From: South Kitsap Fire & Rescue Volunteer Assoc.

Firefighters Union Local # 2876

Date: March 27, 2005

Contact: Scott Lucke (360) 337-3090 pager Mark Yergeau (360) 613-9498 pager

South Kitsap Fire & Rescue Olalla Easter Breakfast raises money for young cancer victim.

Members of South Kitsap Fire & Rescue Local # 2876 and SKFR Volunteer Association joined forces to raise over $1,300 to benefit Marlee Meek of South Kitsap during the Easter weekend. Seven- year-old Marlee is currently going through cancer treatments at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital.

The money was raised during the annual Olalla Easter Breakfast at station 12 on Mullenix and Ollala Valley. Meal plates of $5.00 for adults and $4.00 for children cover the cost of the event and provide a means to give back to the community. All proceeds from this year’s breakfast benefit Marlee Meek.

The event, thought to be in its 41^st year, is a tradition carried down to the current South Kitsap Fire & Rescue membership from the former Olalla station volunteer veterans. Many Olalla families, such as the ever-present Roper family, stop by to talk memories and have a pancake, ham, and eggs breakfast cooked up and served by various department members. Reminiscing past fire experiences is always a favored pass time for SKFR members who enjoy collecting bits of the station history.

SKFR Volunteer Association President, Lt. Mike Smith, and his wife Debi shook up things a bit this year by implementing a new serving process for the breakfast which raised some eyebrows from the veteran volunteers. Fortunately, everyone followed the lead and the results were overwhelmingly positive. This year’s breakfast produced the largest turnout in the events documented history. Preparations were arranged for serving the usual 250 or so patrons seen over the recent years. This year’s turnout exceeded 380 patrons. At times it was a struggle to keep up with supplies.

Farmer George’s Meats generously donated 75 lbs of ham, and Starbucks donated the coffee for the event. “It was a pleasure to be caught off guard and have to run for more supplies,” stated Lt. Mark Yergeau of the Local Union 2876.

In true support of the cause; 4 year-old Brianna Howarth stopped in for breakfast with her parents, Dave and Christine. She has recently completed her treatment, and is back home. Brianna received the $1,000 proceeds of the 2004 Olalla Easter Breakfast.

Marlee Meek’s struggle is just beginning. Anyone who wishes to make an additional contribution to Marlee Meek can do so through Washington Mutual where an account has been set up in her name.

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