"Save Coal Creek" Fundraiser Recap

Some 40+ supporters of the Save Coal Creek advocacy effort gathered at the Newport Yacht Club on May 21 to contribute to the fund as well as munch, enjoy music, and frolic with Mr. Sasquatch. The speakers gave an update on the project's status, the strategy moving forward, and offered reflections on the area's history. Speakers included:

• Paul Winterstein

• Paul Nichol

• Sally Lawrence

• Anne Newcomb

• John Stokes

• David Kappler

• Steve Williams

The Coal Creek Jazz Band entertained the crowd, a nine-piece ensemble that energized the room with lively numbers such as “The Saints Go Marching In.” Check them out here.

Here is a little photo montage capturing the spirit of the event:

Attendees enjoyed some social time on the deck of the Newport Yacht Club.

Emcee Paul Winterstein kicked off the presentation with a summary of the geography.

IATC President Anne Newcomb reflected on the advocacy efforts of the club over the years.

Sally Lawrence, chair of the Save Coal Creek steering committee, reviewed the status of the project.

Save Coal Creek supporter, Newport Yacht Club member, and event organizer Paul Nichol offered thoughts on the state of the project.

John Stokes, City of Bellevue council member, reviewed the status of the project.

David Kappler, Save Coal Creek steering committee member, former IATC president, current IATC VP, etc., reminisced about his childhood remembrances of the Coal Creek area.

Steve Williams, former manager of the Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park and former president of the IATC, reflected on history.

Milt Swanson, a former resident of the project property, was present in spirit and in a video captured in 1995.

Supporters enjoyed refreshments while the program commenced.

The Coal Creek Jazz Band kept the room hopping.

Marika Bell (on the right) and IATC president Anne Newcomb enjoyed the company of a local, friendly sasquatch, who had some things to say.