The local non-profit Kiddin’ Around’s first ever fundraiser was hailed as a success last Thursday, July 25, as local chefs got to flex their creative muscles and participants were treated to an evening of fun-filled fundraising.
The night began at McMenamins Olympic Club with specialty drinks and appetizers at 5:30 p.m. As participants arrived, Kiddin’ Around’s board of directors greeted them with open arms and big smiles.
Guests were separated into groups upon arrival so they could filter into each participating restaurant at a manageable rate. They met up with other members in their group and enjoyed the appetizers and drinks McMenamins offered before heading out to their second restaurant destination.
The evening was warm and the setting sun made for an ambient walk through downtown Centralia to JJ’s ToGo where chicken, rice and beans were served with green onions and yum yum sauce.
At JJ’s, The Chronicle met Joseph Lambert, one of Kiddin’ Around’s board members. He recalled some of the fun times he’s had as an organizer, including hosting pie- and donut-eating contests. He also explained that Kiddin’ Around’s new program for Washington Business Week will be operated by them, which will be more cost effective compared to outsourcing a program each year.
The funds generated by the Dine and Dash — Chef’s Night Out event will go toward funding that program as well as the nonprofit’s driver’s education scholarship fund.
As the night continued, groups passed each other on the way to their next dining destinations. They waved hello and also began to shout out recommendations to each other about the restaurants they still had in store.
“Get the sangria!” one woman said as she exited The Juice Box.
The Juice Box served an everything cracker with goat cheese, basil and angostura beets topped with a micro herb for a starter, and a chicken sandwich on a dinner roll with pimento cheese spread, butter lettuce and pickled jalapeños. They also had mojitos and sangria available.
O’Blarney’s at the Gibson House also participated in the event, serving tacos and keeping the bar open to guests.
At the end of the night, everyone gathered at Lewis County Coffee’s The Station where desserts were served and a video montage of a previous Business Week was played.
Guests were invited to vote for their favorite spot of the night. The Juice Box Public House won.
Chef Carson Lotton of The Juice Box has been working in kitchens for 12 years. His experiences at restaurants such as HillTop Kitchen in Tacoma, 6th Avenue in Tacoma at Marrow and cooking for artists at the Marymoor Park WAMU Theater were evident in the creative meal he presented at the Dine and Dash event.
Board member Amanda McDougall told the guests about Kiddin’ Around’s involvement in the community.
“We put on four events a year,” she said. “Hundreds of families come to these events, and we couldn’t do that without the tremendous support from the community.”
Kiddin’ Around took over Business Week in 2022 and looks forward to maintaining the program in the coming years with their new personalized program as well as funding driver’s education courses for kids in the community.
The Dine and Dash event had 70 attendees and raised $12,400 for their programs.
“We are overwhelmingly grateful to everyone who attended and donated,” said Naomi Robb, executive director.
To stay updated on Kiddin’ Around’s future events, follow its Facebook page. To make donations to its foundation or sponsor a local kid’s driver’s education or Business Week experience, go to www.kiddinaround360.com/sponsorships.
