Life often presents us with occasions that leave us with a warm glow. I was lucky enough to be part of one such recent event.

Central Whidbey Youth Coalition (CWYC) had the gracious help of Susan Vanderbeek and Andreas Wurzraimer, to put on a gala fundraising dinner at “Christopher’s” restaurant in downtown Coupeville, Saturday night, Jan. 20.

Susan operates the Oystercatcher restaurant. It was her idea to collaborate with Andreas, who owns Christopher’s, on preparing a six course gourmet dinner. “We never get to work together,” Susan told me. And boy, did they work. We had 55 paying customers, live violin and accordion music from Kimmer Morris and Suzanne Ohrvik, and volunteer help from the staff of both restaurants. Silent auction items came from Carol Moliter (Big Rock Design), Eileen Hunter (Hunter Gallery), the Sundown Quilt Shop, Lone Tree Arborculture, Frank Rayle (Greenbank Cellars), Joyful Dog Training/Canine Potentials, Perry Woodfin (prints), Greg Fritz (Coupeville Physical Therapy), and Coupeville Health & Fitness.

It was an evening of elegance, sociability, and lots of laughter. Albertson’s provided us with complimentary daffodils that we handed out to our donors when they left, and Tammy, from Event Creations in Oak Harbor, saved us money on the tuxedo rental.

Since this was our first attempt at this type of fundraiser, we at Central Whidbey Youth Coalition were somewhat nervous. However, demand for tickets exceeded supply, and the generosity of Whidbey Island supporters was very strong. This collaborative effort allows us to continue serving Central Whidbey youth..

To all of you that deeply care about our children, to all of you who helped, donated time and money, and gave of yourselves – thank you. Special thanks to Susan Vanderbeek, Andreas Wurzraimer, and their fabulous staff.

Mike Diamanti,

executive director

Charlene Price,

president

CWYC board members