supporting WSFB’s mission. You can do that with money by going here, donating food/clothing during distribution hours, or volunteering by going here.

ADDED MONDAY AFTERNOON: WSFB says the event set two records – $234,869 raised, and 256 in attendance. Meantime, they’re hoping to reach their spring fundraising goal of $265,000 with donations during GiveBIG tomorrow – maybe even surpass it – you can donate here immediately.

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YOU CAN HELP: Last day to bid in online auction for two nonprofit preschools
May 4, 2025 1:33 pm
|    Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP: Last day to bid in online auction for two nonprofit preschools
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

If you’re up for a little online shopping this afternoon/evening, local businesses’ gift cards and more are still up for grabs in the online auction to benefit two nonprofit preschools, SouthWest Early Learning and the Refugee and Immigrant Family Center. The auction links are here; bidding continues until 10 pm tonight (Sunday, May 4).

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