To the editor:

The South Whidbey Youth Connection board of directors, staff, volunteers and the youth we serve would like to thank the community for their support of our annual salmon dinner.

We would especially like to thank Langley United Methodist Church for letting us use Fellowship Hall and for the church members who provided deserts and kitchen assistance, Dave and Karen Anderson for catching and filleting the salmon, Neil’s Clover Patch for providing potatoes, The Braeburn for donating coleslaw, Bruce Allen for coordinating the event and baking the salmon, Jim Balkowitsch for washing dishes, Erin Wright for supervising the youth volunteers and the Hub youth (Leo Black, Lukas Corradini, Michael Corrandini, Cameron Hall, Chad Neubauer and Birdie Sam) who bussed tables.

We raised a record amount this year, with all funds designated to cover the expenses of our after-school program, the Hub. Last year the Hub saw a 215-percent increase in attendance, and the numbers are matching this year. The support from the community helps us keep our middle- and high-school-aged youths drug- and violence-free. Thank you.

Duane Gimbel

Executive Director

South Whidbey Youth Connection