The Elton Goodwin Memorial Foundation hosted its third annual Fall Dinner and Charity Gala Nov. 4 at McCormick Woods.

Each year on the first weekend in November, community members gather to honor the anniversary of Goodwin’s passing with an evening of remembrance and celebration.

Posthumously formed following his death in 2013, the Elton Goodwin Foundation’s goal is to “preserve the staggering legacy ‘Coach’ Goodwin leaves to the children of the South Kitsap community, through the creation of scholastic and athletic opportunities.”

“First and foremost, we must thank our sponsors, Minder Meats, Sound Publishing, Kitsap Veterinary Hospital and New American Funding for their continued support throughout 2016,” Sharon Goodwin said. Sharon is Goodwin’s wife and secretary of the Elton Goodwin Memorial Foundation.

“As the Foundation grows, we are so appreciative of our attendees and contributors for their unwavering support of our goals,” Sharon said.

The event has grown significantly in the past three years. The first dinner was a small spaghetti feed for family and friends, while the second year featured a catered beef and seafood feast from Minder Meats and The Suquamish Tribe.

The first two years, the event was held at the Port Orchard Eagles Club before moving to McCormick Woods this year.

“Between ticket sales, ancillary revenues such as raffles, auctions, donations and merchandise sales, we raised $9,734,” Sharon said.

“After expenses, this will fully fund our scholarship and grant programs for 2017.

The Elton Goodwin Foundation awards scholerships to students in the South Kitsap community, supports youth athletics in the area and works to improve student athletic facilities at South Kitsap High School.

All of the funds raised go toward making South Kitsap a stronger community, organizers said.

“It’s another win for our foundation, another win for Elton and another win for the kids in the SK community,” Sharon said.

The foundation’s next event will be on April 22 at Cheney Stadium when it hosts the second annual Tribute To Our Troops baseball game.