Kiwanians are known for their “happy dollar” tradition. Come Thursday morning, there should be a lot of “happy dollars” collected as members recall high points of Steilacoom’s recent gathering: the traditional Winter Wine Tasting event, held Jan. 24 at Clover Park Technical College’s McGavick Center.
The main objective? Raising funds to continue and expand the many Steilacoom school-related activities: from bike safety to scholarships.
A buyer’s market of silent auction items that included a private cruise on the yacht “Tourmaline” to gift baskets, certificates, framed prints and more was one of the evening’s “main events.” With lively background music by the Martinez Brothers, there was also the opportunity to savor and purchase from the selections of regional wines. A large table, arrayed with elaborate desserts, including one “Seahawk” cake, though, might have been the most popular.
Steilacoom High School Key Club members delivered assorted hors d’oeuvres before the dinner and efficiently cleared the tables afterward.
The gathering also included plenty of opportunities to mingle with long-time acquaintances and make new ones. Former Steilacoom High School Key Club advisor Bob Mize and his wife, Julie, were spotted among the patrons that evening.
Current Kiwanis president Jeff Bryan and his wife were among the guests, as well as Maj. Gen. (USA ret.) John Hemphill and Peggy Hemphill, Steilacoom Mayor Ron Lucas and Jan Lucas, Councilwoman Nancy Henderson and Mike Henderson, Councilmember Marion Smith and Linda Smith. And so on and so forth: the rest of you know who you are!
Proceeds from the evening’s activities are funneled back into the school district for a variety of special school programs from primary through high school.
Kiwanis of Steilacoom was established in 1993.