The Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence is hosting their annual Oktoberfest Dinner, Dance and Auction on October 2nd. Here are all the details:

Join the fun on Saturday October 2 from 6:00 to 11:00 PM, at the Normandy Park Cove, for an authentic Bavarian festival. The Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence (HSFFE) is once again hosting an Oktoberfest Dinner, Dance and Auction to raise funds for the Arts and Middle & High School Athletics. HSFFE is partnering with the community to support the Brat Trot a family fun run and other fall celebrations around the Highline communities.

Traditionally, Oktoberfest marks the end of the harvest and is the preparation for winter. It was believed that a festival at this time would provide an ideal “relief valve.” The Foundation’s event is designed to be this “relief valve” and to build awareness about the work of the organization.

This year the Oktoberfest chairs are Chuck and Lisa Tuman and they have planned a wild event! Elliott Bay Brewery will again supply the beer, Dan “the Sausage man” House (Tin Room) the brats and Fernwood at the Park the ever popular hot potato salad (among other goodies). They are also bringing back Foremost DJ to rock the night away with tunes from every era, including the Chicken Dance! HSFFE is excited to have Mike Bishoff (Brat Trot and Cove-2-Clover race director) as our Emcee and Chuck Tuman as the Auctioneer for the 2010 Oktoberfest. They hope to fill the Cove with 300 community members and educators – so sign up early. One more note. . . Chuck and Lisa are working hard to bring back that 6’3” Austrian Yodeler with the initials MH!

This event is sure to be a festive and fun evening designed to bring community members together in support of our schools. HSFFE believes that strong schools build strong communities and a robust economy. The tickets for this over 21 event are $40 in advance or $45 at the door. You can purchase tickets at the Foundation website www.highlineschoolsfoundation.org or by calling 206.248.5196. Come early for happy hour from 6:00 to 7:00 they have discounts on beer and wine!

HSFFE was founded in 2001 with a mission of “providing Community Resources to help the Highline Public School Succeed.” HSFFE is the only 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting all 17,400 students in all 35 of the Highline Public Schools. The Foundation serves as a single point of contact for members of the community, local and national business, service organizations and other foundations to connect their philanthropic efforts with a single school or the entire district.

Highline Public School District is one of the most diverse in the state of Washington with over 60% of the students on the free or reduced lunch program and over 65% students of color. HSFFE works to foster an environment that helps all students reach their highest potential. The HSFFE Board President, Maya Mendoza-Exstrom stated, “We want all students have opportunities participate in activities and to have an enriched classroom experience.” To this end, HSFFE raises funds to support: classroom grants that enhance the educational experience; provide scholarships to needy students for summer arts academies and summer science camps; support middle and high school sports activities; a discretionary fund for homeless students (to keep them in school); an annual prom dress give away for approximately 100 economically disadvantaged high school students; and scholarships to graduating seniors going to universities, community and technical schools.

For more information about the Highline Schools Foundation or to volunteer contact Holly Moore at 206.248.5196 or holly@highlineschoolsfoundation.org

The 8th Annual Des Moines Legacy Foundation Sports Night Auction on May 15th raised over $20,000 for local youth recreation, making this year’s the most successful one to date.

Guests generously purchased items ranging from Jake Locker signed memorabilia to a week in Cabo in a log cabin full of people who enjoyed a hearty plate of BBQ, casino games highlighted by the Wheel of Fortune, and great silent & live auction items.

Next year’s event will be held on May 14th, and tickets go on sale Feb. 1st, 2011, so mark your calendars!

Organizers of the event have this to say:

Special thank you’s are in order for auction donors who gave generously to the event.  Kudos also go to The Ram Restaurant & Brewery, Corky Cellars and Famous Dave’s BBQ for their contributions to the evening.

Thanks to auctioneer Larry Snyder and celebrity emcee Bruce King.

A very big ‘Rec n Rah’ recognition goes to the individual volunteers for their efforts planning, setting up, and work throughout the event and clean-up.

Finally, the event was coordinated with a collaboration of these local organizations:  Des Moines Legacy Foundation, Des Moines Parks Recreation & Senior Services volunteers, The Rotary Club of Des Moines, and The Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Parks District.  Their collective effort will help hundreds of children play in Des Moines.

Next spring, this popular event is scheduled for May 14th in 2011.  Tickets go on sale February 1, 2011.  Seating is limited to the first 170 guests.  Mark your calendar now to give kids a chance by attending the Des Moines Sports Night Auction.

Des Moines 8th annual Sports Night is coming Saturday, May 15th, from 6pm – 11pm at the Des Moines Field House, with casino games, auctions, prizes, a buffet and beer and wine.

Legendary KOMO Sports Director Bruce King will emcee, and auctioneer Larry Snyder Jr. will keep you as entertained as a 9th inning, bases loaded full count with Griffey at bat!

All proceeds will benefit youth scholarships in the Greater Des Moines Community, and is sponsored by the Des Moines Legacy Foundation, Rotary Club of Des Moines, Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Parks District and Des Moines Parks, Recreation and Senior Services.

Tickets are available at the Field House, located at 1000 South 220th Street, or via phone at 206-870-6527.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Des Moines 8th annual Sports Night

WHEN: Saturday, May 15th from 6pm – 11pm

WHERE: Des Moines Field House, located at 1000 South 220th Street

COST: $50 per person / $375 per table. Tickets are available at the Field House, located at 1000 South 220th Street, or via phone at 206-870-6527.

INFO: From an email:

Join Des Moines Legacy Foundation, Rotary Club of Des Moines, Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Parks District and Des Moines Parks, Recreation and Senior Services as they volunteer a night for kids and community at the 8th annual Des Moines Legacy Foundation Sports Night Auction, benefiting the Youth Scholarship fund for Des Moines youth recreation opportunities.

Purchase your tickets today to join emcee Bruce King and community volunteers for Casino games of chance, a fully catered barbecue meal and beer provided by the Ram Restaurant and Brewery, and auction – all to give kids a chance to play.

Our 2010 Live and Silent Auction items will feature unique items to bid on, including one-of-a-kind University of Washington football mementos; a Marcus Trufant autographed football and the legendary wheelbarrow full of assorted beers.

Join us on May 15th for a night of fun and chance – and give kids a chance!

For more information:  206-870-6527

SPONSORS: There are several ways to show your support:

• Sports Night Sponsor – Give a gift of money
• Donate Auction Items (Goods or Services) – Both Live and Silent auction valued at $50. Or more
• Donate a Raffle or Door Prize – Valued at $25. Or less

Any level of support is greatly appreciated!

More info at their Facebook page, or here.

Here’s the poster:

The Highline Medical Center Foundation will be hosting its second annual “Hats On for Highline” fundraiser at Emerald Downs in Auburn beginning at 11:30am on Saturday, May 1st.

This Derby Day fundraiser will include horseracing and simulcast of the Kentucky Derby from the VIP trackside tent, including a buffet, auction, the requisite hat contest along with raffle prizes.

“A great day to spend with friends and something I wouldn’t miss,” said Carrie Rasmussen, who attended the event last year. “It’s a perfect Trifecta – hats, horses and fun!”

Here are the details:

WHAT: Highline Medical Center Foundation’s “Hats On For Highline” Derby Day Fundraiser.

WHEN: Saturday, May 1st from 11:30am on.

WHERE: Emerald Downs in Auburn

TICKETS: Tickets are $50 per person and advanced reservations are required. Reservation deadline is April 23rd so don’t wait! For more information and tickets, contact the Foundation at 206-901-8500 or visit www.highlinemedicalcenter.org/support-highline.

INFO: Proceeds support the Highline Medical Center’s Cancer Center and other patient care programs.

Highline Medical Center Foundation is a nonprofit organization that raises money for patient care services, the latest medical equipment, community outreach and staff continuing education at Highline Medical Center. Funds raised benefit programs, patients and services throughout South King County.

For more information, check out their website here.

Burien’s Hospitality House will be holding its Spring Fling Dinner and Boats for Beds Fundraiser on Saturday, March 6th at the Cove in Normandy Park beginning at 6pm.

Located in Burien, Hospitality House is a shelter and place of transition for homeless women in south King County. The Women of Hospitality House are supported by more than 12 local churches and organizations as well as by our local communities. Home-cooked meals are provided 365 days per year by volunteers. With the staff case workers, over 70 women each year develop and work their individual plans to find home, health and hope (see hospitalityhousesouthking.org to learn more).

Richard LeMieux, the author of “Breakfast at Sally’s,” will be the featured speaker, and according to a press release:

”Richard has lived in Washington State since 1981. He ran his own publishing company, producing medical directories and university student directories for 14 years. When his business failed, he lost his livelihood, his home, his possessions, and his wife of 17 years.

Richard was homeless in Bremerton, WA, with his dog, Willow, for a year and a half. He lived in his minivan while writing Breakfast at Sally’s with a second-hand manual typewriter at picnic tables in parks around the city.

While he was homeless, Richard and the other homeless people he portrays in his book regularly visited Sally’s, the soup kitchen at The Salvation Army in Bremerton.”

Today Richard has committed himself to sharing the story of homelessness with people of all backgrounds and of all ages across the country.

A short film about Hospitality House will be premiered at this dinner and a former resident will also be sharing her story.

Three Tree Point Yacht Club will be partnering with Hospitality House to raise funds with Boats for Beds. Guests will have the opportunity to purchase “the boat” or individual seats aboard one of several sailboats. It will be a fun afternoon of racing Saturday, June 26 out of the Des Moines Marina. What better way to celebrate a graduation, Father’s Day, girls’ day out, engagement or anniversary, than as crew, passenger or ballast aboard one of these special sailboats and with this fun-loving community of people? The boats are each photographed and featured on the Hospitalityhousesouthking.org website.

Tickets are available for purchase online at this website.

Mount Rainier High School & Pacific Middle School PTSA are holding a “Together” Auction fundraiser on Friday, Nov. 20th from 5:30pm to 11pm at the Normandy Park Cove.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Mount Rainier High School & Pacific Middle School PTSA’s “Together” Auction fundraiser

WHEN: Friday, November 20, 2009, from 5:30pm – 11:00pm

WHERE: Normandy Park Cove

INFO: The annual 2009 “TOGETHER” will include:

• Master of Ceremonies: Susan West, KCPQ Channel 13
• Auctioneer: Dick Fain, KJR 950 Sports Radio & Voice of the Storm
• International Cuisine: Christi’s Catering
• Boogie Down: KJR FM – Radio Parties !!
• Complimentary Beer and Wine

You truly do not want to miss this opportunity to contribute directly to the “Wish List” submitted by staff/admin from MRHS & Pacific for student academic success! Be a successful bidder for fun, healthy, imaginative, cool, ok…VERY COOL items that have been contributed for sale!  Food is going to be delicious, bidding lively, and we did mention dancing? Yes! Dancing….LOTS of it !!

Looking forward to hearing from You!  Thanking you in advance for your contributions and consideration!

RSVP to either school or mail to:

Kay Duncanson
19625 Marine View Drive SW
Normandy Park, WA  98166

Questions? Contact Lora Bolding at 206-456-9284 or via email: prauction2009@gmail.com.

UPDATE 10/28/09: We received word this morning that this event has SOLD OUT!

Highline School District’s Aviation High School’s Skunkworks Robotics Team 1983 is holding its annual Auction/Dinner fundraising event this Friday, Oct. 30th from 6pm to 8:30pm at Aviation High’s Cafeteria, located at 615 South 200th Street in Des Moines.

From their press release:

2009 was our third year and it will be another hard act to follow. We attended the Portland and Seattle Regionals and World Championships in Atlanta. This was the first time we were on the winning alliance in Portland and we were extremely competitive in Atlanta only losing 2 matches.

The team received two awards at the regionals for quality of robot design and our website was given an award for excellence by FIRST.

A program like this one does not happen by accident! We need your support in raising money for team operations.

The Aviation High School Skunkworks Robotics Team 1983 is raising funds for robotic equipment, registration fees, and travel expenses to attend competitions in Portland, Seattle and Atlanta, Georgia.

There are Three Ways to Participate:

1. A spaghetti dinner will be served from 6:30-7:30pm.
2. Bidding for desserts and a few special items donated by the team and their families will begin at 7:30pm. In addition to these items, participants can “Fund-A-Skunk” by sponsoring a student with a directed donation. Money will also be donated to fund an “anonymous” Skunk for students who have a difficult time fundraising.
3. If you cannot attend and would like to contribute directly, tax deductible donations can be mailed to the school address. Please make checks payable to “AHS PTSA Robotics”

Prepaid tickets: $8/student, $10/adult

Tickets at the door: $10/student, $12/adult

For more team information please visit our website: http://www.ahsrobotics.us

• If you cannot attend and would like to contribute directly, tax deductible donations can be mailed to the school address:

Aviation High School
615 South 200th Street
Des Moines, WA 98198
206.716.0006 phone
206.716.0020 fax

Please make checks payable to “AHS PTSA Robotics”

For more information or to purchase tickets:

• Dayna Miller: 253-797-3077 or DaynaMiller1277@msn.com
• Kathy Swan: bswan55234@comcast.net

Allen Bilderback, owner of Platinum Plumbing and husband/father to seven, passed away in early June. As the owner of Platinum Plumbing he was the sole provider for his family, and many people in the Burien community have come together to help support them in their time of loss, including a special fundraiser auction dinner this Friday night (Oct. 2nd) at Glen Acres Golf Course.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Fundraiser Auction dinner party for the Bilderback family

WHEN: Friday night, Oct. 2nd from 7pm to midnight

WHERE: Glen Acres Golf Course, located at 1000 South 112th Street

INFO: A night to remember! Together, we can show support for a wonderful family. As the Bilderback Family grieves the loss of their father and husband, Allen Bilderback, we can make this difficult time a easier by participating in this fundraising dinner. We have a great dinner and fun evening planned with music, raffle, and auction. Reserve a table today!

Please confirm & select your dinner option by Wednesday, Sept. 30th.

Incredibly generous donations from:

• Sounders FC
• Royal Argosy Cruises
• Osteria de Primo Italian Restaurant
• Starbucks
• Local artists & businesses
• Seattle Painting & Decorating ($5,000 value)
• And many more!

TICKETS: $50.00 per person; Pick up tickets at Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub: 435 SW 152nd in downtown Burien. If you can’t make it, but would still like to donate, go to the Sterling Savings Bank in Burien and donate in his name.

For more information, contact Trish Robles at hagertyrobles@yahoo.com or Mick Purdy at belfast81@comcast.net.

Here’s Allen’s obit:

Allen James Bilderback Jr.
Allen James BILDERBACK, Jr Age 35 died on Monday, June 8th, 2009 in SeaTac, WA. Allen is survived by his wife of 14 years, Sarah; six daughters and one son; father and step-mother, A.J. and Audrey Bilderback; grandmother, Mimi Fritz; brothers, Guy and Chet; step-sister, Katy and several nieces and nephews. Allen was a loving husband and father. He worked extremely hard at everything he set out to do in life and was a successful business owner. He enjoyed basketball with the guys and making plans for the future. Allen always had so much ambition and drive that there was never a doubt he would accomplish so much in life. He will be missed very much by so many who loved him. Forever and always in our hearts he will be. There will be a private family gathering and a public memorial at Bonney-Watson Washington Memorial Park in Seatac, WA at a later date. In lieu of flowers, all donations to the family can be made at Sterling Savings Bank in Burien, WA.

The Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce (of which we’re proud members) is holding its 20th Anniversary Gala Party on Saturday, Oct. 17th at the Seattle Airport Marriott.

The evening will include dinner, a silent auction, music by members of the Northwest Symphony Orchestra, dancing, and a program highlighting the Chamber’s 20 years of service. The Chamber will honor loyal and dedicated members who have been part of the Chamber since its inception.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce 20th Anniversary Gala

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 17th beginning at 6pm

WHERE: Seattle Airport Marriott, located at 3201 South 170th Street in SeaTac.

INFO: Reception and Silent Auction begins at 6pm and Dinner and the Program at 7pm, followed by dancing.

The Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce will celebrate 20 years of serving the business community on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at the Seattle Airport Marriott. 

Since 1989, the mission of the Southwest King County Chamber has been to be a leader in the business communities it serves – Burien, SeaTac, Tukwila and Des Moines. The Chamber provides business advocacy, outreach and networking opportunities.

Cost is $75 per person or $600 for a table of eight. Gala/festive attire. At this time Baker Commodities is a Platinum Sponsor. The Chamber is seeking auction items and sponsors of various levels for this event.

REGISTRATION: Register online here.

SPONSORSHIP: You can sponsor this great event and get some excellent, targeted publicity – just download this PDF here.

PROCUREMENT: The Chamber is still seeking items to put up for bid – you can donate by completing an for auction procurement form here (PDF).

COST: $75 per person or $600 for a table of 8

RSVP: For more information, contact the Chamber at (206) 575-1633 or email staff@swkcc.org.

by Josh Hart

A few Big Picture High School students, which includes myself, are putting on an Auction. All proceeds will be donated to The First Place School, which is a school in Seattle that helps homeless and abused children get their education along with finding homes for them.

YOU are invited to attend the auction.

It is Friday night, May 15th starting at 7pm at Big Picture High School, which is located at 2450 South 142nd Street in SeaTac (map below).

It is open to the public and FREE to attend. There will be snacks available and it will be a fun night.

This is our second year running an auction and we have learned a lot from the last one, so this auction is going to be great!

Some of the items being auctioned are six hours of tutoring from Sylvan Learning Center, Photographs on canvas, and much much more. So come on out and enjoy yourselves, support your community, and you may walk out with a great item.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Josh Hart is The Waterland Blog's first Intern! He's a 15-year old student at Highline's “Big Picture High School” who lives in Des Moines and loves to write and play soccer.

You can read more of his writing here...]

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Des Moines’ 7th Annual Sports Night Dinner and Auction is coming Saturday, May 9th, from 5:30pm to 9:30pm at the historic Des Moines Field House, and here are the details:

WHAT: 7th Annual Sports Night Dinner & Auction, hosted by former KOMO Sports Anchor Bruce King with a keynote speech from former UW Husky quarterback Brock Huard

WHEN: Saturday, May 9th from 5:30pm to 9:30pm

WHERE: Des Moines Field House, located at 1000 South 220th Street (map below)

COST: $40 per ticket of $300 for a table of 8

INFO: Presented by Des Moines Legacy Foundation, Des Moines Dollars for Scholars and the Des Moines Rotary Club.

Mark your calendars for the 7th Annual Des Moines Sports Night Dinner and Auction to help raise funds for youth scholarships for underprivleged youth in the Greater Des Moines Community!

Former KOMO 4 Sports Director Bruce King will be back to emcee the event again as well as other local sports celebrities.

This years keynote Speaker is former UW Huskies Quarterback, Brock Huard!!

Tickets avaliable—April 1st, 2009 at Des Moines Field House, limited to first 150 people!

Call 206-870-6527 for further information $40 each or Table for 8 at $300.

Come join us for good food, great speakers, and an auction! Proceeds will benefit youth scholarships for children in the Greater Des Moines area.

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Friday night’s “Gala of the Gods” fundraiser auction at the Poverty Bay Wine Festival attracted dozens of glamorous, well-dressed Des Moines locals, who sampled great wines and bid on auction items, all while being serenaded by Greek music and entertained by Belly Dancers, including one with a sword on her head.

Our own Photographer, Tom Sirgedas was there, and he took these photos:

The Des Moines Rotary Club Poverty Bay Wine Festival continues through Sunday at the historic Landmark On the Sound, and your very own Waterland Blog will be there both days, so come on over to the Landmark On the Sound and say hi!

It’s for a great cause, and you can buy tickets online here, at Corky Cellars or from any Rotary Club member (we’re not sure, but we think they’re also selling tickets at the door)


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Opening Night of the Des Moines Rotary’s Poverty Bay Wine Festival is this Friday night, Feb. 27th, starting at 7:30pm at the Landmark on the Sound in Des Moines:

Friday’s opening night event will usher in this year’s festival with a Greek theme, and will feature:

• Belly Dancers (including the oh-so-sharp Dahlia pictured above)
• Live music from Takis Dotis and the Mad Greeks
• A Fine Art and Wines Auction
• Anthony’s HomePort will present hors d’oeuvres and dessert buffet.

The evening starts at 7:30pm, it will be a “black tie optional” party, with valet Parking included, and tickets are $75 in advance or $85 at the door. Must be 21 to enter.

You can buy tickets online here.

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“To Your Health,” Highline Medical Center Foundation’s Annual Gala and Auction is Saturday evening, March 7th at the SeaTac Hilton Ballroom.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Highline Medical Center Foundation’s Annual Gala and Auction; Black Tie Optional

WHEN: Saturday, March 7th:

• 5:30pm: Doors open for Silent Auction and Champagne Reception
• 7pm: Dinner and Live Auction

COST: $150 Patron Tickets, $250 VIP Tickets; more info here:

INFO: RSVP by Monday, Feb. 23rd to (206) 901-8501 or email MClingman@highlinemedical.org; more info at the event website.

Save the date of Saturday, March 7, 2009 for the Highline Medical Center Foundation’s “To Your Health” Annual Gala & Auction at the Hilton Seattle Airport.

The auction will feature the following live items. Be sure to check back as the event gest closer as the list will be updated each week.

• Two weeks in Mazatlan
• Private suite for 16 at Safeco Field for a Mariners game
• Trip to LA and tickets to Dr. Phil and The Doctros shows
• Fishing trip to Argentina
• Gourmet dinner for eight
• Fall trip to Vermont
• Fighter pilot for the day
• Puget Sound sailing excursion
• One week in Maui
• Husky vs. Cougar package including football game tickets
• One week in guest house in South Africa
• A year in bloom: 12 months of flowers

For ticket, sponsor or donation information, please contact us at (206) 901-8501 or email MClingman@highlinemedical.org.