Fundraiser flush with creative opportunities

An unusual lawn ornament has appeared in front yards of several Coupeville houses in recent weeks.

A bright, multi-colored toilet has been dropped in the middle of homeowners’ lawns. They have to pay to have it picked up. But the money goes for a good cause. It’s helping pay for a trip to Disneyland for the Coupeville High School Class of 2010.

Actually there are two toilets that are makings their way through town. Organizer Kathy Marley said each has been moved about 25 times to date. Her daughter, Sarah, is a co-captain of the cheerleaders and a member of the Class of 2010.

She said people have enjoyed the fundraiser that looks to continue until May.

“Everyone is so flushed with excitement over the fundraiser,” Marley joked in an interview.

One of the toilets was recently in a yard in the Pennington neighborhood while the other sat in a yard on Krueger Street.

One of the toilets appeared in the yard of newly elected Town Councilman Tom Tack’s yard on Nov. 11. The Tacks, who have a son graduating in June, quickly paid to have the ornament removed.

“I guess it’s been traveling around all year,” Melanie Tack said.

Marley said there isn’t a set price that people have to pay, it’s simply by donation. Residents can also pay for “insurance” to guarantee a toilet never appears in their yard.

She said the idea for the toilet fundraiser is based on the pink flamingo fundraiser that is popular in Oak Harbor. Scott and Chad Brookhouse decorated the toilets.

Volunteers have a considerable amount of money to raise to pay for the senior trip. They need around $20,000.

While the toilet fundraiser has collected about $300 to date and is continuing to collect dollars, there are several other fundraisers parents are currently completing.

In the days leading up to Halloween, Central Whidbey residents enjoyed going through a haunted house based at the Au Sable Institute. In addition parents have been operating concession stands at junior varsity football games and basketball games.

Marley said that volunteers are scheduling a concert next spring featuring the popular Whidbey Island-based band, Johnny Bulldog.

“Every little bit helps, even the toilet,” Tack said.

Contact Whidbey News Times Staff reporter Nathan Whalen at nwhalen@whidbeynewsgroup.com or 360-675-6611 ext. 5058.

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