"According to president Bob Clay, the Coupeville Lions Club usually prefers to do its community service work quietly and behind the scenes. This month, however, they have something to roar about.The club recently made three separate donations to the Central Whidbey Youth Coalition, a nonprofit group that sponsors the popular Late Nite Central and After-the-Facts programs for youth in Coupeville. Last fall, the Lions targeted $200 to go to the Central Whidbey Youth Coalition to support youth programs. They also offered to hold a raffle for a dollhouse, and to pass the proceeds along. The raffle brought in $574. And then, in December, long-time Lion George Hammett made a $5,000 donation to the Lions Foundation, targeted for the Central Whidbey Youth Coalition. As a result, the Coalition has received a total of $5,774 to support its programs and services. Central Whidbey Youth Coalition president Janet Wodjenski said the funding is a tremendous boost at a time when grant funds for youth programs are dwindling. Clay noted that the Coupeville Lions historically have worked to maintain links to young people through support for programs like History Day, student of the quarter recognition, scholarships and the Skills for Life substance abuse prevention curriculum in the schools. This donation represents one more link. "

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