The Rotary Club of Sammamish would like to publicly acknowledge the exceptional support from Sammamish area businesses and individuals for Rotary’s fifth annual “Challenge Race,” a community-wide activity teaming children with disabilities with able-bodied peers for downhill soapbox derby racing on Aug. 16.
Because of the support of so many, Rotary was able to provide a fun-filled four hours of racing, face-painting, games and snacks for some two dozen special needs children, capped off with awards for all and a hamburger and ice cream feast.
More than $2,700 was raised through this event in support of Rotary’s annual grant to Life Enrichment Options of Issaquah, an 18-year-old community-based nonprofit organization supporting individuals with developmental disabilities through supportive housing, recreation, employment opportunities, and community education.
We are most appreciative of the more than 100 individuals who volunteered on Saturday, including Skyline’s cheerleaders, football players, “Athletes for Kids” and Key Club, plus 20 special youngsters under age 12 who were “drivers” for our derbies, and many community residents.
We are most appreciative for Lynn Rehn’s singing of the Star Spangled Banner to open the ceremonies, Congressman Dave Reichert’s “welcome” and Rotary’s District 5030 Governor Jesse Tam officially starting the races.
Our VIP starters additionally included Sammamish community leaders Ben Yazici (city manager), Council members Jack Barry and Kathy Huckabay, Fire Chief Lee Soptich, Chamber President-Elect John James, and sponsors Debra Murdock (Evergreen Ford) and Bill Baldwin (Baldwin Resources).
Sponsors included Arctic Cat, Athletes for Kids, Baldwin Resource Group, Chris Elliott Fund, City of Sammamish, Eastside Commercial Bank, Evergreen Ford, Evergreen Healthcare, Fitness Together, Hartmann Photography, Intermark Capital, Issaquah Kiwanis, Issaquah Trophy, Klahanie Chiropractic, Life Enrichment Options, McGladry Weigel PS, Real Estate Ala Carte, Redmond/Sammamish Boys & Girls Club, Sammamish’s Chamber, Kiwanis, Police, Review, and YMCA, Star Sportswear, Turning Leaf Tree Service, and Virtual Office Realty, plus significant in-kind donations of food, bales of hay, mechanical expertise, and more than 40 hands-on Rotary Club members and their families.
We sincerely appreciate this tremendous support for a truly all-community event!
– Bill Bastine, Mark Buick, Gary Connelly
Challenge Race co-chairs, Rotary Club of Sammamish
