Root Sports Northwest reporter Jen Mueller’s first thought when she watched her interview of Felix Hernandez following his perfect game for the Seattle Mariners in 2012? “Why am I wearing that outfit?” she recalled to the laughter of nearly 300 people gathered at the Lynnwood Convention Center Thursday morning.
It was an appropriate anecdote for the occasion, as those in the room were assembled to raise money for Clothes for Kids, a referral-based program serving families throughout Snohomish County who participate in the free or reduced school lunch program. Mueller served as MC for the event, which was sold out and included local dignitaries like Snohomish County Executive John Lovick, Edmonds Mayor Dave Earling, Lynnwood Mayor Nicola Smith and Edmonds School District Superintendent Nick Brossoit.
Children who can’t afford clothes often have a hard time in school because they are worried about what they look like, Mueller noted. “It’s more than clothes. It’s more than shoes. It’s a confidence builder,” she said.
Families in need are able to shop for free at the Clothes for Kids store in Lynnwood, which was recently renovated with new paint, carpet, lighting fixtures and heat ducts, thanks to a $39,000 grant from the Employees Community Fund of Boeing. Judy Morrison of the Boeing employees group was on hand to receive recognition for their donation to Clothes for Kids. Also recognized during the event was the eWomenNetwork, which has been providing grant money and volunteers since 2011.
All donations received during the breakfast will go directly to the volunteer-based organization, for the purchase of clothing, shoes, winter coats, sock and underwear. Clothes for Kids operates with an average of 50 annual volunteers who each work at least one shift per week.. In addition, volunteer work parties come in to assist with special projects, for a total of 8,000 volunteer work hours per year.The My Neighborhood News Network — My Edmonds News, MLTnews and Lynnwood Today — was the media sponsor for the breakfast, providing no-cost advertising as well as editing services for the fundraising video that was shown during the event.
Thanks for the media support! The event was awesome and many children will benefit by the dollars raised at the breakfast!
Dave Reid, CFK’s volunteer
Great article! And an amazing win for Clothes for Kids. Shows just how committed the area is to causes and it warms my heart to live and work here! Congratulations! Wish I could have been in attendance.