Editor,

The Friends of Friends Medical Support Fund (FoF) wants to thank the South Whidbey community for a successful Mr. South Whidbey Pageant 2016. Our annual fundraiser grossed over $29,0000 — money that will continue to help South Whidbey neighbors with medically-related expenses.

Six local men played to an enthusiastic crowd on October 1, competing for the Mr. South Whidbey title. The tongue-in-cheek pageant rules are simple: the candidate who raises the most money for FoF wins. Kevin Lungren took home this year’s crown. We are indebted to Kevin and to the other five dynamic candidates: Alex Bonsteel, Trevor Fleming, David Mayer, Michael Morgen and Damian Greene (he competed virtually due to job constraints); and to our sponsors: The Goose Grocer, Robert Jangaard ND, Edward Jones (Freeland), Edward Jones (Clinton), Music For The Eyes, Offgrid Engineering, Saratoga Dental, Useless Bay Animal Clinic and Whidbey Pies.

There are many folks who show up to help with this event — too numerous to list — but you know who you are. We are thankful beyond words for your generous and continuing support. There are three people who we would like to single out: Jim Scullin, Sue Frause and David Maloney. Jim is responsible for our “runway,” Sue has been our MC and David keeps the music and sound system operating, all whom have volunteered their talents for many of our 11 events. We could not do this without them.

So far in 2016, we have helped over 140 people with medical and dental bills. This could not be possible without the awesome support of our community. As the stewards of your generosity, we humbly thank you.

Board of Directors

BARB SCHULTZ (president), BECKY FOOTE, KATHY GIANNI, JESSIE GUNN, KATHY HEIN, MARYJANE LUNGREN, BAMBI MEEHAN, LENNA ROSE, MISSY VILLAPUDUA AND EMILY SCHMIDT (service coordinator)