April's portrait, courtesy of Jo Ann Frances at the Trading Company.

From the Children’s House

Hobnob with the Honorary Mayor of Eastsound or swing your partner in his honor; the VIP Soiree and Inaugural “Bawl” provide two opportunities to celebrate April in September’s Labor Day  weekend. Both events benefit Orcas Island Children’s House.

April, who was sponsored by Trading Co., stampeded into office July 2nd, winning the 2011 election by a wide berth. The annual mayoral fundraiser — sponsored by and benefiting Orcas Island Children’s House – has been a community staple for three years. But this year Children’s House decided to take it a step further to celebrate her formal induction in two bovine-appropriate events: a mayor’s VIP Soiree and an Inaugural Bawl.

“April was voted into office with overwhelming community support,” said OICH Board President, Dale Heisinger. “She carried 57 percent of the vote in a field of seven candidates with amazing success.” Heisinger says the community’s support and good humor inspired Children’s House to take it a step further.

Supporters can rub elbows with the Mayor at the VIP Soiree, 4:30-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3 The $100 per person event is by reservation only and open to a select number of attendees at the Mayor’s home (pasture) near Children’s House. VIPers will have their pictures taken with the mayor and be served high-end wines, specialty cheeses (approved by April herself), fresh fruit and breads in this tented, white-linen affair.

If formalwear isn’t your style, plan to attend the family-oriented ice-cream social and dance 2-5 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 4 at Morningstar Farms. Families and friends can enjoy the flavors of  Lopez Island Creamery, sip  refreshments and dance to the music of JP & OK Rhythm Boys.  While the Mayor will not be in attendance at this event, a photo enlargement of April will be available for snapshot opportunities.

Inaugural Bawl tickets will be available at the barn door for $10 each ($40 per family.)

For reservations to the limited-attendance VIP Soiree, call Children’s House at 376-4744 or email your request to susan@oich.org. Additional details of events and directions to Morningstar Farms will available at www.oich.org.

 

All proceeds benefit Children’s House, the childhood early learning center serving working island families for more than 40 years.