Kiwanis fundraiser tonight
The 34-member East Side Kiwanis Club is holding its ninth-annual Broadway musical benefit tonight as it sponsors a special performance of Spokane Civic Theatre’s new production of the “Sound of Music.”
Proceeds from the performance, set for 7:30 p.m. at the theater at 1020 N. Howard St., will help support Spokane children’s programs.
“This is a win-win for everyone involved,” said East Side Kiwanis event chairman and facilitator Don Sheridan. “The money goes right back into our community. There is a great need out there. It helps support our low-income children.”
The sold-out event will raise more than $7,000 to help support local organizations such as the Salvation Army’s Sally’s House, the Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery and the Children’s Miracle Network.
Some of the proceeds also will be used to purchase books for third-graders at Sheridan, Logan, Stevens, Bemiss and Grant elementary schools in the fall.
“This program is to encourage reading,” said Crestina Ritz, East Side Kiwanis member and co-chair of the benefit. “Every third-grader receives a book. It is a wonderful program.”
Before the performance, the club also will award a $1,200 scholarship to two Spokane Valley high school seniors.
Funding of the scholarships comes from interest earned on a $54,000 endowment the club received six years ago from the estate of former Valley resident Loraine Nichols. To honor her request, the club set up a scholarship program at all Spokane Valley high schools.
Grades and community service are two criteria the club assesses when choosing the winners.
“Community service is one of the main things we look at,” said Sheridan. “There are a number of incredible high school seniors. The toughest part was making the choice.”
A hosted wine and dessert party will begin at 6:30 p.m. with Latah Creek Wine Cellars and Just American Desserts catering the event. During intermission, coffee and dessert will be served.
“It is an evening of elegance,” said Ritz. “It’s scheduled in the middle of the Lilac Festival and is a beautiful event.”
The event is the largest fundraiser the club holds, and its success allows the club to sign a contract a year in advance.
“Next year’s event already is being planned for the third Thursday of May,” said Sheridan. “The performance will be ‘Man of La Mancha.’ “
“This event is different from anything else we’ve done,” said Ritz. “Everyone is happy to be there. It’s a lot of fun.”