West Seattle, Washington
16 Thursday
(WSB photo, 2024 FCA egg hunt)
You can help make smiles like those happen next month, when the Fauntleroy Community Association presents this year’s spring egg hunt. It’s happening at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW) at 1 pm Saturday, April 12, and organizer Candace Blue is again recruiting volunteers to help hide eggs at 11:30 that morning. Contact her by phone, 209-401-8406, or email – blueyvette47@gmail.com – if you can help!
(WSB photos/video)
By Tracy Record and Hayden Yu Andersen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
The West Seattle/Fauntleroy YMCA is about connections – connecting with your community and neighbors as well as connecting with yourself via fitness, health, and fun.
That message was at the heart of Wednesday night’s community dinner to launch this year’s fund drive for the Y (a longtime WSB sponsor). Attendees enjoyed a free buffet catered by West Seattle’s own Peninsula Soul Food – one of the Y’s neighbors at Distinguished Foods in The Triangle, another connection.
Branch executive Cleveland King II offered heartfelt thoughts at the night’s conclusion, stressting that “The most important thing when you come into the YMCA is how the people interact.”
More people – especially youth – can be served thanks to donors’ generosity, mused longtime board member Calvin Saunders: “Let’s get our kids help.”
Board chair Linnea Westerlind, emceeing the event, spoke of another way the West Seattle/Fauntleroy Y is increasing connections with youth – a plan to expand its leadership to add two teenagers each year, a group too often “overlooked and underappreciated” in what they can offer:
The Y connects with thousands of kids and teens each year through Camp Colman and Camp Orkila. Jason Lane, senior executive director for camping and outdoor leadership, talked about how camp experiences promote community awareness, self-confidence and a wonder for the natural world, and lead to more than a million volunteer hours. He then introduced Camp Colman’s executive director Danielia Barron, who also speaks in this clip:
Even more frequent than camp trips, young Y members get to connect via sports programs. The Y is working on expanding access and adding a new competitive basketball league, as program director Liz Abbott and health/wellness director Madisson Cordova discussed:
Third through eighth graders are invited to tryouts next weekend (as previously mentioned here). And when they’re not on the court, perhaps they’re in the pool; the West Seattle Y is renowned for its aquatics programs, led by Jenna Gill, who said her mission is to promote universal safety and awareness around water, which involves much more than learning to swim:
The Y connects people across the age spectrum – elders as well as youth – and Cordova returned to the microphone to talk about plans for growing the Active Older Adults resources, with a cancer-survivorship program in the works as well as line dancing, and hopes for an AOA coordinator, if the support comes in:
Whatever the program, each participant has a story, often brimming with inspiration. Board member Chris O’Claire told the story of how a physically challenged teenager named Luca connected with support and increased confidence and independence via a scholarship membership at the Y:
The more the Y can raise during this year’s fund drive, the more they can offer access to people like Luca and others of all ages and abilities. So it’s up to community supporters to pick up the ball and run with it. If you can give, here’s where to start.
One of our area’s newest high-school-sports teams invites community support for a fundraiser tomorrow – and is welcoming new team members, too! Here’s the update:
Members of the girls’ West Seattle Water Polo Team are holding their 2nd annual Tread-a-thon event to raise funds for their expanded second season, which is already filled with many firsts: first year with 2 coaches, first year with a JV team, first year in Division 2. The team has more than doubled in number of players over last year’s team, so we have added games.
The Tread-a-thon is this Saturday, March 8, from 3:30-5 pm at Southwest Pool. Players will tread for 100 minutes without touching the sides or bottom of the pool and without using floatation devices. Sponsors are invited to pledge per minute or a flat amount. Members of the team invite the West Seattle community to help by donating to their cause!
The girls formed this team last year and had a wonderfully successful inaugural season after gaining permission from the league to play, but no funds were provided by the school or district for the team. This year, all the teams in the district are additionally managing a 30% increase in pool rental fees. Donations will fund scholarships, pay for pool-rental time, league fees, and equipment.
Girls from any high school are welcome to join the team. Head coach Steve McKinnon and Assistant Coach Jojo Southwell are ready to quickly bring new players to proficiency. Practices will be 2 mornings per week before school with home games on Friday evening. Practices started on this week and the season runs through late-May with 25 players including our first player from Chief Sealth International High School.
For more information, email wshswaterpolo@gmail.com.
Donations gratefully accepted at this link: paybee.io/@wswaterpolo@2
(WSB photo, June 2024)
Before we get to the heart of festival season in July, an early spot of summer fun arrives thanks to the Morgan Junction Community Festival, presented by the Morgan Community Association. This year, the festival’s on June 14 – still more than three months away, but as this announcement explains, they’re hoping to get volunteers involved now!
Hello everyone in Morgan Junction, and around West Seattle!
The annual Morgan Junction Community Festival is coming up on Saturday, June 14 from 10 am to 2 pm. Event sponsor Morgan Community Association (MoCA) is pleased that the Bubbleman and other fun acts will be returning to Morgan Junction Park along with local vendors and community information booths. We’re hoping that everyone will come out to join us that day.
AND…
We’re hoping some new people will join us to help with planning, preparation and day of event support for this long standing community festival. We need a Vendor lead, a PR lead and a Volunteer lead. Not interested in a lead position? Any help you’d like to offer would be very welcome. The time commitment isn’t huge; one meeting per month and day of event. Please contact us at mocacnc@gmail.com if you are willing and interested.
THANK YOU and see you on June 14 at the Morgan Junction Community Festival!
Haven’t been to the festival before? Here’s our as-it-happened coverage from last year.
It’s fundraising season for many school groups and other nonprofits. Among them, the Gatewood Elementary PTA, which has just launched an online auction this morning – anybody can bid. The parent who let us know about this points out, “With the significant budget cuts facing Seattle Public Schools, the support of the West Seattle community is more important than ever.” If you skim the auction site, you’ll see a wide variety of items up for grabs, including tickets, gift cards, memberships, more. Here’s the link to browse and/or bid! The auction is open for a week, leading up to the PTA’s in-person fundraiser a week from tonight.
Longtime WSB sponsor Canna West Seattle is celebrating Women’s Month by supporting a regional shelter for women and inviting you to do the same. Here’s the announcement:
In celebration of Women’s Month, Canna West Seattle is proud to support Hospitality House, a women’s shelter in South King County celebrating 25 years of service, by contributing to its annual Spring Fling fundraiser on March 15.
The event’s silent and live auction aims to raise $70,000 to provide essential services – including housing, meals, case management, and job training – for women experiencing homelessness in King County.
“At Canna West Seattle, we believe in giving back to the community that supports us,” says Maryam Mirnateghi, Canna West Seattle’s CEO. “Partnering with Hospitality House allows us to contribute to a cause that directly changes lives by offering women in need the resources and stability to rebuild.”
The Spring Fling fundraiser is open to the public, with ticket sales closing on March 6. Those unable to attend in person can still participate in the online auction from March 16 to March 23, helping extend the reach of this vital initiative. Auction participation and additional event details can be found here.
Canna West Seattle encourages the community to support Hospitality House by attending the event, bidding in the auction, or spreading awareness.
The March 15 event is at Lake Burien Presbyterian Church, 15003 14th SW, in Burien.
Hospitality House has served 1,700+ women since 2000; it’s described as “a nine-bed, 90-day shelter program providing women experiencing homelessness with shelter, meals, and individualized case management to help them transition to stable housing.
About Canna West Seattle
Canna West Seattle is a locally owned cannabis boutique dedicated to wellness, education, and community support. Committed to making a positive impact, Canna West Seattle actively engages in philanthropy, sustainability, and advocacy for holistic well-being. Learn more at CannaWestSeattle.com
### Event Details
Event: Hospitality House 25th Anniversary Spring Fling
Date: March 15, 2025
Location: Lake Burien Presbyterian Church 15003 14th Avenue SW, Burien WA 98166
Ticket Deadline: March 6, 2025
Online Auction: March 16 – March 23, 2025
Event Website:
Join Us in Making a Difference!
For tickets, donations, and auction participation, visit https://auctria.events/hhspringfling2025.
### Media Contact:
Maryam Mirnateghi
Canna West Seattle
maryam@cannaws.com (206) 696-9240
An arts program serving two schools has just extended its fundraiser – here’s the donation invitation we were asked to share with you:
(Photo courtesy Jaeney Hoene)
Support Denny-Sealth Performing Arts!
We are inviting all community members to use the Snapraise links below to support the performing arts at Denny International Middle School and Chief Sealth International High School. Our amazing performing arts programs need your support to provide coaching, instruments, uniforms, maintenance and repair, and performance/competition opportunities for students.
We just passed the $10,000 mark with a goal of $15,000. Help us reach our goal!
Last day to contribute is Tuesday, March 11!
Denny International Middle School – https://raise.snap.app/donate/denny-middle-school-music-booster-2025
Chief Sealth IHS – https://raise.snap.app/donate/chief-sealth-intl-music-booster-2025
If you are a local business or community member wondering how you can support our programs directly, please contact DSPA co-chairs, Mary Wiener (mary_r_wiener@yahoo.com) and Jaeney Hoene (jaeney@me.com)
Looking ahead to one of this week’s big events, here’s a reminder that the West Seattle/Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor) invites you to the annual fund-drive kickoff on Wednesday (March 5):
We are days away from the West Seattle and Fauntleroy Annual Fund Drive Kick-off event! Come join us at the Fauntleroy YMCA for an evening of food and drinks, and to learn more about the amazing work being done at the Y, along with what is possible with your support.
This is a free event for the community, RSVPs are required.
When: March 5th, 6:00 pm-7:30 pm
Where: Fauntleroy YMCA Fellowship Hall, 9140 California Ave SW
Who: Everyone in our community
Perks: Meet your neighbors, learn more about the YMCA, Free food!RSVP here: linktr.ee/WestSeattleYMCA
If you are unable to attend, you can still give to the West Seattle and Fauntleroy YMCA here: seattleymca.org/give/donate/west-seattle-fauntleroy-ymca
This flyer explains the Y’s goals and plans for the annual fundraising campaign.
(WSB photo, 2020 Polar Plunge)
Next Saturday (March 8), around Alki Bathhouse, you can expect a lively celebration as the Special Olympics of Washington‘s fundraising Polar Plunge returns. The only thing this has in common with the New Year’s Day Polar Bear Swim is that if you participate, you go into the chilly waters of Elliott Bay – but this one happens in waves, not in one giant group. And even if you’re not plunging, you’re invited to enjoy food trucks and a beer garden (details on that are here). It’ll be an all-day party at the beach (starting around 11 am), including a costume contest for plungers (12:15 pm). Here’s where to sign up (individuals or teams) to be part of the Plunging (which starts at 1 pm).
Before the Our Lady of Guadalupe School (WSB sponsor) fundraising event this weekend, two things happening right now are open to everyone: First, now through Friday, you can bid in the school’s online auction, with items donated by local businesses and other supporters – gift cards, tickets, more. Second, both today and tomorrow (Wednesday, February 26), The Westy (7908 35th SW) is hosting a dine-out fundraiser for the school – use the code OLG and mention you’re supporting the school, and they’ll donate 15 percent of the proceeds. Though The Westy is a 21+ establishment for dining and drinking, you can get take-out for the whole family, and that can count toward the fundraiser too.
(Photo courtesy Friends of Lincoln Park)
As we mentioned earlier, spring is just one month away … the equinox is in the early morning hours of March 20th. And it’s almost planting time in Lincoln Park! Volunteer spots are open for an event that’s less than a week and a half away, forest steward Lisa McGinty tells WSB: “Volunteers will help install bare-root plants and trees in a lovely restoration site at the park on March 1st, 10 am-12 pm.” Full details are here, as well as the link you can use to sign up for one of the remaining openings.
(WSB photos/video)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
A new partnership blossomed today, as dozens of local Girl Scout troops picked up cases of cookies outside the WestSide Baby warehouse in White Center – and left behind gifts: Thousands of donated diapers!
It’s the first year of this new partnership – WestSide Baby’s back lot was perfect for delivering and distributing more than 5,000 cases of this year’s taste treats, from Samoas to S’mores, Lemon-Ups to Tagalongs.
It was an especially good fit as a “family-forward event,” WS Baby’s Will Owen noted. Volunteers of all ages were there to help distribute the cases of cookies, set aside for troops based on their advance orders as well as what they expect to sell when cookie booths open in less than two weeks. This volunteer group was from Troop 46282 – Emery, Sophie, and Rondy, plus helper August:
The Girl Scouts’ Service Unit, 550 – which includes 60 troops from West Seattle to Vashon Island – had planned everything perfectly – until a delivery delay almost threatened the pickup plans – but the trucks showed up a few hours later than scheduled, just in time for pickups to happen this afternoon after all:
This truck was particularly welcome – one volunteer looking at the boxes excitedly exclaimed, “I see green!” – that meant its load included the most popular Girl Scout Cookies of all, Thin Mints (“I need 34 cases!” declared one troop rep standing by):
Cami Allers, managing the day’s logistics, told us that if troops run out before cookie-selling season is over, there’s a designated “Cookie Cupboard” from which they can get more.
While cookie booths will open Friday, February 28 – look for your nearest one(s) here (or order online!) – WestSide Baby is launching a campaign of its own the day after that. Development and communications director Morgan McGinn told us the next donation campaign starts March 1st; watch for news of how to help. Diaper donations are always welcome, and the sizes most needed right now are 4, 5, and 6, plus pullups. Meantime, volunteers continued tallying thousands of Scout-donated diapers today even as the cookie pickups continued:
We’re waiting to hear who finished as the top troops on the diaper-donation list; everyone who brought some in got a goodie bag, which included information about the tens of thousands of children that West Seattle-founded WestSide Baby serves every year. (Here’s how you can help them too.)
(Photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
If you still have warm clothing and other items you can donate to help take the icy edge off winter weather for those in need, here are two ways:
HOMESTREET BANK: The West Seattle branch (a WSB spoonsor) is still collecting donations for people at Westside Neighbors’ Shelter:
Hats, gloves, shirts, socks, sweatshirts, coats and travel sized toothpaste. Socks will need to be new. Other items should be clean or gently used.
You can drop off donations until 6 pm today, 9 am-5 pm Mondays-Thursdays. The branch is at 4022 SW Alaska.
ALKI UCC’S MONTHLY DRIVE: This Sunday (February 16), 11 am-3 pm outside the church, here’s what they’re collecting:
This month’s priority: Food/Blankets/Outdoor Clothing
Alki UCC is sharing all we collect with the American Legion Shelter and Camp Second Chance. We also welcome socks, hats, gloves, long johns, hygiene products, men’s work clothing and outdoor gear. Donations are also distributed through the Westside Interfaith Network (WIN) Saturday lunch, hosted in White Center. Deepest gratitude to our community for your generous support of our neighbors in need.
Alki UCC is at 6115 SW Hinds.
Received via postal mail:
Want to play handbells?
The West Side Ringers are looking for people to ring English Handbells. No experience is necessary, as we are open to all skill levels. We meet on Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5 pm. Our group currently plays at retirement communities as a service to seniors.
If interested, send an email to anjdroege@gmail.com
It’s a sweet tradition for the Madison Middle School PTSA – Krispy Kreme donut sales for Valentine’s Day. So they’re doing it again this year.
Grab a Valentine’s Day donut and support the Madison Middle School PTSA – because nothing says ‘love’ like a donut for a good cause! All proceeds go to our school fund, so it’s a win-win. Orders must be placed here by midnight on February 10: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=WPN9W53LMNY46 Pick up donuts on Valentine’s Day (2/14) before school from 8:00-9:00 AM.
Thanks to everyone who’s sent tips about this. Around the region, more than 100 food/beverage businesses are participating in a dine-out fundraiser starting tomorrow (Friday, February 7), donating part of their proceeds to nonprofits fighting for immigrants’ rights, primarily the Northwest Immigrants’ Rights Project. The updated list of participants in the “Seattle Hospitality Fundraiser” includes seven West Seattle/White Center venues as of this writing: Dough Joy Donuts, Driftwood, Li’l Woody’s, Marination, Mioposto (WSB sponsor), Moonshot Coffee, and T’Juana Tacos (based in WS but donating part of two other sites’ proceeds). Details of each venue’s planned participation may vary, so be sure to ask when you arrive.
Before we get to our list of what’s happening today, a reminder about one of tomorrow’s events – noprofit Leaps and Bounds Children’s Therapy is hosting a women’s-clothing (and accessories) swap-and-shop event, from 11 AM to 3 PM at 7141 California Ave SW (Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation). To streamline the swap, you can drop off gently used items 10:30 am-4:30 pm today at the WSUU parking lot (look for the designated bin by the sunflower wall). Then on Saturday, here’s how to participate:
Entry on swap day is $20, and proceeds go directly to supporting Leaps and Bounds’ and our West Seattle families. You can purchase tickets in advance as well as a raffle ticket for a chance at early entry to get first pick at the fabulous finds at leapsandboundswa.org/swap
Participants are encouraged to bring gently used women’s clothing (clothes, shoes, purses/accessories) that are clean, in good condition, and free from stains. Be sure to label your donations with your name and contact information in case of any mix-ups. No personal undergarments please.
Leaps and Bounds has been sponsoring WSB this week to get word out even-more widely about the swap.
(WSB photo from 2024 Loop the ‘Lupe)
Even as another near-freezing night begins, and as the possibility of snow lurks in the forecast, we have reason to think summer: Registration is open for this year’s Loop the ‘Lupe, with participation options including Seattle’s only 5K obstacle course! WSB has long been a community co-sponsor of Loop the ‘Lupe, and we’re sharing this announcement from organizers:
The early deadline for the BEST price on Loop the ‘Lupe, the only obstacle-course race in Seattle city limits, expires on Friday, January 31st! Register before midnight on January 31, use the coupon NEWYEAR5 at checkout, and save up to 40% off what you’d pay on race day. (Psst: Lock down even more discounts when you register 4+ people at a time!) Loop the ‘Lupe is Saturday, June 7, at Walt Hundley Playfield.
Sign up at loopthelupe.com.
You’re never too young to get involved in your community. West Seattle/Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor) board chair Linnea Westerlind is extending this invitation far and wide:
High-school students!
Do you want to represent youth as a voice in your community and gain valuable nonprofit board experience?
The West Seattle & Fauntleroy YMCA is looking for high school students to apply for our two youth board slots, which begin September 2025.
Our Youth Board Members attend our local YMCA Board Meetings, learn about the Y’s programs and bring a youth voice to our work.
Steps:
– Fill out the application and include one reference.
– If you are selected for an interview, we will contact you to set it up in Spring 2025.
– The board service year is from Sept 2025 – June 2026.Benefits to you:
– 15-20 volunteer service hours
– A letter of recommendation from our Board Chair
– Valuable experience serving on a nonprofit board
– Community connectionsTimeline:
– Applications are due March 1, 2025
– Interviews for finalists will take place April-May 2025
– Youth Board Members will begin term in Sept 2025Apply: tinyurl.com/westseattley
With Westside Neighbors Shelter taking 50+ people off the streets on these freezing-cold nights, the need for donations continues running high. Two notes this morning:
HOMESTREET BANK DRIVE: The bank at 4022 SW Alaska (a longtime WSB sponsor) is a dropoff spot for these items:
The West Seattle HomeStreet Branch is taking donations in the form of hats, gloves, shirts, socks, sweatshirts, coats, and travel-sized toothpaste. Socks will need to be new. Other items should be clean or gently used.
The bank is open 9:30 am-5 pm Mondays-Thursdays, 9:30 am-6 pm Fridays.
FOOD (AND OTHER) NEEDS AT SHELTER: Shelter volunteer Laurie sent this:
Shelter operator Keith Hughes has made a list of what we’ve been using to keep everyone fed:
Regular cheap bread that fits in a toaster, 4 loaves per day
Milk, 3 gallons per day
Eggs, 7 to 9 dozen per day
Butter, 4 pounds per day
Regular oatmeal (not instant), 6 to 8 cups per day
Potatoes, 5 to 7 pounds per day
Toilet paper, 4 rolls per day (a Costco 24-roll pack per week)
Paper towels, 2 rolls per day (a Costco 12-roll pack per week)
10-inch paper plates, 100 per day
20 oz paper bowls, 100 per day
12 oz hot cups, 100 per dayIf you’re able to donate any of these items, the need right now is greater than ever. Some of these items are on our Amazon wish list, so you can just order them to be delivered. Or, you can drop donations by the shelter between 7 and 11 am, or between 5 and 9 pm.
The shelter is at 3618 SW Alaska, in the American Legion Post 160/West Seattle Veteran Center building.
With a heightened interest in volunteering and donating opportunities right now, we’re spotlighting this one that’s just out of the WSB inbox. You’re invited to help plant a “Miyawaki Forest” – William Khadivi explains:
I’m partnering with Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association to plant a Miyawaki Forest near Longfellow Creek. This exciting project will take place near the intersection of 29th Ave SW & SW Brandon St.
Our first work party is scheduled for Saturday, February 1st, from 10 AM to 1 PM, and we’re looking for volunteers to join us. During the event, we’ll focus on removing invasive species to prepare the site for planting native trees and shrubs. No prior experience is needed. We’ll provide tools, gloves, and guidance! Volunteers should bring sturdy shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and plenty of enthusiasm for greening our city.
A Miyawaki Forest is created using the methods pioneered by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki. This approach plants a dense mix of native species in small areas, fostering biodiversity and creating thriving ecosystems. Similar projects have been established in Georgetown and at North Seattle College.
Interested participants can RSVP here: dnda.org/events/miyawaki-forest-at-longfellow-creek
The Georgetown site mentioned in the announcement is this one we covered a year ago – we’ll get back there soon to see how it’s going.
Temperatures are down and shelter need is up. Keith Hughes from Westside Neighbors Shelter, the privately operated facility that is West Seattle’s only emergency overnight shelter, is asking for these four items:
We are completely out of stocking caps and gloves, and getting short on blankets and pillows. We have been taking care of 55 to 60 people every night with this very cold weather week. Thanks for your continued support.
The shelter is at 3618 SW Alaska. Donation-dropoff hours are on its website.
(Alki UCC photo of donations from February 2024 drive)
Every month, Alki UCC invites community members to join in a one-day donation drive with dropoffs outside the church. We usually include the list in our daily event roundups; sometimes we also get a chance to mention it in advance, so that’s what we’re doing tonight, in case you have anything to gather up tonight. Here’s the announcement from the church:
Alki UCC Donations Drive Sunday, January 19
6115 SW Hinds
11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Front CourtyardThis month’s priority: Blankets, Warm Outerwear, and NEW SOCKS, SOCKS, SOCKS!
Also needed:
Non-perishable food, men’s work clothing, hygiene items, and outdoor gear: tents, tarps, blankets, etc.
Donations are distributed through the Westside Interfaith Network Saturday lunch, hosted in White Center. Deepest gratitude to our community for your generous support of our neighbors in need.
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