This year’s event was a hit with over 900 people turning out to watch E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial under overcast but dry skies! The fun-filled evening kicked off with a visit from our local firefighters at fire station #40. Kids enjoyed the face painting, piñatas, water balloon toss and folks of all ages participated in the limbo contest. Mark Marsh, Store Director of Metropolitan Market brought his gang out to serve up grilled hot dogs, ice cream cones and offer balloons and magazines while Costa of Varlamos Restaurant treated us to his yummy calzones. No one went thirsty with the delicious Italian sodas from Café Van Gogh, the gallons of iced beverages from Starbucks and all the free bottled water – a lot of nearly full bottles were littered on the grounds but we’re not bitter…
HomeStreet Bank’s generosity was unrivaled given they’ve served as our platinum sponsor since the start of the Cinema 5 years ago! Branch Manager, Gina Iandola and her team also treated us to PEZ candy and fun giveaways. Gina’s commitment to this event is just one of the reasons why she and the Bank were named one of two Wedgwood Heroes of 2007.
We also appreciate our returning gold sponsor, Edward Jones (Lisa Mullins and Chad Smith) and our new gold sponsor: Windermere-Wedgwood. Their enthusiastic support adds so much to our event! Kudos to our bronze sponsors: Café Van Gogh, Fresh, Sandpoint Community United Methodist Church and Starbucks.
Thanks to the volunteers from Our Lady of the Lake School who popped fresh popcorn throughout the event; net proceeds will benefit Boy Scouts Troop 388. We also enjoyed the company of the Wedgwood-Wide Block Watch, the NE Branch Library, and the Seattle Tilth Association. Another new face was our roaming police offer, aptly named Officer Leroy Outlaw.
The Outdoor Cinema supports the WCC’s mission: to make our neighborhood a greater place to live, work and play; this year’s event was testament as this event drew more attendees, participants and sponsors and given the generous food donations brought for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Western Washington.
Last but not least, thanks to John Miner, Principal of Decatur/A2 Elementary School for really making this event possible and being the ultimate host for the past 5 years.
If you’re interested in sponsoring, participating or volunteering in the Outdoor Cinema, let Brian Turnbull or me know. Brian Turnbull can be reached at brianturnbull72@msn.com.