Fundraising Homecoming

Pre-function Party planned for Oct. 23.

When Judy Mentor Eagleson learned Central Kitsap High School was searching for a creative way to raise funds for student scholarships, she decided to take action.

That was in 2006 — the year the CKHS Alumni Association was born.

“When I first started the association I wondered why there wasn’t one for all the public schools,” said Mentor Eagleson, a 1978 grad. “I thought what a great resource the alumni association would be.”

Now three years later, the group is moving full steam ahead to continue the fundraising process while recruiting new members.

“A lot of people don’t even know there’s an alumni association,” said member Haylee Hanson Herdman, who joined the group two years ago. “We really want to get the word out there and we’re looking for interested CK alumni.”

Since its inception, the association has spent $60,000 providing technology for every classroom at the high school. The effort was spearheaded by member Gary Lindsey who worked to establish an “adopt a classroom drive.”

“He was instrumental in the technology fundraiser,” Mentor Eagleson said.

The group also was the driving force behind the choir’s new piano, matching $2,500 to help in its purchase. In addition, members also teamed with local businesses to award $6,500 in scholarships to CKHS grads.

“The alumni association is just such a great way to give back to the school,” said Herdman, a 2000 grad. “I enjoyed my time there and I want to make it just as enjoyable, if not more, for future students.”

As one of their biggest fundraisers of the year, alumni are hosting the second annual Homecoming Pre-Function Party. The event is 5-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23 at the Eagle’s Nest on Fairgrounds Road. The evening will feature a raffle, silent auction and a no-host bar and will conclude just in time for the homecoming football game at the nearby Silverdale Stadium.

“It’s really a lot of fun. Unlike a reunion, it’s people of all different ages and classes,” Mentor Eagleson said.

Business sponsors and auction items are still needed for the event, which is open to the public. Tickets are $25 for non-members and free for those with the alumni association.

The group is hoping to recruit new members interested in helping give back to their former school. Annual dues are $20 each, $30 for a couple or $200 for a lifetime membership.

“We would like members from all years,” Mentor Eagleson said.

For more information on joining the CKHS Alumni Association or to donate a sponsorship or auction item for the Homecoming Pre-Function Party, contact Mentor Eagleson at (360) 692-3079 or judy@mentorcompany.com or Herdman at haylee.herdman@wavecable.com.