White Center Now: The blog about White Center

Just announced by the White Center Food Bank, three events:

eApril 16, 5–7 p.m. — The White Center Food Bank will celebrate the debut of our first recipe book, “Bringing People Together, One Plate at a Time,” during the Rat City Art Walk.

The book features recipes from customers, staff, and community partners, showcasing the diverse flavors of the White Center community. Guests can enjoy light appetizers and beverages, preview the book, and place pre-orders at the event.

This event is a preview and pre-order opportunity. An official launch will be announced at a later date.

TASTE OF WHITE CENTER, PRESENTED BY WHITE CENTER FOOD BANK, JUNE 20, 12 PM-3 PM
You’re invited to White Center Food Bank’s 5 th Annual Taste of White Center (World Cup Edition) on June 20 th from 12-3 pm.

With 35+ restaurants participating, attendees purchase $5 tickets to try a variety of foods like banh mi sandwiches, tacos, bubble tea, shave ice, and much, much more. Join us for a fun-filled event with food, kids’ area, music and more!

More info coming soon!

White Center Food Bank Benefit Concert at Tim’s Tavern, May 8 , 6 PM – 10 PM
Join us for a White Center Food Bank Benefit Concert at Tim’s Tavern on May 8 th . We’ll start off the night with the rock and soul of Roxbury Saints, then we’ll move to the high energy ska of The Kings of Seattle and finish the night with the latin soul and warm-weather music of The Pazific.

Come dance with us and keep the community fed. Doors open at 6 pm, show at 7 pm, $25 (+fees). Tickets available here

Bring shelf-stable food to donate and all proceeds benefit White Center Food Bank.

Now that it’s April, it’s almost Duwamish Alive! time. Support your local ecosystem – the official announcement explains how:

Duwamish Alive! Celebrate Earth Month by Caring for Our Duwamish River
Volunteer on Saturday, April 18, 10 am-2 pm

Join us in celebrating the 20th anniversary of Duwamish Alive! while caring for Seattle’s only RIVER — the Duwamish, as we work together to improve its health. Volunteers will be restoring native habitat on in multiple urban parks and open spaces from Seattle to Kent in the ongoing effort to keep our river alive and healthy for our communities, salmon and the Puget Sound. Proving that by working together, we can make a substantial difference in improving the health of our region. We be working at sites, from Kent to Seattle to restore and preserve our areas of native habitat in the river’s watershed.

The river’s watershed includes forested areas such as the Duwamish Greenbelt, one of the largest in the lower section of the river, provides important air and water filtration of pollution, especially storm runoff one of the major sources polluting our waters. Tree canopy cover also reduces our summer heat domes, unequally affecting low income, communities of color to a greater degree. The river’s ecosystem supports 5 salmon species including the threatened Chinook salmon which is a critical food source for our Southern Resident Orcas; along with wildlife that includes river otters, beavers, bald eagles, and blue herons. Each of our habitat sites supports this web of life while providing important environmental benefits to our communities – we are all connected.

We are honored to help steward these locations which are the ancestral lands and waters of the Duwamish Peoples who have been here for thousands of years. Join us in caring for these special places. Family friendly, ALL are welcome. Tools and instruction are provided.

To volunteer, visit DuwamishAlive.org to see the different volunteer opportunities and register for the site of your choice.

Thanks to AH for sending the flyer that’s up for an “all hands” community cleanup tomorrow (Saturday, March 28) in South Delridge/White Center:

No RSVP required – show up, 9 am at 9440 Delridge Way SW, and you’re in!

The White Center Food Bank is asking for more support as it deals with more need. “While SNAP/food stamp benefits have been temporarily restored, uncertainty remains and the demand on our services continues to grow. We were stretched thin even before these shifts, and we are actively working to ensure we can continue meeting the evolving needs of our community,” writes WCFB’s Randy Nguyen in the food bank’s “end-of-year appeal.” They’re thankful for “incredible support, from hosted food drives to financial donations and volunteer hours, all of which have helped us keep our community fed,” but now is the time to step it up: “This season is a crucial time for nonprofits, and every gift helps us meet the growing needs of families, seniors, and individuals who rely on our services, while ensuring we can keep the community fed into the new year, when donations decline but demand remains steady.” Last year, WCFB distributed more than 1.6 million pounds of food, and this year’s total will be higher. They’re asking you, if you can, to make a tax-deductible gift before year’s end – just go here.

(Photo courtesy Evergreen Aquatic Center)

White Center’s only community pool, Evergreen Aquatic Center, continues to appreciate your support! Its annual fundraiser, the Fall Harvest Bingo Bash, is happening Saturday, November 15. Ticket sales are on right now for the event, which organizers tell us “will feature bingo games, refreshments, an auction, and more, with all proceeds supporting Evergreen Aquatic Center and its continued service to the community.” That means free or lower-cost swim lessons for hundreds of local families! The Bingo Bash is 6-9 pm at Seahurst Banquet Hall (14700 6th SW, Burien), and you can get your ticket(s) right now by going here.

King County Parks wants to get early word out about this:

It’s all coming together! Saturday, October 4th 10 am-1 pm at White Center Heights Park, the King County Volunteer program will be planting 80 conifer trees. These will be bigger trees than we usually plant at our volunteer events and the Parks Operations Staff from the Sunset District will be helping pre-dig holes. These larger trees were purchased through a Washington State Department of Ecology grant supported by funding from the Climate Commitment Act. This grant is focused on planting trees to reduce airport-related pollution impacts in south King County neighborhoods. Department of Ecology identified these communities as affected by fine particulates and generally worse air quality than most other parts of the state.

The evergreen tree species selected for this park are indigenous to the Pacific Northwest, long lived and will provide great shade in the old house sites. They will provide year-round canopies. Not only will they improve air quality, but they will also create beauty, slow stormwater, provide wildlife habitat, and improve park visitors’ mental health. We’re excited for so many reasons to add these large conifers to White Center Heights Park. We hope you can join us.

Registration required: x.gldn.io/e/Rb059A3tNWb

The White Center Food Bank‘s biggest fall event is a little more than one month away. Here’s your invitation to the event at Sea Mar Community Center (9635 Des Moines Memorial Drive S.):

CULTIVATING COMMUNITY DINNER & AUCTION
PRESENTED BY WHITE CENTER FOOD BANK, OCTOBER 10, 5 PM-9 PM

Attendees will enjoy delicious local food from White Center restaurants, delightful entertainment from the Khmer Community of Seattle King County Dance Group, and a “fire-side chat” focusing on our mission to keep the community fed, featuring Representative Brianna Thomas & King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda.

In the wake of many cuts to safety net programs and rising costs across all sectors, we continue to see an increase in need in our community. With your help we can continue to work toward addressing food security for our neighbors, while also making sure to celebrate the diversity of the community we serve.

More Info & Purchase Tickets Here:
whitecenterfoodbank.networkforgood.com/events/90319-cultivating-community-dinner-and-auction

It was announced as a sidewalk sale, but the White Center Library Guild decided to move indoors because of the morning drizzle and uncertainty about what was ahead. Wise move, considering they have many books to sell:

And who would want soggy quilting supplies?

Good idea not to have flags out in the rain, too:

There’s an amazing array of stuff – including these fun felted bags:

Sequined jewelry caught our eye as well. Get over to the library (1409 SW 107th) before 4 pm today, 11 am-4 pm Saturday, and help the guild raise money to support community programs there.

You shop, the library benefits! The White Center Library Guild‘s next big fundraising sale is set for this Friday and Saturday (July 25-26), 11 am to 4 pm both days:

The weather should be perfect for browsing and buying!

10:50 AM: 11 am-3 pm today, you’ve got a chance to help the White Center Food Bank while trying food and drink from more than 30 local purveyors during the Taste of White Center – just look for the WCFB booths in the heart of downtown, buy your $5 tickets (each one gets you a small plate, or beverage, or treat, depending on what a venue’s offering) and get started! We’re headed there soon and will add updates.

ADDED 12:36 PM: Our report!

Even if you’re not hungry – yet – you should be at the Taste of White Center! It’s a street party that, yes, is primarily to raise money for the White Center Food Bank, but there’s a lot of entertainment and information to be had too!

Mariachi musicians played outside Pho Tai, next to the new Whateke Sports Bar …

Dancers are in the Tim’s Tavern lot … and there’s a kid zone just north of 100th:

Families were also drawn to the visiting North Highline Fire Station crews parked on SW 98th:

But back to the food. Maps show all 35 participating venues – including our partner site West Seattle Blog’s sponsors Alpine Diner and Big Mario’s Pizza:

Big Mario’s is serving up big slices of cheese pizza for your $5 ticket (buy tickets at the WCFB booth at 16th SW/SW 98th – each one gets you one of the designated dishes or drinks at participating businesses):

Desserts are available too – Puffy Pandy has ice-cream puffys:

Participants are on White Center’s side streets too – even north of Roxbury in South Delridge, Young’s Restaurant, Max’s Triangle Pub, Can Bar, Nacho Mama, and Meat the Live Butcher. You can get a map/list, but not tickets, at the WCFB table on 16th right off Roxbury if you want to decide. All the ticket revenue goes to the WCFB; the participants are being compensated with sponsor funding. This continues until 3 pm!

Just received from King County Parks:

Come join us at the Glendale Forest this Saturday, June 28th, for a morning of learning about the plants of the park and digging out species that are crowding out plants that are more beneficial for the health of the park. No experience needed, and we supply all tools/equipment and instruction, all are welcome!Click this link to learn more and sign up here!

If/when you sign up, you’ll get location info.

Plants are the highlight at the White Center Library Guild‘s spring sale, happening right now inside the library. In the background above is a tall Japanese Maple that can be yours for $50. Or, for a lot less, young Japanese Maples, or tomato starts:

And of course there are books, books, books.

If you feel nostalgia for the pre-GPS days, we saw a couple stacks of old map books, too! The sale’s on until 4 pm today, and again 11 am-4 pm Saturday, at the library, 1409 SW 107th.

Shop local while supporting programs at your local library! The White Center Library Guild has just announced its spring sale for this Friday and Saturday (April 25-26):

The sale runs 11 am-4 pm both days. Find items of interest to readers, gardeners, and other rummage-sale fans.

10 am-2 pm Saturday, April 19, hundreds of volunteers will gather along the Duwamish River and in its watershed for the spring Duwamish Alive! work parties. Here’s the invitation:

Celebrate Earth Month and Seattle’s only river – the Duwamish – by joining us in helping steward this special place at locations on the water, in the Greenbelt, along the river and at many sacred locations of the Duwamish Tribe. We are all connected. For more information and registration, go to duwamishalive.org All are welcome – family-friendly!

(2023 photo by Gill Loring)

King County Parks asked us to share this announcement with you:

Come join us at North Shorewood Park this Saturday, March 1st, for a morning of learning about the plants of the park and digging out plants that are crowding out plants that are more beneficial for the health of the park. No experience needed, and we supply all tools/equipment and instruction, all are welcome! Click this link to learn more and sign up: x.gldn.io/e/q6pHMIvBgRb

North Shorewood Park is at 10044 24th Ave. SW.

4-8 pm tonight, White Center Pride has a happy-hour fundraiser at The Lumberyard – lots of holiday-themed fun – details here.

Out of the WCN inbox:

Join King County Parks Volunteer Program in partnership with Washington Trails Association (WTA) at North Shorewood Park on Saturday, November 2nd from 9 am-12 pm for some planting fun! This is a special event focused on younger volunteers! We will be working at North Shorewood Park in White Center and we will be planting native species along the trail that WTA has been restoring, and in the lower forested areas that King County Parks Volunteer Program has been stewarding. Youth ages 7 and up are encouraged to join this unique work party for a fun day of restoration and planting along the North Shorewood trail system. King County will be on site to help direct the projects while your favorite WTA crew leaders will lead the charge on trail.

Adult volunteers must be accompanying a youth, solo adults will be asked to leave. Youth participants 14-18 may attend on their own. Ages 7-13 must be accompanied by an adult. All registrations are through the WTA website.

Grab a spot today!

Fundraiser season continues! Next month you can enjoy a night out while helping the White Center Food Bank finish the fundraising needed to cover costs as they settle into their new home – WCFB’s announcement explains how:

Join us for this year’s fall event, the Bring It Home Dinner and Auction on Friday, October 18th at the Sea Mar Community Center! Come together with the White Center Food Bank community for dinner & drinks, live music, and a “fireside chat”. We will also share a short video presentation showcasing our wonderful new facility and the people who make up this amazing organization.

We have raised roughly 75% of our $8.6 million goal and this event will gather community members, donors, customers, staff, board members and volunteers to raise awareness and financial support to complete our Capital Campaign. So far White Center Food Bank has received widespread support from Washington State, King County, many foundations, businesses, private donors and others. Our goal is to raise $1,000,000 more in private funds, through this event and additional donor engagement. With the completion of this campaign, we can return 100% of our focus to raising funds to keep the community fed. Together, we can Bring It Home!

The fireside chat will include local Senator Joe Nguyen, Executive Director Carmen Smith, Board Chair Gabbi Gonzales, and experienced volunteer Ashley Northup, who will illustrate the importance of our new facility to the community and our organization. The event will be MC’d by the inspiring White Center community king and food bank partner, Kimnang Seng. Delightful music from the virtuoso pianist Marina Albero and her quartet will create a celebratory ambiance for this special event. Each ticket includes dinner provided by El Catrín, dessert by Patrick’s Cafe and Bakery, plus a drink ticket.

Date: Friday, October 18
Time: 6 pm-9 pm
Event Location: 9635 Des Moines Memorial Dr S

“We’ve accomplished so much together as a community in the last two years since launching our capital campaign: started & completed construction on our new site; moved into our new site and started distribution; and raised 75% of our capital campaign goal. Now that our project is nearly complete, it is time to bring our capital campaign home and move onto the next chapter of supporting our neighbors beyond food resources,” says Carmen Smith.

Get your ticket(s) here before they’re gone!

Less than two weeks until White Center-headquartered WestSide Baby welcomes you to their annual fundraiser, “Beyond the Basics,” to help local families care for their kids. It’s at 6 pm Wednesday, September 25, at WS Baby’s Hub (10002 14th SW):

Meeting the basic needs of children is more than just the diaper or car seat that we distribute. These items represent dignity, freedom, and joy for the child, and their entire family. For over 20 years, you have partnered with WestSide Baby in support of the belief that every child deserves to have their most basic needs met.

Diapers are a universal need, and yet they are out of reach for so many families. We see the ripple effect that basic needs insecurity has on parents, caregivers, children, and our whole community. We believe that when families have what they need to thrive, they can go Beyond the Basics.

WestSide Baby is thrilled to host our community where the magic happens at WestSide Baby: our warehouse! While the warehouse will be partly transformed for this event, we want you to have an opportunity to see the space in which we serve over 100 community organizations and their clients.

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW

You are invited to gather with a common goal – ensuring children have their most basic needs met. You will be treated to delicious food, refreshing beverages and inspiring connections.

(WCN photo, August)

Before their next fundraising sale, the White Center Library Guild needs more books! Here’s how you can help:

Time to make room for more books? The White Center Library Guild accepts donations of books for our sale shelf.

If you need more space for your books or have left over books from your yard sale, please donate them to the White Center Library Guild. We accept old books, new books and everything in between.

Just take your donations to the library‘s front desk.

Contributions help fund children and adult programs at the White Center Library!

Thank you!

The library is at 1409 SW 107th – check here to see when it’s open.