Patch Picks: The Heart of Enumclaw

From late February into early March, several charitable events and/or efforts will be underway that not only show the true, generous heart of folks here in Enumclaw and the Plateau area, but provide some cool ways for the community to get involved too.

When/Where: Saturday, Feb. 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at White River High School, Buckley, WA 

What is it: For a $35 entrance fee, participants will crop, stamp, quilt, play solitaire, or just sit and relax. There will be projects, demonstrations, lunch, dessert, snacks, hourly door prizes and a favor bag. This year's crop is dedicated to all the people with MS and to fellow Hungry Housewife Stephanie O'Mary who was diagnosed in 2002. A portion of proceeds will go to the Multiple Sclerosis Assocation of America.

When/Where: Kick-off Meetings as follows:

: Tuesday, March 15 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Mutual of Enumclaw, 1460 Wells Street, Enumclaw, WA

Team Captains Meeting: Thursday, March 3 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Multi-Purpose Center, 811 Main St., Buckley, WA

What is it: The American Cancer Society Relay For Life gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. At Relay, teams of people camp out at a local high school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events up to 24 hours in length.

Relay began in 1985 when Dr. Gordy Klatt, a colorectal surgeon in Tacoma, ran and walked around a track for 24 hours to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Since then, Relay has grown from a single man’s passion to fight cancer into the world’s largest movement to end the disease. Each year, more than 3.5 million people in 5,000 communities in the United States, along with additional communities in 20 other countries, gather to take part in this global phenomenon and raise much-needed funds and awareness to save lives from cancer. 

When/Where: Friday, March 11 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the , 45224 284th Avenue S.E., Enumclaw, WA

What is it: It's Auction time! Join supporters of Boy Scout Troop 422 for a fantastic evening of good food, meeting our Scouts and a lively, fun-filled auction in the Enumclaw Field House (Pete's Pool). 

 Cost for the evening is a suggested donation of $5 per person. You can also purchase a table for 8 for $50. Each ticket includes admission, dinner, beverages and an auction number. All proceeds will help support our troop's activities. 

 For more information call 360-802-9057 or email at Auction@BSA422.net 

When/Where: Sunday, March 6 at Seattle's Columbia Center

What is it: The Scott Firefighter Stairclimb supports the mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, raising money through sponsorships, individual and department fundraising, and entry fees. In 2007, the event brought in a record $365,000 for blood-cancer research and patient services. Awards are given to the fastest climbers and to the top fundraisers. From the Enumclaw Fire and Police personnel who will be taking part in the event:

"We all have recently and unexpectedly suffered a great loss.  Now, joining with Enumclaw Police Department, we bring our fundraising efforts together to support each other and to honor the life and passing of .  He died on January 17th, 2011 after being diagnosed, less than a week prior, with Leukemia.  The police and fire departments and family and friends all have been deeply affected by his sudden death.  He was a great person and dedicated police officer.  He will be missed greatly throughout the community.

We ask for your help in our efforts to support cancer patients and honor Steve!  All proceeds benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  Your tax deductible donation helps in the fight against blood cancers."

When/Where: Tuesday, March 8 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Enumclaw Field House (Pete's Pool)

What is it: The Enumclaw Schools Foundation is hosting its Mardi Gras Jazzing Up Education benefit breakfast.  ESF seeks to build partnerships with corporations, organizations and individuals to reach the mission of “Enhancing educational opportunities for students of the Enumclaw School District.”  At this event, learn about the potential impact joining with the Enumclaw Schools Foundation could have on the local educational system and local communities, and how you can support ESF.  A confirmed RSVP is required to attend this event. Contact ESFEvents@gmail.com.