A total of 176 piano keys will be banged on by 20 fingers over two shows in a rather unusual benefit sponsored by Burien’s Three Tree Community Church this Sunday, Dec. 11 – a Dueling Piano Holiday Food Drive!

There will be two shows – 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. – at the church, located at 16261 1st Ave South.

“Come join us for a night of great entertainment brought to you by the performers of Chopstix dueling pianos,” reads a poster.

Songs will be requested by food or cash donations all night, and people are asked to bring their own canned goods, or to purchase some at the show.

There will also be free refreshments, including cheesecakes.

“In 2011 Seattle organizations that support the homeless and people in need have all reported being stretched beyond the abilities of what these food banks or non-profit organizations can handle,” the poster adds.

Suggested donations is 1 canned good per person, and we’re sure more (as well as cash donations) will most happily be accepted.

If you’ve never been to a dueling piano event, get ready – these can be hilarious sing-alongs that will most certainly motivate even the shyest person to join in.

This particular show will benefit the White Center Food Bank and Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission.

Santa John Nielsen follows volunteers to the next delivery during last year

The Burien/Normandy Park Fire Department is seeking donations for their annual “Light Up The Holidays” outreach program for needy families in the area.

Donations of food or toys are being accepted at both the Burien Fire Station (15100 8th Ave SW) and North Highline Fire Station (1243 SW 112th & 1606 S 128th) through Monday, Dec. 19th.

There are also donation barrels located around the area, so look for those as well.

The deadline to give is Monday, Dec. 19th, and all donations will go directly to needy families in the area.

We’re covered this great program before, and here’s a snippet from last year’s story by Michael Brunk:

Organized by firefighter Lt. John Zilke, the fire department works with local businesses and the community to gather food, gifts and cash donations in the months leading up to Christmas. Names of needy families are provided by the Department of Social and Health Services.

The ultimate goal? To make sure that each family on the list has a complete turkey dinner with all the trimmings and gifts for the children in the family.

Here’s a selection of photos I shot throughout the day set to a little holiday music. It’s a pale imitation compared to actually participating in an experience like this, but I hope it contributes something to your own sense of the holiday spirit:

Click to Play the Slideshow

Friend of the blog and Advertiser West Seattle Montessori and West Seattle Academy have been reaching out to the community each month this school year.

“February marks our Blanket Drive,” says the school’s Tara Requa. “Inspired by Morgan Williams, one of our pre-primary students, and her desire to help the nearby homeless stay warm, WSMS & WSA will be collecting clean (new and used) blankets to help keep those in need stay warm this winter.”

Morgan was recently was on a car ride with her parents when she saw someone as she looked out the window.

“I saw a person in a tent near a tunnel,” Morgan told The B-Town Blog. “And I wondered if they could use a blanket.”

She continued: “Then I wondered if a lot more people could use blankets.”

Morgan Williams clutches a donated blanket. The school's blanket drive is inspired by her spotting someone 'living in a tent.' Photo by Mark Neuman.

This week, a collection bin will be located outside the school’s main office for donations from the general public.

“You can give them coats, too!” says Morgan.

“The Burien and Seattle-area community is always welcome to check out our pre-primary through eighth grade programs,” said Tara Requa. “Be sure and let your friends with school-age kids know about us, and to feel free to ask about enrollment.”

The philosophy of the school is “Fostering Independence and Love of Learning.”

West Seattle Montessori & West Seattle Academy
11215 15th Ave SW
Seattle, WA 98146

Phone: 206-935-0427

www.westseattlemontessori.com

Burien native Jerrod Sessler wants our Readers to know that he is spearheading a new venture, called “BTownHelpers” that is aimed at helping local residents in need.

“There is a growing number of people in the Burien community that want to see our country become more healthy,” he said in a statement. “Many of us realize that it starts with one step by each of us and the best place to do that is at home. So a group of people, of which you can join if you choose, is offering to support members of our local community with needs. There is no obligation or sign-up. If you choose to follow the twitter feed (@BtownHelpers) then you can keep up with opportunities to serve.”

Many of our Readers may recall a story we did on Jerrod, who is a cancer survivor of over 10 years.

“The doctors told me it was terminal. And here I am now,” he told us in September, 2009.

So he knows a thing or two about needing help, and helping in return.

Jerrod Sessler

Jerrod adds:

The holidays always bring opportunities to serve and we have helped by adopting families, giving gifts, delivering Christmas trees, preparing or purchasing food. We have collected clothing for kids such as warm coats for the winter. We have cleaned up local parks and walking areas. We have worked with local businesses to put left over food or other items to use for the people of the community. We have helped local small businesses that are closing their doors for economic reasons. Help includes hauling out valuable items from their business, assisting with business management issues around losing a business, personal counseling and prayer as well as other related items.

There are no limits to what we can do when we put our heads and our hearts together with the vision of expressing our love for one another.

Email: Btown@freggies.com

Twitter: BtownHelpers (set up mainly for people to follow who are able to help when needs arise)

More details to follow for those interested in serving and for those in need.

Regards,
Jerrod

Transform Burien, a cooperative group of Christ-centered churches located in the Burien/Highline area, will be holding a special Toy/Gift Giveaway event on Sunday, Dec. 19th for families that find it hard to provide the gifts they would like to this Christmas.

In addition to this giveaway event, Transform Burien hosts a free hot meal for families and people in need every Sunday from 3pm – 5pm and free sack lunches every Wednesday from 12pm – 3pm in the former location of the Burien Community Center at 425 SW 144th Street (at the intersection of 4th SW & SW 146th).

Guests are also provided with basic grocery needs and are welcome to a community clothing closet where they can choose from wardrobe necessities. These meals feed anywhere from 60 to over 100 people on average.

In a time when seemingly everything is in need, this group of eight local community churches have provided for the most vulnerable in our community; however, none of would be possible without donations from you, the community members. Toys are still in need for the gift giveaway on December 19th as well as non-perishable grocery items and clothing.

Donations can be made at the former Burien Community Center, on Wednesday from 12pm – 2pm; Friday from 9am – 11am; or before 4pm on Sunday, Dec. 19th.

If you can help make a parent make their child’s Christmas brighter in a difficult time please contact the Transform Burien group with your donation:

Website: http://www.transformburien.org/index.htm

Email: pastor@westsideburien.org

Phone: 206.439.9031

Sozo Planet, a Burien startup focusing on gourmet food and wine, is sponsoring a dinner party this Sunday (July 25th), at 909 Coffee & Wine Bistro to benefit Orphan Relief and Rescue.

This event, which runs from 4pm – 9pm, will launch Sozo Planet’s “10,000 meals for kids” campaign, intended to “meet the basic needs of the poorest of the poor living in West Africa,” according to a statement.

“The 909 is excited to partner to make a difference in the lives of orphaned kids with great needs,” said Frank Ricci, co-owner of 909. “We have been blessed with a great business and giving back is a value we share in our families and business. We are excited to be a supporter of this cause.”

Orphan Relief and Rescue is apparently moving its international headquarters to Burien, from Tyler, Texas this summer.

From the event website:

Join your friends new and old at the 909 Bistro.

The 909 will provide free tapas and each glass of Sozo wine purchased will provide 1 to 10 meals for Orphaned kids.

Meet our new Neighbors from Orphan Relief & Rescue and hear their story.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Dinner Party to “Feed 10,000 Kids.”

WHEN: Sunday, July 25th 2010.

WHERE: 909 Coffee & Wine Bistro, located at 909 SW 152nd in Olde Burien.

SPONSORS: Sozo Planet, Orphan Relief & Rescue and 909 Coffee & Wine Bistro.

CONTACT: Martin & Beth Barret, Monte & Christie Regier, Chad Duncan, Sozo Planet, monte@sozoplanet.com; 206 551 1811; A Facebook Page is here.

INFO: For more info, or to register, click here.

From a press release:

“Every Glass of Wine Provides a Meal For Someone In Need”.

This is the operating principle behind Burien’s newest gourmet food and wine startup Sozo Planet. Imagine sitting down at a dinner party with your guests and at the end of the evening not only did your guests have a great time, your party also provided 110 meals for orphans, widows and the homeless.

Sozo Planet, a labor of love started by Burien residents Martin Barrett and Monte Regier is a culmination of experiences from crafting amazing wine to serving the poor in West Africa.

“We were sitting on my deck enjoying a glass of wine,” explained Martin, “and Monte was telling stories from living in West Africa and the good a dollar could provide. I held up my glass and said; so this glass of wine could provide a meal for a kid?”

After a year of research and planning Sozo Planet is launching to provide artisan crafted wines and gourmet foods to enhance the table experience while making a difference in the lives of others.

Orphan Relief and Rescue the benefactor of the Burien partnership to feed 10,000 kids, is moving its international headquarters from Tyler Texas to Burien this July. Tim Pratt the executive Director of Orphan Relief & Rescue said; “We are excited and humbled by the planned welcome hosted by the 909 Bistro and Sozo Planet to help us in our efforts to meet the basic needs of the poorest of the poor living in West Africa”. Orphan Relief & Rescue improves the lives of children living in desperate conditions in war torn and poverty stricken areas of Liberia & Benin West Africa.

The July 25th event hosted by 909 Coffee & Wine Bistro will launch the 10,000 meals for kids campaign. During the year 909 customers will be able to purchase and enjoy Sozo wine from the 909 menu and have the added enjoyment of knowing they met the basic needs of kids who do not have the ability to care for themselves. Frank Ricci co-owner of the restaurant said; “The 909 is excited to partner to make a difference in the lives of orphaned kids with great needs. We have been blessed with a great business and giving back is a value we share in our families and business. We are excited to be a supporter of this cause”.

About Sozo Planet
SOZO: (definition: to save, keep safe and sound, to rescue from danger or destruction). 1. To save a suffering one from perishing, (i.e. to make well, heal, restore to health).

Sozo Planet is a producer of artisan crafted wines and gourmet food products. The proceeds from the sales of Sozo Planet products goes to feed a substantial number of kids who live in poverty. Sozo Planet partners with not-for-profit organizations who distribute resources to the poor. We connect with our customer’s enjoyment of life and desire to make a difference in our world. Every glass of Sozo wine poured provides a meal for a child.

You can order Sozo Planet amazing food and wine and learn more about how your purchase will provide for the basic needs of others at: www.SozoPlanet.com

About Orphan Relief & Rescue
We are a voice with action for orphans that no one else will help. ORR works to bring children in orphanages immediate relief from hunger, sickness and premature death and to provide sanitary living conditions through orphanage reconstruction projects.

The YWCA is now seeking donations for their Eighth Annual Closet Treasures Sale, which takes place Oct. 2nd and 3rd at their downtown Seattle location and will benefit Dress for Success® Seattle.

Dress for Success® Seattle works to advance low-income women’s economic and social development, as well as encourage self-sufficiency through career development and employment retention. Dress for Success Seattle is one of 99 affiliates throughout the US and internationally and is locally managed by the YWCA. Dress for Success serves low-income women in Seattle and King County who are referred by employment and training programs at affiliated partner agencies.

Featured items this year will include new and gently used designer, name-brand and vintage clothing, handbags, jewelry, and evening gowns. Most items are priced under $50.

Here are the details:

WHAT: YWCA’s Eighth Annual Closet Treasures Sale for Dress for Success® Seattle

WHEN: Oct. 2nd and 3rd:

• The “First Pick” preview sale is Oct. 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• The general sale is Oct. 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WHERE: Downtown Seattle YWCA, located at 1118 Fifth Ave. (downtown at the corner of Fifth and Seneca).

INFO: You have until Sept. 15th to donate items for this sale; or to become a sponsor:

• Drop your donations downtown: Items are now being accepted through Sept. 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays at the YWCA at 1118 Fifth Ave. (downtown at the corner of Fifth and Seneca). Donations are tax deductible.
• Arrange a donation pick up: Call 206-325-3453 for details.
• Sponsor the event: Donate $1,000 or more in cash or product and you will be recognized as an event sponsor. In-kind donations are tax deductible.

Full details from a flier:

Support Women in our Community

Donations now being accepted for the YWCA Annual Closet Treasures Sale

Here’s an easy way to help open the doors to opportunity and self-sufficiency for women in our community.  Explore your closet today and donate those “never worn, but had to have it” items, one-of-a-kind finds, and gently worn fashions to support the Eighth Annual YWCA Closet Treasures Sale.  The event, a benefit for Dress For Success® Seattle and presented by the University of Phoenix-Western Washington Campus, is a fall shopping extravaganza.  And ladies, keep digging and sorting… Shoes, handbags and formal wear are welcome too!  Give someone else a chance to walk in those fabulous shoes that you never wear, fill the purse that simply sits in storage, or become the bell of the ball in a stunning designer gown.  Here’s how you can participate today:

• Drop your donations downtown: Items are now being accepted through Sept. 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays at the YWCA at 1118 Fifth Ave. (downtown at the corner of Fifth and Seneca). Donations are tax deductible.
• Arrange a donation pick up: Call 206-325-3453 for details.
• Sponsor the event: Donate $1,000 or more in cash or product and you will be recognized as an event sponsor. In-kind donations are tax deductible.

About the YWCA Closet Treasures Sale
Now in its eighth year, the YWCA Closet Treasures Sale supports the important work of Dress for Success® Seattle. This year’s event takes place Oct. 2 and 3 at the YWCA, 1118 Fifth Ave.  Featured items include new and gently used designer, name-brand and vintage clothing, handbags, jewelry, and evening gowns. Most items are priced under $50.  The “First Pick” preview sale is Oct. 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the general sale is Oct. 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Both sales are open to the public, but entry to the preview sale is by a suggested $35 donation. All  proceeds from the two-day event benefit Dress for Success Seattle, a program of the YWCA that provides professional attire, support and career-development tools to help open the doors to opportunity and self-sufficiency for women.  Details:  206-325-3453 or www.closettreasuressale.com.

About Dress for Success® Seattle
Dress for Success Seattle works to advance low-income women’s economic and social development and to encourage self-sufficiency through career development and employment retention. Dress for Success Seattle is one of 99 affiliates throughout the US and internationally and is locally managed by the YWCA. Dress for Success serves low-income women in Seattle and King County who are referred by employment and training programs at affiliated partner agencies.  Many of our clients are affected by homelessness, domestic violence, physical or mental disabilities, or limited English proficiency. Nearly all of Dress for Success Seattle clients fall below 50 percent of our area’s median income and 65 percent are women of color.

For more information, click here.

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?

In 2009, the Cove to Clover 5k Race raised $12,000 for the Highline Area Food Bank. L to R: Mike Werle, Shawn McEvoy, Mick Purdy and John Nelson.

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…

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:

REMINDER: We’re holding our annual “Have A Heart” Food Bank Fundraiser Blog Party this TUESDAY NIGHT, Dec. 8th, starting at 6pm at The Tin Cellars.

We’ll be raising funds and collecting non-perishable food items 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: This 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: Here’s a lnk to our Evite invitation.

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 also be demonstrating the BTB, doing live updates, taking pics and much more.