Kiddin’ Around, a local nonprofit dedicated to uplifting youth in the community, is refocusing its mission on a long-term, transformative impact, the organization announced in a news release this week.
Going forward, Kiddin’ Around will center its efforts on two key initiatives: the Drivers Education Scholarship Program, which helps remove the financial barrier to driver’s education for local teens, and the Lewis County Business Academy, which offers young people the tools and mentorship to pursue entrepreneurship and leadership.
The board of directors guiding this next phase includes MacKenzie McGee as president, Naomi Robb as vice president, Colleen Conway as treasurer and Laura Six as secretary.
“We’ve always believed in creating space for youth,” said McGee, who is also the executive director of the Centralia Downtown Association. “Now we’re putting our energy into programs that give them a real leg up in life — whether that’s helping them get behind the wheel or take their first steps into the business world.”
To support these programs, Kiddin’ Around is bringing back its fundraising event, Dine and Dash. This year, the event will be held twice, once in each historic downtown core.
Both events will be held 5 to 9 p.m., with downtown Chehalis Dine and Dash on Thursday, July 24, followed by an evening in Centralia on Thursday, Aug. 7. Guests of Dine and Dash go to five local restaurants, enjoying specialty small plates and crafted drinks at each stop, the news release stated.
Tickets for each event are limited and all proceeds go directly toward funding scholarships and youth development programs.
To learn more, get involved, or get tickets for a Dine and Dash visit, visit www.kiddinaround360.com.
