Sunday’s second annual Cove to Clover 5k fundraiser race for the Highline Area Food Bank and Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence raised “around $35,000,” according to race organizer John Nelson.

To put this in perspective, last year’s inaugural race brought in $12,000, which, at the time, was a “huge surprise,” according to Mike Werle, Executive Director of the food bank.

Some interesting anecdotes about the race itself:

• The first Unicyclist to ever complete the course was Kevin Williams.
  

  Unicyclist Kevin Williams rolls up Snake Hill.

• The oldest runner was Clyde Sparks, 74, of Normandy Park.
• Four 69-year olds also finished:
  • Robb Shirley, Seattle
  • Jack Freeman, Seattle
  • Penney Hall, Normandy Park
  • Jan Drago, Seattle – King County Councilmember who fired the starting gun in Normandy Park!
• There was a four-way tie for youngest, registered at Age “0″ (we’re pretty sure these kids were all in strollers, so thanks Moms!):
  • Phyllis Ahlerdice, of Seattle
  • Anuraag Sanga, of Burien
  • Yvetti Garcia, of Burien
  • Karen Hartrig, of Seahurst

Over 1,000 runners were registered for the race, and here’s a link to the results, which are searchable:

OnlineRaceResults.com

On a day when even a 6′4″ “Snake” couldn’t stop them, over 1,000 runners ran the second annual Cove to Clover 5k fundraiser race for the Highline Area Food Bank on Sunday afternoon, March 14.

The race started at the Normandy Park Community Club at 1pm sharp when King County Councilmember Jan Drago fired a starting pistol. Soon, the front-runners encountered Snake Hill, which separated the wheat from the chaff.

It was on Snake Hill when John Timeus, 25, of Kent, the overall winner, took control and never looked back. He crossed the finish line at Burien Town Square in an impressive 18 minutes and 55 seconds.

Second place went to 50-year Normandy Park runner Ray Prentice, who clocked in at 20:38. Not bad for a 50-year old.

The top female runner was Elsa Natal, 31, of Seattle with a 22:58 time.

Here are the overall winners as posted at the finish line:

1. John Timeus, Kent, 25/M 18:55
2. Ray Preintice, Normandy Park, 50/M 20:38
3. Paul Huynh Normandy Park, 18/M 20:49
   
4. Matt Parker, Burien 30/M 21:17
5. Nicholas Deisler, Seattle 26/M 21:56
6. Garrick Hughes Normandy Park, 26/M 22:02
   
7. Jason Ireland, Langley, 36/M 22:18
8. A.Z. Satterfield Normandy Park, 17/M 22:23
9. Mike Fosberg, Burien, 45/M 22:31
10. Joe Baisch, Seattle, 27/M 22:39

WOMEN:

1. Elsa Natal, Seattle, 31/F 22:58
2. Carmen Storer, Des Moines, 25/F 23:27
3. Cassie Marino, Des Moines , 25/F 24:44
4. Natalie D’Amico, Burien, 23/F 25:15
5. Cindy Sagmoen, Burien, 42/F 26:00
6. Dini Peneda, Seattle, 31/F 26:05
7. Robin Donocan, Seattle, 28/F 26:10
8. Donna Sullivan-Dyrdal, Burien, 54/F 26:21
9. Gina Mutter, Normandy Park, 43/F 26:34
10. Sandi Rowden, Burien, 45/F 26:34

Here’s our first batch of pics, shot by Michael Brunk at the finish line:

We’ll be posting more photos, results and stories throughout the day (and most likely over the next few days), so be sure to check back often.

Within a few days we’ll also post a link to a photo “pool” with every single pic we shot at the race – there’s a good chance you’re in there if you ran the race, and you’ll be able to download high-res, printable pics for no charge, as a gift from The B-Town Blog!

The organizers of Sunday’s Cove to Clover 5K fundraiser race for the Highline Area Food Bank want our Readers to know that there’s a “Last Gasp” registration and packet pickup this Saturday, March 13th from 5pm – 8pm at Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub in Burien.

This “last gasp” is intended for already-registered runners to get their shiny new race numbers, timing chop and t-shirt (if you registered early enough that is…), as well as for new runners to register and save the $5 race day fee increase.

That’s right – if you haven’t registered, don’t worry – you can do so at this event, and according to their website:

Don’t expect to get a shirt until after our post-race t-shirt order goes in but you can still avoid the $5 race day fee increase.

We don’t order gobs of extra shirts to insure we give every dollar we can to the food bank at the end of the day.

You will walk out with a race # and a timing chip.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Cove to Clover “Last Gasp” Registration & Packet Pickup

WHEN: Saturday, March 13th from 5pm – 8pm

WHERE: Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub, located at 435 SW 152nd Street • Burien • 206.246.2473.

INFO: From their website:

Registered?
Come on in and get your shiny new race number, timing chip and shirt (if you registered early enough).

You’ll be stylin in the morning when you board the shuttle at Mick’s in the morning already sporting your number and cool snake shirt

Not Registered?
Don’t expect to get a shirt until after our post-race t-shirt order goes in but you can still avoid the $5 race day fee increase.  We don’t order gobs of extra shirts to insure we give every dollar we can to the food bank at the end of the day.  You will walk out with a race # and a timing chip.

Avoid the race day rush!

Last Friday night (Mar. 5), the Cove to Clover race organizers held a “Student Limerick Throwdown” contest for area students at Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub. Each school in the Highline School District was eligible to submit one entry, with the winner earning $500.

If you haven’t seen the snake posters around yet, the Cove to Clover is a 5k fundraiser run for the Highline Area Food Bank, and it takes place this Sunday, March 14th beginning at Noon at the Normandy Park Community Club (full details here, including how to register).

The winning entry was selected by an “Official Limerick Selection Panel” composed of three non-partisan judges – Normandy Park Councilman Shawn McEvoy, Normandy Park Mayor George Hadley and “A Place for Pets” Owner Kevin Foxen. The winner of the competition was Marvista Elementary 4th 5th Grader Molly Marquis, whose entry we publish below:

The snake is back and we all cheer.
Cove to Clover is finally here
Tiny leprechauns dance
in their jiggly pants.
The race ends with lots of rootbeer!

Marvista decided to give the $500 winnings directly to Molly’s classroom to spend any way they want (with help from their teacher, Mrs. Brossard).

Other schools representing in the throwdown included Bow Lake, Gregory Heights and St. Francis.

Molly’s winning entry will also be read aloud to inspire runners immediately prior to the 5k race start, which is this Sunday, March 14th at Noon – full race details are available here.

The second annual “Cove To Clover” fundraiser 5K race will be Sunday, March 14th, winding its way from the Normandy Park Community Club up the dreaded “snake hill” to the finish line in front of Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub.

What better way to prepare for the March 14th “Cove to Clover” 5k fundraiser run than by crawling in the fundraiser Pub Crawl on Friday, March 12th, where participants can feel good about going from pub to pub to help benefit the Highline Area Food Bank?

That’s right – there just isn’t a better way, so be sure to mark your calendars for 6pm+ Friday March 12th for what is sure to make a “great excuse for your poor upcoming performance on Snake Hill, with only one day to recover.”

For a $10 donation, you’ll get a commemorative keepsake bib qualifying you for “crawl” specials (our fave is the $1 bag of chips at the Hobnobber!), along with a passport and a map. Your goal will be to collect visitation stamps on your passport from at least five of the 13 official crawl stops (see the list below, which includes specials at each). Your stamped passport will serve as your entry to the door prize drawing @ 11 pm at Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub.

And if this Pub Crawl is anything like the now-legendary Brat Trot one from last October, be prepared for one of the best nights in Burien you’ve ever had; just be sure to have a designated driver or a safe way to get home if you plan to imbibe.

Keep in mind also that you need not drink alcohol at every pub – you can just ask to get your passport stamped!

Here are the details:

WHAT: The 2010 Cove to Clover Pub Crawl fundraiser benefiting the Highline Area Food Bank.

WHEN: Friday, March 12th beginning at 6pm.

WHERE: Starts at Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub at 6pm, with an 11pm return time for prize drawings.

COST: $10 donation gets you a commemorative, keepsake bib, which you’ll wear proudly as you “crawl” from pub to pub.

INFO: From the C2C website:

PLEASE DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE!! PRE-PLAN YOUR RIDE HOME OR HAVE A DESIGNATED DRIVER

Enjoy “crawl specials” offered at each official stop.

You can also expect special entertainment on the route.

Collect at least 5 official crawl stamps and you’ll qualify for the door prize drawing at Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub @ 11pm. (must be present to win).

All proceeds will benefit the Highline Area Food Bank.

Best Leprechaun Contest: Gift certificates to Mick Kelly’s for 1st ($100), 2nd ($75) and 3rd ($50).

For you Normandy Parkers: Consider riding the free shuttle from Normandy Park’s Archery Bistro. Check in with them (website here) for the schedule and shuttle stops. While they are not an official crawl stop, we understand they will be offering a specials during and prior to the first run into Burien. You can park you car there and let them do the driving. You’ll also be able to purchase an official crawl number at Archery Bistro, in case you decide to make this your launching point.

Here are the 13 designated pub crawl stops – remember, you only have to get stamped at five of ‘em:

Specials:

• $3 Draft beer
• $4.50 House Wine
• Food Special

Specials:

• $2 PBR Tall Boys $2 Bacardi Silver Bottles
• $3 Giant Pizza by the Slice

Entertainment:

• Three Tree Point Blues Band 9P

Specials:

• Free Espresso Shot

Specials:

• Free Wine Taste
• Free Menu Taste

Specials:

• $3 House Beer
• $3 Apps off Happy Hour Menu

FILIBERTO’S

Specials:

• $2 Draft Beer
• 1/2 price Calamari and pizza

Entertainment:

• RLS Band

Specials:

• $2 Budweiser
• $1 Bag of Chips!

Specials:

• $5 House Margarita
• $5 Tacos (3 Beef or Chicken Tacos)

Entertainment:

• Live Mariachi Band at 6:30

Specials:

• $2 beer
• $4 sangiovese
• $1 Pizza slices

Specials:

• Sour Apple Jello Shots $2
• Irish Potato and Banger Stew $3

Entertainment:

• Cornerstone

Specials:

• $3 Alaskan Amber Pints

Specials:

• $2 Irish Nut Brown Ales
• Corned beef sliders

Specials:

• $6 Wine by the Glass

More info available at the Cove Clover Pub Crawl website.

And if you haven’t yet registered for the 5k run, click here.

Two costumed “Leprechauns,” along with two Cove to Clover organizers, “crashed” Monday night’s Burien City Council meeting to chide councilmembers to register for the March 14th 5k fundraiser race for the Highline Area Food Bank.

So far though, only one city employee has registered – councilmember Lucy Krakowiak, who was rewarded with a commemorative snake last night.

As we reported Feb. 25th, this friendly registration “challenge” is being thrown down to the City of Burien in an attempt to offset city fees that are being charged to stage the charitable, non-profit, local fundraising event that’s being organized by a 100% volunteer committee.

And now, some eight days after the challenge was first issued, there’s still only one city employee/councilmember registered.

Here are some pics taken at last night’s leprechaun crashing:

For more information on the March 14th Cove to Clover 5k fundraiser race, including how you can register, click here to visit its website.

The organizers of Cove to Clover, the 5k fundraiser race for the Highline Area Food Bank coming March 14th, are issuing a “friendly challenge” to the City of Burien, including councilmembers and city employees, to sign-up to offset city fees that are being charged to stage the event.

Fees that are not being charged by the other city involved in the race, Normandy Park.

Did we mention that this event is a fundraiser, and last year raised $12,000 for the Highline Area Food Bank?

And that John Nelson, the main organizer, is one of four recipients for the City of Burien’s 2010 Citizen Community Leader awards being presented March 6th?

And did we mention that the City of Normandy Park is NOT charging any city fees for the event, which starts at their Community Club, so they have not been challenged?

Oh yeah, I guess we did.

Here’s the “friendly challenge” language from the Cove to Clover website:

Burien City Council: You just got served!

Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Council members,

Thanks for listening to my request last night to waive some fees for the race. I now understand that the fees can’t be waived and have been given some sage advice about how to offset these fees in future year.

However, for this year I have a proposal.

I happened to be at the NP Council Meeting when Rose Clark issued a friendly challenge to the Normandy Park Council to enter a team for the very worthy Relay for Life.

Since I’m new to this game, I’m stealing a play from your own playbook. From Normandy Park, I’m issuing my own friendly challenge to the Burien City Council and City Staff.

I’m challenging every member of the council to secure at least 2 registrations for the 2010 Cove to Clover. I especially encourage you to personally walk or run the race yourselves and to bring a new friend. It will be a lot of fun and I’d love to see our leaders all out there partaking in the goodness.

When you find a victim that is willing to register, make sure they enter “BTOWN” in the “Reg Code” field of the online or paper entry form to get official challenge credit. You can make an extra donation to the cause while registering which will also go to the challenge. You can pick up a paper form at Mick Kelly’s or register at www.covetoclover.com.

For your convenience, I setup a webpage to track the progress of the challenge (www.covetoclover.com/btown). It will be updated daily.

I know your team can do this and will have fun in the process.

Thanks for your consideration,
John Nelson

PS: Next year, we can get NP and Burien into a head-to-head competition but I’ve learned to take baby steps first.

Click here to see how much the City has raised so far (updated nightly).

[EDITOR'S NOTE: as of 6pm Thurs. Feb. 25th, the total amount raised by the City of Burien = $0.00].

To register and for all the race info, visit www.covetoclover.com.

It’ll be interesting to see if, and how, the City of Burien will respond…

• Will they suddenly find a way to waive the fees?
• Will city employees suddenly sign-up en masse?
• Will we see Mayor McGilton and Mike Martin running down SW 152nd?

We’ll keep ya posted…

Highline School District students (and others) can earn money for area schools by participating in the 2010 Cove to Clover 5K race, which is coming to the Burien area Sunday, March 14th (read our previous coverage here).

The Grand Prize will be $1,500, donated to the winning school. The winning school will be determined by which one has the highest percentage of registrants compared to the school’s total enrollment – $5 will be donated to each school whose name is entered into the “Registration Code” for online registrants (and every registrant must enter a code).

Entries must be received by 11:59pm Monday, March 1st (two weeks before race day, which is March 14th) to be counted toward a school’s total.

Here are the details of how you can help area schools:

School Registration Contest: $1,500 Grand Prize (donated to winning school)

Here’s the Daily Scoreboard, which is updated daily with the most current standings:

Current School Registration Status (updated nightly)

Burien’s annual “Empty Bowls” fundraiser for the Highline Area Food Bank is coming to Moshier Community Art Center Friday, Jan. 29th, with both a lunch and dinner serving, along with one-of-a-kind original bowls handcrafted by area Potters.

This is always a great, fun and fulfilling event involving great food, art and fundraising for Burien’s hungry, and you can bet The B-Town Blog will be there.

Here are the details:

WHAT: “Empty Bowls” fundraiser for the Highline Area Food Bank

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 29th:

• 11am – 2pm: Lunch
• 4pm – 8pm: Dinner

WHERE: Moshier Community Art Center, located at 430 South 156th, Burien

COST: Just $10 donation, which will get you both a good solid meal AND a work of art in the form of a beautiful handmade bowl!

INFO: From their flier:

JOIN US FOR A MEAL AND HELP FIGHT HUNGER IN OUR COMMUNITY!

Friday, January 29, 2010

Lunch served 11:00 AM-2:00 PM

Dinner served 4:00-8:00 PM

Moshier Community Art Center, 430 S 156th, Burien

$10 (minimum) Donation

Proceeds to benefit Highline Food Bank

Moshier Community Art Center Potters have teamed up with the Highline Food Bank and Discover Burien to bring you Empty Bowls 2010. Empty Bowls events can be found around the country raising money to combat hunger in our communities. Potters have donated bowls to be filled with soup at this fun event…all are invited!

Your $10 (minimum) donation will get you the opportunity to pick out a beautiful handmade bowl, as well as a simple but wonderful meal of soup, bread, dessert and drink; all donated by local businesses. 90% of proceeds go to the Highline Food Bank, which serves over 750 area families per month, and 10% will go to provide art programming for low income youth.

www.MoshierArtCenter.org or phone: (206) 988-3700

Here’s a video we shot at least year’s event, where over 800 participants helped raise over $10,000 (let’s break that record this year!):

Burien’s annual “Polar Bear Plunge” will take place this Friday, Jan. 1st at Noon on the beach at Three Tree Point, and this year it’s also going to serve as a fundraiser for the Highline Area Food Bank!

The event is open to anyone who wants to brave the chilly 45-degree Puget Sound waters as well as donate at least 2 cans or boxes of non-perishable food items, or $5 cash, all of which will go directly to our needy neighbors who utilize the Highline Food Bank.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Burien’s annual “Polar Bear Plunge” at Three Tree Point

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 1st at Noon.

WHERE: In the 3500 block of SW 172nd, along the beach of Three Tree Point – look for a bonfire and a group of shivering people having second thoughts.

INFO: If you can, please bring 2 boxes/cans of non-perishable food, or $5 cash as a donation to the Highline Area Food Bank.

Here’s a video we shot last year, which includes our exclusive POV Polar Bear Plunge camera as shot by Andy Kleitsch, one of the organizers:

Get the Flash Player to see this player.

WARNING – according to various medical sources:

A “Polar Bear Plunge” (aka cold water swimming) isn’t for everyone, as sudden immersion in very cold water can result in an involuntary gasp followed by 1 – 3 minutes of involuntary hyperventilation. This hyperventilation results in a profound lowering of blood carbon dioxide levels and a raising of blood pH levels.

Rapid cooling of the skin triggers various heart and breathing responses. The heart rate can increase by 50% and blood pressure increase can increase to 175/93. Although a substantial strain on the heart, these changes are not likely to be a problem for a healthy, fit person but may be dangerous for those with underlying heart disease or hypertension.

Photo courtesy Erin Hovland.

B-Town Blog Advertiser Market Place Salon and Day Spa recently went a cut above to help raise money for the Highline Area Food Bank.

Owner Daniel Keane (pictured left, holding some freshly-cut locks) and staff were invited to do haircuts to help raise money for Albertson’s holiday bucks promotion. They set up a chair and cutting station right in the front of the store.

“All day long they were cutting hair for donations,” said Rashelle Lee, Albertson’s Customer Satisfaction Manager. “We had a fantastic time and helped out the food bank as well.”

$500 in donations was raised over seven hours to help Burien’s needy neighbors!

Here are some pics from the event:

The Burien/White Center Rotary Club is holding a Food Bank Benefit concert featuring the Boeing Employees Choir on Friday, Dec. 4th at 7:30pm at the Highline Performing Arts Center.

All proceeds from this show will benefit both the Highline and White Center Food Banks.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Burien/White Center Rotary fundraiser concert featuring the Boeing Employees Choir

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 4th beginning at 7:30pm

WHERE: Highline Performing Arts Center, located next to Highline High School at 401 S. 152nd St., Burien.

COST: Please bring non-perishable food donations to help feed your hungry neighbors during the holidays!

INFO: From the Boeing Employees Choir website:

A good cause, and a great venue, the Burien/White Center Rotary Club has asked us to put on a concert for the Burien community in order to collect non-perishable food items for the local Food Banks.

Bring a food donation and bring a friend!

And forward this invite so we can pack the house and the food bank!

The Boeing Employees Choir is a concert choral group serving as The Boeing Company’s ambassador in song, sharing the gift of music with audiences in the Puget Sound Region of Washington State – as well as throughout the world. The choir has existed since the early 1940s. Today, we make about 25 appearances each year.

Composed primarily of Boeing employees, retirees and their families, our choir is a 501c(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization.

The Burien/White Center Rotary Club, founded in 1955, has a long and rich history of service to the community.

Over this 50+ year duration, club members have volunteered countless hours of service and generated hundreds of thousands of dollars which have been distributed back into the community.

For more information, visit their website here.

The B-Town Blog is proud to announce “Have A Heart,” a very special Food Bank Fundraiser Blog Party on Tuesday, Dec. 8th, at The Tin Cellars!

This one will be focused on raising money and food donations for the Highline Area Food Bank, which serves Burien.

The night of food bank fundraisin’ blog partyin’ fun will begin at 6pm and continue ’til whenever at The Tin Cellars, the brand spankin’ new bar next to the Tin Room, located at 923 SW 152nd in Olde Burien.

The Highline Area Food Bank has been serving about 850 families a month, and is in need of more donations. It serves Burien clients north of 192nd Street and south of 116th Street, from Pacific Highway/International Boulevard/Military Road west to Puget Sound. Of those served, 42 percent are adults, 18 percent are seniors, 38 percent are children, and 2 percent are infants to age 2.

Suggested donation will be two cans/boxes of non-perishable food, $5 cash or whatever you can afford (including larger donations).

Here are the details:

WHAT: “Have A Heart,” The B-Town Blog’s Annual Food Bank Fundraisin’ Blog Party

WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 8th from 6pm on

WHERE: The Tin Cellars, next to The Tin Room Bar at 923 SW 152nd in Olde Burien

COST: Suggested donation of two cans/boxes of non-perishable food or $5 cash or whatever you can afford. All proceeds will go directly to the Highline Area Food Bank (HAFB).

Here’s a list of items needed by the HAFB:

• Canned Veggies & Fruit
• Soup
• Tomato Sauce
• Yams
• Cranberry sauce
• Olives
• Meats
• Milk
• Crackers
• Mac & cheese
• Jam
• Peanut Butter
• Pumpkin
• Toiletries

INFO: This will be our 5th-ever “Blog Party,” and we hope that you can make it whether you’ve been to one before or not.

We’ll be demonstrating the BTB, doing live updates, taking pics and much more, including some great surprises…

by Ralph Nichols

While the number of families seeking help from the Highline Area Food Bank in Burien increased by 17 percent during the first six months of 2009, food donations are down by more than 30 percent.

“In this recession, we’re hurt the most by the lack that kind of giving,” said Mike Werle, executive director of the Highline Food Bank. “At every food drive for the past year and a half, the poundage of donated food has been going down.”

Werle notes that 380 pounds of food were donated during Prudential’s food drive in Burien on Oct. 1, compared to 780 pounds last year.

Yet, he adds, “We’re doing better than some food banks.”

This fall, the Highline Area Food Bank has been serving about 850 families a month.

Located at 18300 4th Ave South, the bank distributes food to clients on Tuesdays from 12 to 2:30 p.m., Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and the second Tuesday of each month from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

The value of donated food distributed last year topped $1,042,980. Food donations come from supermarkets, smaller stores and food outlets, and individual donors. Day-old and damaged goods come from:

• Fred Meyer
• Safeway
• Albertson’s
• Three Starbucks
• Little Ceasar’s
• Mud Bay pet store
• Bartell Drug in Burien
• QFC in Normandy Park
• Safeway and Gai’s Bakery in SeaTac

In addition to financial donations from individuals, businesses and churches, the food bank receives grants from federal, state and city governments, King County, United Way, and FEMA.

Financial donations, which Werle said “are way up” even as food donations are down, are essential to the food bank’s mission. “The purchase of food is essential to our ability to give out a nutritionally balanced unit of service to our clients.”

The Highline Area Food Bank serves clients north of 192nd Street and south of 116th Street, from Pacific Highway/International Boulevard/Military Road west to Puget Sound. Of those served, 42 percent are adults, 18 percent are seniors, 38 percent are children, and 2 percent are infants to age 2.

Clients come from Burien (65%), SeaTac (20.5%), Normandy Park (4.5%), and unincorporated King County (4%). Six percent say they are homeless.

The food bank negotiated a 25-year lease at its present facility, the former Manhattan Community Center, which Werle calls “a heck of a deal.” It opened there in 1996 and since has added 40-foot and 20-foot insulated containers and a 12 foot by 24 foot walk-in cooler and freezer for an on-site storage capacity of about 60,000 pounds of food.

“On average,” he says, “we go through 50,000 to 65,000 pounds of food a month.

The large storage capacity gives the Highline food bank the ability to accept large donations and then give some to other food banks if they can’t use all of some items.

Werle says Highline and other area food banks adopted in 2001 a list of foods, which was reviewed and revised slightly by nutritionists from the University of Washington, to provide clients a “standard minimum unit of service.”

Clients self-select from a standard list of items at the food bank, with the variety depending on what has been donated. Once a month their minimum unit includes milk, meat, peanut butter, cereal, soup, canned fruit and vegetables, rice, beans and Jell-o.

Once a week they can get fresh fruits and vegetables, potatoes and onions, bread and other baked goods, baby food, nutritional supplements – and pet food when it’s been donated.

For Thanksgiving and Christmas, which Werle describes as “special giving,” more than 400 families will be served before each day with holiday foods as well as some of the regular food items that are distributed.

At Christmas, donated toys will be given to the children of clients at the John Knox Presbyterian Church fellowship hall in Normandy Park.

After the holidays, he says, “the need continues,” but donations decline sharply from early January until May, when the U.S. Postal Service holds its annual carrier food drive at “the best time of year for that to happen.”

In addition to providing food for clients in need, the Highline Area Food Bank also serves new people from outside the area for that day and refers them to the food bank closest to their home, helps people sign up for DSHS services and rental and energy assistance.

Twice a month, a United Way worker comes in to help them sign up for food stamps and summer nutritional programs for kids.

There’s no question that the Highline Area Food Bank could use some help this season; here’s how YOU can lend a hand:

• Send checks made out to Highline Area Food Bank and mail to:

Highline Area Food Bank
P.O. Box 66427
Burien, WA 98166

(you can also place checks into the drop box located at the Normandy Park QFC)

• Drop by the Burien Albertsons any Saturday or Sunday between 10am and 2pm and buy some “Turkey Bucks,” which come in $1, $5 and $10 denominations. Turkey Bucks are converted in to actual, hot Complete Holiday Meals for people in the Highline community to enjoy on Thanksgiving Day (which, by the way, is Thursday Nov. 26th).

• Drop non-perishable food off at Page2Books (15706 1st Ave South; 206-248-7248‎) which delivers to the Food Bank every Tuesday. Also, on Saturday (Nov. 14th) they are donating ALL proceeds from their $1 Book Cart to the Food Bank.

• Come to The B-Town Blog’s “Food Bank Blog Party” on Tuesday night, Dec. 8th at The Tin Room in Olde Burien! Stay tuned for more details soon…

For more information, visit the food bank’s website here.

Photo and Story by Scott Schaefer

On Sunday afternoon (4/19) an oversized check for $12,000 was presented to (from left), Mike Werle, Executive Director of the Highline Area Food Bank, along with Normandy Park Mayor Shawn McEvoy, from Mick Purdy, co-owner of Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub, and John Nelson, Organizer of the event.

Despite requests from passersby, there was no evidence of an oversized deposit slip, nor any visible signs of Ed McMahon.

It was all part of a celebration that was held at BTB Advertiser Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub Sunday for volunteers who helped make March 15th’s first-ever “Cove to Clover” 5k run such a huge success. Free food and beverages were provided by the popular Irish Pub, which is quickly becoming the de facto fundraising headquarters of Burien (Mick’s holds at least one major fundraiser per quarter).

“The total raised was a huge surprise,” said Mike Werle, Executive Director of the Highline Area Food Bank. “I was hoping for maybe $5,000 tops, but when Mick told me the final tally, I was amazed. Just amazed.”

The $12,000 raised was the most raised for the Highline Food Bank from one event over the last year, eclipsing February’s “Empty Bowls” fundraiser, which raised nearly $11,000.

As we first reported April 11th, monetary donations for the Highline Food Bank are actually up this year, while food donations are down, and the number of families served has increased by 27%, from 720 per month to 900.

If you and your business wants to help collect food or have a fundraiser for the food bank, call Mike Werle at 206-433-9900 and he’ll be happy to have your participation as a Highline Food Bank drop-off point or bring a barrel to your fundraiser.

Mike is looking forward to the National Letter Carriers food drive on May 9th. Every year Highline Food Bank receives 20,000-30,000 pounds of food from Burien neighbors. To participate, all you have to do is leave non-perishable food donations at your mailbox on that date.

Next year’s “Cove to Clover” run is already scheduled for Sunday, March 14, 2010, so be sure to mark your calendars and start training now! More information, as well as numerous shout-outs to local sponsors, can be seen at the updated “Cove to Clover” website, which has this groovy poster artwork:

[NOTE: This posting is for the 2009 Cove to Clover race; for the most recent info on the 2010 race, click here]

The first-ever “Cove to Clover” 5K Run (despite the sign, and us earlier, calling it “Clove to Clover”), a benefit for the Highline Area Food Bank, will take place this Sunday morning, March 15 2009, starting at the Normandy Park Beach Cove and ending at Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub in downtown Burien, and here are some important notes:

• The entire race course will close at different times during the race, so check out the map below and plan accordingly if you’re driving anywhere between The Cove and Mick Kelly’s Sunday morning:

<a href=”http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/wa/seattle/401972419541″ mce_href=”http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/wa/seattle/401972419541″>01/24/2009 Route</a><br/><a href=”http://www.mapmyrun.com/find-run/united-states/wa/seattle” mce_href=”http://www.mapmyrun.com/find-run/united-states/wa/seattle”>Find more Runs in Seattle, Washington</a>

If you’re planning on registering for the race, there’s still time to do so online at the Clove to Clover website – but the deadline is 11pm Friday March 13th, and 5K entrants will be limited to 250.

RACE DETAILS:

• Race-day packets can be picked up at race start area (for the Kid’s Race at St. Francis, for 5K at the Cove).
• RACE-DAY REGISTRATION WILL ONLY BE CONDUCTED AT THE 5K START LINE AND WILL BE CLOSED AT 10:45 AM.
• KID’S RACE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO RACE DAY.
• Kids, you can now look forward to your very own “Root Beer Garden,” sponsored by Goody Gumdrops and featuring FREE root beer.
• 5K Start Line @ The Cove (begins promptly at 11:00 AM):

Normandy Park Community Club
1500 SW Shorebrook Drive
Normandy Park, WA 98166

• Snake Hill Shuttle loads at the 5K Start Line at 11:10am (line up behind the 5K runners). The boarding area will be at the Start Line after all runners have left the area. Those pre-paid riders should line up behind the runners wave. Shuttle drop-off will be at the Gregory Heights Pool (1st Water Station) which is approximately 2 miles from the finish line on relatively flat ground! Perfect for walkers who want to support the cause.
• Family Race Start Line (begins promptly at 11:45 AM):

St. Francis of Assisi Church
2103 SW 152nd St
Burien, WA 98166

• Awards for 12 and under only in the Kid’s Race. However, parents are encouraged to run with their kids and all entries are welcomed.
• Finish Line (and Mick Kelly’s Beer Garden):

Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub
435 SW 152nd Avenue
Burien, WA 98166

• Award Ceremony to follow the race at the finish line ASAP.

Here’s a map of the starting line near the Normandy Park Cove:

And as if that isn’t enough info for ya, here’s a video of the entire course, from start to finish (minus the doubling over from “Snake Hill” and drinking at Mick Kelly’s afterwards) shot by resident Francis Doniego:

More information available at the Clove to Clover website.

800 people raised over $10K for the Highline Food Bank at last Friday's "Empty Bowls" fundraiser, held at the Moshier Arts Center.

Gina Kallman, Cultural Arts Supervisor for Burien Parks emailed us this great news – last Friday’s “Empty Bowls” fundraiser for the Highline Area Food Bank brought in 800 diners and raised $10,613!

Here’s some snippets from her email:

In four short years we have created an amazing community event that this year brought in 800 people and raised $10,613.00 for the Highline Food Bank!!

A big thank you to:

• Debra George and the Mark Restaurant who did an amazing job procuring all the food and paper products and baked 1,200 cookies!
• Moshier potters who made over 1,200 bowls
• Puget Sound Skills Center students for baking 1,200 yummy rolls and soup too
• Burien’s generous businesses for donating 75 gallons of great soup
• Moshier studio artists for moving their spaces to give us space for the event
• Burien Little Theatre for the decorations
• Discover Burien for printing the posters
• Jini O’ Flynn for her lovely harp music
• And last, but definitely not least, all of you, our wonderful volunteers, who cleaned, served, greeted, organized, photographed, heated, took money, washed bowls, and more to make the event run so smoothly!

And if you didn’t see it already, here’s a video we put together with some highlights from Friday’s lunch crowd:

We volunteered during the lunch session of Friday’s annual “Empty Bowls” fundraiser for the Highline Area Food Bank, and just couldn’t resist shooting the following video:

If it’s before 8pm Friday Jan. 30th, you still have time to get a dang fine soup meal for just $10, which includes an original artist-made bowl you get to pick out yourself – just get up to the Moshier Art Center ASAP and help your hungry neighbors!

View Larger Map

[NOTE: This posting is for the 2009 Cove to Clover race; for the most recent info on the 2010 race, click here]

NOTE: Results of Sunday’s “Cove to Clover” race, as well as photos, are available here.

A “brand spankin’ new” St. Patrick’s Day run called “Cove to Clover” is coming up Sunday, March 15th, starting at the Normandy Park Community Club (“The Cove”) and finishing at BTB Advertiser Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub (complete with a beer garden to quench those thirsty legs).

There will also be a mile long kid’s race beginning at “The Bean” espresso stand St. Francis of Assisi Church and ending at Mick Kelly’s. Please note that registration for the Kid’s Race will take place at The Cove in Normandy Park.

The race will be held on Sunday, March 15 @ 11 am on the same day as Seattle’s massive Patty’s Day Dash. This race will be a refreshingly smaller alternative to what the Paddy’s Day Dash has become. Beware though, this annual race will surely become infamous because the first mile is all uphill and attains 800 vertical feet; locals know it as “Snake Hill”.

Here are the details:

WHAT: “Cove to Clover” 5K Run & Kids’ Race

WHEN: Sunday, March 15th starting at 11am

WHERE: Starts at the Normandy Park Beach Cove and ends at Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub (see actual route map below).

INFO: You can get more information and register online at www.covetoclover.com, or contact John Nelson (jonelson@adobe.com) the race director for more info about the race if you’d like.

All proceeds will benefit the Highline Area Food Bank.

If you’re not into that much suffering a “hill shuttle” option will be offered when you register.

5K Start Line (begins promptly at 11:00 AM):

Normandy Park Community Club (“The Cove”)
1500 SW Shorebrook Drive
Normandy Park, WA 98166

Snake Hill Shuttle loads at the 5K Start Line at 11:10 am (line up behind the 5K runners):

The boarding area will be at the Start Line after all runners have left the area. Those pre-paid riders (registration option) should line up behind the runners wave. Shuttle drop-off will be at the Gregory Heights Pool (1st Water Station) which is approximately 2 miles from the finish line on relatively flat ground!

Perfect for walkers who want to support the cause.

1-Mile Kids Race Start Line (begins promptly at 11:45 AM):

St. Francis of Assisi Church
2103 SW 152nd St
Burien, WA 98166

The organizers promise bag piping on the course to boot, so come out and support the community (or at least quaff a pint and pretend you ran the entire race).

<a href=”http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/wa/seattle/401972419541″ mce_href=”http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/wa/seattle/401972419541″>01/24/2009 Route</a><br/><a href=”http://www.mapmyrun.com/find-run/united-states/wa/seattle” mce_href=”http://www.mapmyrun.com/find-run/united-states/wa/seattle”>Find more Runs in Seattle, Washington</a>

The Burien/White Center Rotary Club will host their 2nd Annual Casino Night & Auction at the Brockey Center at South Seattle Community College (map below) on Saturday, February 7th at 4:30pm.

Tickets are $65 per person or $600 for a table of 10.

This event is the organization’s primary fundraiser for the year and helps them support several local nonprofit organizations such as:

• Highline Area Food Bank
  
• White Center Food Bank
• Westside Baby
• The Hi-Liners
• Miss Burien Pageant
• Highline Hospital Foundation
• YMCA
• New Futures
• Many others

To donate an auction item or to purchase a ticket please call Rick Jump at 206.351.6739.

To be included in the catalog items must be received by January 29th.

View Larger Map

BTB Advertiser El Dorado West Retirement Community tells us they’re working to help the White Center Food Bank this month by placing a “Giving Tree” in their front lobby.

Everyone is invited to pick a card from the tree and purchase a gift or give cash donations for that person, then bring the gift back to be placed underneath it.

El Dorado is also partnering with the Evergreen High School Football Team’s “Wolverines” to be Santa’s Helpers.

The “Giving Tree” will be in the front lobby of El Dorado West through December 31st, so everyone has plenty of time to participate. You can stop by El Dorado during business hours – they’re located at 1010 SW 134th Street, at the corner of Amnbaum and SW 134th in Burien (map below).

“The Wolverines” will be delivering the gifts to the Senior Patrons of the WCFB on January 8th.

In March of ‘08 the WCFB implemented a “Seniors Only Day” for those over 60. Senior clients can receive food that helps them meet their unique dietary needs and builds in special social time.

Every month residents of El Dorado West volunteer during this time by serving coffee in what they call “Seniors Helping Seniors.”

And remember, food banks are really feeling the pinch of the recession, so any donation you can make is most appreciated, especially by your hungry neighbors.

Here’s how to reach both of our local food banks:

• White Center Food Bank
  10829 8th Ave SW
  Seattle WA 98146
  (206) 762-2848
  Donate directly online here
• Highline Area Food Bank
  18300 4th Ave S
  Burien, WA 98148
  Phone: (206) 433-9900

The video above (courtesy BTB Reader Hope Kerkof) shows how 24 students from the 5th grade class at Shorewood Christian School helped out the Highline Area Food Bank on Tuesday, Nov. 25th.

The 5th graders volunteered their time and helped hand out food at the Highline Area Food Bank in Burien.  They came prepared and brought with them a huge collection of stuffed animals to hand out to children at the food bank as well.

Mike Werle, Director of the Burien-Highline Food Bank explained that the food shortage is growing worse:

“Food drives are down and there is less poundage of food coming into the bank.  We’ve had about a 30% increase in the number of people that come in here per day.  The number of people seem to grow daily. The number one reason people are saying they are coming to the food bank is they have been laid off from their jobs.  With the current economic conditions, the food shortage at food banks are expected to grow worse as unemployment rises.”

Nicko Morris, a 5th grade student at Shorewood Christian told about his experience that day: “I like giving because I like to see the smiles on the children’s faces. They looked like they were afraid. But when Emily and I gave our toys to the children, you could tell that they were just filled with joy when they reached for the toy. That’s what we all should do! It’s better to give than to receive.”

Rachelle Kerkof, one of the 5th grade girls in the class, “It was fun to see the kids’ faces when I gave them toys. I really enjoyed this experience.”

Mrs. Mary Lesnett, the 5th grade teacher, explained, “This is our 4th year supporting the Burien- Highline Food Bank.  The kids love to get involved and help others.  The experience impacts them greatly.  I’m sure we will be doing this for many years to come.”

“At Shorewood Christian School, our students are involved on a regular basis with giving back to our community and making a difference in this world.  Our students help at food banks, visit nursing homes, clean up streets and yards, and are always involved in some sort of fundraiser for a cause other than themselves.  These are lessons that these students will carry with them for a lifetime.  We want these students to grow up to become world changers.”, says Tim Lorenz, Principal of Shorewood Christian School.

Shorewood Christian School, a ministry of Shorewood Foursquare Church, is located in West Seattle and is currently enrolling pre-K thru 10th grade for the 2009-2010 school year.  For more information you can go to www.ShorewoodChristianSchool.org.

Volunteering at the food bank is a great project for families, schools, and churches to do together.  Not only will you help someone in need, but as the 5th grade students at Shorewood Christian School would tell you, it will make impact your heart and make you feel good too.

The Burien-Highline Area Food Bank is located at 18300 4th Ave South in Burien (map below); phone: (206) 433-9900

[EDITOR'S NOTE: We at both the B-Town and White Center Blogs strongly urge all Readers to pitch in and help this holiday season, as there are more hungry and needy neighbors than ever before. It's easy to help too – we did it on Saturday Nov. 22nd and raised nearly $1,200 – if we can do it, you certainly can!]

View Larger Map

Just a quick note from our friends at the Highline Area Food Bank: Turkey Bucks are available at the Burien Albertsons to help hungry neighbors who might otherwise not have a hot Thanksgiving Day meal to enjoy this year.

Here’s how it works: when you shop at Albertsons (the one just north of 160th on 1st Ave South) simply tell the cashier on your way out that you’d like to purchase some Turkey Bucks.

They come in $1, $5 and $10 denominations.

The great staff and crew there will gather up the funds raised and convert them to actual, hot Complete Holiday Meals for people in the Highline community to enjoy on Thanksgiving Day (which, by the way, is Thursday Nov. 27th).

Distribution of the meals is assisted by the folks at the Highline Area Food Bank.

Needless to say, the demand on food banks nationwide is considerably higher than at this time only a year ago. Last year this program served 107 needy families in our area, and we can almost guarantee that there are even more this year.

So every little bit helps.

Turkey Bucks will be on sale at Albertsons until Nov. 24th.

Questions? Here’s the number for the Highline Area Food Bank:  206-433-9900

Albertsons is located at 15848 1st Ave South, Burien (map below):

View Larger Map

We’ve all seen, heard and felt the rumblings of the roller coaster ride of an economy, job losses and other signs of the apocalypse, but it really hits harder when you find out your own neighbors are going hungry.

The Highline Area Food Bank, which serves most of Burien, is in dire need now, as their supplies have never been lower (EDITOR’S NOTE: Our last “Blog Party” doubled as a fundraiser for both the Highline and White Center Food Banks, but they need more help now!).

Ways you can help:

• Hold your own food drive (see below for details on how to do it)
• Donate cash directly to the food bank (they can get better deals than most so cash is crucial!)
• Volunteer to help at the food bank
• Call them and pitch your own ideas: 206-433-9900

Recently we checked in with Mike Werle, Executive Director, and he gave us this rather sad update:

As we believed a couple months back things were going to get worse.

We normally average about 65-75 family visits every day were open but last week and a half have been crazy as we served 273 family units.

Our supply of food has never been this low before at this time of year so we have had to start spending more money to purchase food. We’ve started to see some local food drives kick in but so far they have generated less food than in years past.

Times are tough all over. I guess if you spread the word on the Blog it would help.

One thing that would help us is more local food drives. It doesn’t take much effort for a group or organization to host one. We already have relationships with most of the local Stores (Fred Meyer, Safeway, Albertsons, QFC, & Grocery Outlet) and they are usually more than willing to allow groups to set up in front of the store to do food drives as long as there is no other conflict that day.

Local businesses might challenge others to see who can collect the most food in a given time frame.  Just a few thoughts.

We are still in need of a pick up route driver on Fridays and Saturday. People interested could call me at the food Bank.

Thanks for interest and keep up the great work on the B-Town Blog.  It’s always a great read and a great source of info.

Mike Werle
HAFB
206-433-9900

The Highline Area Food Bank is located at 18300 4th Ave South in Burien:

View Larger Map