"Fun"-raising Events Support Dream Playground Project

06/07/2002

(Port Angeles WA, Friday, June 7, 2002) Members of a steering committee intent on building a Port Angeles Dream Playground have scheduled numerous fundraising events for the month of June. Billed as "fun"-raising events, the activities are meant to build the project"s coffers while promoting community spirit.

One such event is a softball game between Port Angeles lawyers and doctors. The game, organized by Michelle Ahrens, an attorney with law firm of Johnson Miller Shefler, is scheduled for June 16, 2002, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Elks Field.

"Each player has been asked to raise (or pay) a $50.00 registration fee," Ahrens explains. "With a team of ten each, we are hoping to raise $1,000 from the players.

In a recent change to their plans for the event, Ahrens says, "We"ve decided not to charge admission to the game. Instead, admission will be by donation. We want everyone to come and enjoy the game."

We still haven"t agreed on a name for the event. "Healers vs. Stealers" has gotten several votes but not from the lawyers, they aren"t thrilled with that one. "Yacks vs. Quacks" appeals more to the lawyers, but the "docs" aren"t happy with that one. So far, "Jawbones vs. Sawbones" has caused the least controversy with this group!" KONP radio"s Scooter Chapman will be on hand to provide "color commentary ' for the game. The Dream Playground Committee will have concessions on sale for the game as well. "Dream Playground t-shirts and tiles that can be personalized and will decorate the entrance to the new Dream Playground will also be for sale at the game.

Kiddie Carnival on track for Saturday, June 22nd

A Kids "School's Out" Carnival is scheduled for Saturday, June 22nd from Noon to 3:00 p.m. at the Vern Burton Community Center as another "fun"-raiser. "Admission is free," says organizer Michele Hayman, also a Dream Playground Committee member. "Game tickets will be sold for $.25 each," she adds, "with the proceeds to benefit the Dream Playground."

Volunteers to help with the event are gladly accepted, she adds. Contact Michele Hayman at the YMCA 452-9244.

Additional upcoming Dream Playground "fun"-raising efforts include: participation in the 4th of July Parade, booths at the Concerts on the Pier on Wednesday evenings and at the Clallam County Fair, and a giant garage sale to take place on Saturday, June 29th in the AGS Publishing/Dominoes Pizza Parking Lot.

These "fun"-raisers are not only intended to offer a good time for families, they also serve as fundraisers to help build a 12,000 square foot playground to be located at Erickson Park in Port Angeles. Known as the "Dream Playground" - the project is scheduled for construction over a six-day period beginning September 11, 2002. According to Dream Playground Fundraising Co-Chair Nancy Prince-Fox, donations now total more than $41,000. "We"re excited about our fundraising results so far, and that total doesn"t include the in-kind donations we"re beginning to receive from area businesses - everything from tools to building products."

Volunteers Still Needed

"There are all kinds of ways to donate," says Prince-Fox. "Donations of volunteer time is needed too. In fact, just for the building phase we will need 800 volunteers - people to build, people to cook and serve food for the workers, people to take care of younger kids whose parents are helping out. Give us a call, or sign up on our website, if you want to donate your time or money."

Smiling




Contact Information

Roxi Baxley, Dream Playground Foundation
Phone:
360-670-1203
Mail:
c/o Kiwanis Club of Port Angeles,
P.O. Box 416
Port Angeles, WA 98362
Email:
contact@dreamplayground.com