Autism awareness event exceeds all expectations

It was a cloudy start to last Saturday's WAA event at the WHS track but that didn't stop the community turning out to show support. With over seventy participants, the walk, bake sale and silent auction was a huge success, helping the charity raise over $3,000 for our local school district. This was six times the amount raised in comparison to previous fundraisers and will have a huge impact supporting students on the autism spectrum and those with special needs.

In attendance were ten firefighters from Cathlamet Fire District, four firefighters representing Puget Island and eleven deputies who all raced to help raise awareness. In the end, only one winner could be crowned and although it was a close race between deputies Jermey Jordan and Lucas Getman, it was Jermey who pulled ahead to win it all, beating Getman by one second.

Participants were able to pick from a wide range of delicious treats from the bake sale. Abby Doolin's sourdoughs flew off the shelf, while customers were spoilt for choice from the numerous baked goods donated by Beth Jordan. Whether it was a blueberry granola bar, handmade peanut butter cup, banana bread, M&M cookies or scones, customers were spoiled when it came to choosing from Beth's amazing donations. Cassie Miller from the Puget Island Auxiliary will now forever be known as the cinnamon roll queen. Her rolls, which included freshly made cream cheese frosting were a huge hit for all ages. As were the cinnamon rolls and cookies graciously made and donated by Meranda Schlappi and the cookies and cupcakes donated by the Cathlamet Women's Club. The organizers of the event were blown away from the generosity and creativity of the bakers.

Local businesses were keen to show support, donating lots of wonderful prizes for the silent auction. As an added bonus, each child in attendance received a sensory toy donated by Cathlamet Pharmacy and a free ice cream voucher donated by Backroadz. Organized by Beth Jordan, the auction featured meals, gift cards, baskets, tattoos and more from Patty Cakes, Cathlamet Pharmacy, JJ's Pizza & Mohr, Gragg's General Store, Sugar Pearl Bakery, Be Me Sign Company, Cookie Vandal, The Ice Scream Shoppe and Backman Fish.

Local judge Heidi Heywood and her husband local firefighter Duncan Cruickshank added some spice to the race by offering a cash bonus to any firefighter able to match or beat the one mile current record. In the end, seven firefighters beat or matched the record, raising an additional $350.