The Maple Valley Rotary’s 20th Annual Dinner, Dance and Auction raised more than $95,000 for local and international projects, and more than $21,000 of this total will directly benefit music programs for children in the Tahoma School District.

Bob and Barbara Bridge of Bob Bridge Toyota were the first to raise their paddle for a $5,000 donation for this fund-a-need, and they were honored with a standing ovation. Bob shared with representatives from the Maple Valley Youth Symphony that as a child he was a recipient of a loaned instrument.

The money will refurbish used instruments for children in need, pay for children to rent instruments, pay for private music lessons for those who are behind or struggling, and provide partial scholarships for participation in the youth symphony. If you have an old instrument in your attic, please consider donating it to this program. Instruments can be dropped off at Key Bank at Four Corners or Windermere Real Estate next to the Maple Valley Post Office.

Maple Valley Rotary thanks its major sponsors this year: Fred Meyer, Powell Development, YarrowBay, Swedish Hospital, Puget Sound Energy, BECU, Maple Valley/Covington Reporter, Carol’s Maple Valley Floral, The Renton Printery, Maple Valley Signs, and Allstate Insurance-The Jenson Agencies @ Four Corners and Fairwood.

And, thank you to business card sponsors: Country Financial-Ehrin Stumpges, Maple Valley Muffler and Auto Repair, Hawthorn Tree Massage & Emu Ranch, Napa Auto Parts/Covington, Valley Automotive, Allegro Performing Arts Academy, Handyworks, D.A. Davidson & Co. and Elephant Car Wash.

Patti Jenson

Maple Valley Rotary