30 grand 30 days fundraiser

The Eatonville Family Agency is having its annual fundraising event this month. The event, 30 Grand 30 Days, features a number of fundraising events through the month of May and includes fundraising support from local businesses.

“The community really pulls together and raises money for our fundraiser so we can support those in need throughout the year.” said Alana Smith. “It’s pretty amazing for a little town like Eatonville, everybody jumps on board.”

The events started last weekend, with the Charity Run, bake sale and barbecue at Arrow Lumber. Arrow Lumber also donated a portion of its profits from that day. Occurring on May 18th will be a matinee screening of Back to the Future at the Roxy Theater, which will feature a DeLorean. The 21st there will be a benefit at Varsity Pizza, 20 percent of profit from the entire day will go to the fundraiser.

Despite the popularity and support for the fundraiser, there has been a decrease in funds collected in the two previous years. Last year, collections were just shy of the target goal at $29,000, the year before that $30,000 was raised. That pales by comparison to the $47,000 raised three years ago.
“It just takes a lot to feed [the] 12,000 people a year that come through our doors at the foodbank. It just takes a lot to support that many people in a small community that we have.” Smith said.

Smith said the funds go to purchasing food and covering overhead, including the employment of eight part-time workers and operational costs. The Eatonville Family Agency is only organization offering social services from Graham to Mt. Rainier, and provides services including after school programs, senior services, information and referral to the Department of Social and Health Services and a backpack program that helps feed 75-80 children a week.

To help cover costs, Smith opened the Center Street Junction-Mercantile, but the business has so far not turned over a profit as all funds have gone covering operational costs. The business will have its one year anniversary on May 25th.

Other business in Eatonville will be pitching in to help the fundraiser this month. Gypsy Wagon Espresso is offering a ten dollar coffee card, all of which will go to the fundraiser. Both Kirk’s Pharmacy and the MultiCare Clinic in Eatonville will be having raffles for gift cards and other prizes.

Regardless of the decrease in amount raised, Smith said she is still pleased with the community effort every year. “You know, we just really appreciate our community that stand behind us and jumps in when there’s need and you know we’re just really thankful for that, for those partnerships.” said Smith.