Washingtonians are known for a passionate love of community, food, family, and the outdoors. Come celebrate all four during a weekend We Heart Dads fundraiser for the Grays Harbor Community Hospital Foundation. Enjoy BBQ, a 5K Fun Run, sack races, and a 3-day beach volleyball grand slam during the weekend of June 17.
Locally, the Seabrook Community Foundation partnered with the Grays Harbor Community Hospital Foundation and Alki Volleyball Association to celebrate the importance of being—and staying—physically active.
Seabrook Event Director Jaclyn Stevenson says this is one of her favorite parts of the job. “I love bringing the community together by using our outdoor spaces to hold fundraisers for local non-profit organizations and I love coming up with fun ways for families and groups of friends to enjoy spending time together while raising money for worthwhile causes at the same time.”
While the event has existed for several years, this is the first time it will include so many activity options. “We have done the Father’s Day fun run for several years now,” adds Stevenson. “Last year we changed the name to the ‘We Heart Dads Fun Run & BBQ’ and made it a benefit event for Grays Harbor Community Hospital’s cardiac rehabilitation program. The Seabrook Community Foundation granted Grays Harbor Community Hospital $15,000 to purchase new equipment also. We have wanted a beach volleyball tournament for years up here at Seabrook. I have been working with the Alki Volleyball Assocation to organize this exciting event which will raise money while promoting being physically active.”
For the volleyball portion of the weekend, registered teams of every level can enjoy three days of tournaments starting at 9:00 a.m. on Friday June 17. Teams compete for a share of $10,000 in prizes and junior’s teams can even attend a free clinic with Olympic medalist Stein Metzger of UCLA. Organizers expect college scouts on site looking for potential recruits.
But if cheering is more your speed, bring beach chairs and sunscreen and enjoy local talent of all ages. Then spend Saturday, June 18 at the Rusty Anchor Fitness Fun Run and Mill 109 BBQ in the Park starting at 10:00 a.m. Registration is open the day of the race, which will be followed by sack races and a family BBQ.
Registration for the volleyball portion of the weekend is available online and closes Monday, June 13. Questions about teams, games, and official judging can be directed to AVA staff. Fun-running individuals, groups, and families can simply sign up at Saturday’s event with cash or checks made out to the Grays Harbor Community Hospital Foundation. The Fun Run is $30 for adults and $15 for kids under 12 and includes a t-shirt. The BBQ is $15 for everyone over 12 and $8 for those under 12 and will include burgers, beans, and potato salad.
The Grays Harbor Community Hospital Foundation uses events like this to support “state-of-the-art facilities and equipment and the commitment that all residents should have access to the care they need, regardless of their ability to pay. Every year since the Grays Harbor Community Hospital was established, contributions from patients, friends, and volunteers along with those from employees and the medical staff have made an important difference in the quality of healthcare offered on Grays Harbor.”
Funds raised have replaced hospital beds in the critical care unit, updated the hospital’s kitchen, helped with the construction of a new 15,000 square foot emergency department, and provided much needed equipment. If you’re unable to attend the We Heart Dads event, donations to the Foundation can be made online or by calling 360-537-5139.
Whether dad enjoys the athletic field or cheering from the stands, spend a celebratory weekend together for the greater good: his, yours, and the communities.
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