STOKE Fundraiser Brings in Record-Breaking Donations
Author: Roger Flynn, STOKE
Roger Flynn
STOKE
The Townsend community gathered to show their support at STOKE’s 5th annual Valentine’s Day fundraising event. The event was held February 14 at the Lodge of Townsend and celebrated the organization while raising money for its youth programs. Strong attendance and generous support from local families and businesses made it the most successful fundraiser in STOKE’s history.
STOKE, which began in January 2020, stands for Science, Technology, Outdoors, Knowledge, and Entrepreneurship, and provides local youth no-cost opportunities to learn and explore outside the classroom. The organization currently serves approximately 120 students from Broadwater County through programs including robotics, skiing, pottery, video production, outdoor education, cooking, choreography, and other activities designed to help students build confidence and discover new interests. Funds raised during the Valentine’s event help sustain and grow these programs throughout the year.
The evening began with presentations from students and volunteers. Students shared personal experiences from their time in STOKE programs, speaking about the skills they learned, friendships they built, and confidence they gained through participation. Presentations from robotics, skiing, pottery, and video club members gave attendees a clear look at the impact STOKE has on local youth.
“It’s pretty amazing to think STOKE started with just a cup of coffee and an idea, and now look where it is,” said board member Tina Homann. “We’ve grown a lot, and it really shows how much this community cares about giving kids more opportunities.”
Guests then enjoyed a full-course tri-tip beef roast dinner catered by John and Missy Rauser, who also generously donated the meat for the meal. Salad was served in handmade pottery bowls created by Teddy and Teresa Lewis, leader of the STOKE pottery program. Many of the pottery pieces were also available for purchase, allowing supporters to take home functional artwork while directly supporting youth programming.
A silent auction featured items donated by local businesses and community members. Among the featured items were wooden bar and table stools crafted by Ron Salladay. The stools, priced at $125 each, are also available for purchase at The Bird’s Nest, with all proceeds benefiting STOKE programs. Organizers credited strong community participation as a key reason the fundraiser was such a success.
Adding a Valentine’s element to the evening was a cornhole-style game featuring a heart-shaped target. Participants who landed a toss through the heart earned the chance to read a poem written evening master of ceremonies and staunch STOKE supporter, Pat Plantenberg. Some poems came with prizes, while others encouraged players to try again, creating plenty of laughter throughout the night.
The fundraiser highlighted the strong support STOKE continues to receive from the Townsend community. Donations, volunteer time, and contributions from local businesses help keep programs accessible and allow the organization to continue serving youth across Broadwater County.
“STOKE would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to everyone in our community who has donated their time, resources, and support over the past six years,” said Amanda Domino. “Your generosity has made it possible for us to offer opportunities and experiences that would otherwise be out of reach for so many kids and families in Broadwater County. We are deeply grateful for all you’ve helped us build and for the impact you continue to make.”
With continued community support, STOKE plans to keep expanding opportunities for Townsend youth and introducing kids to new experiences.
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PhotoCredit: STOKE
Image 1 Caption: Students talk about their experience with the STOKE Ski and Snowboard Program. From left to right: Titus Kirksey, Everett Kirksey, Jayden Flynn, Pat Plantenberg, Harper Kucinski, Junior Kucinski
Photo Credit: STOKE
Image 2 Caption: Destiny Grandy displays her handmade jewelry, part of her entrepreneurship venture.
Photo Credit: STOKE
Image 3 Caption: Carla Amundson graciously provided live music during STOKE’s Valentine’s Day fundraiser at the Lodge of Townsend. (Not pictured: Rick Garrison of the Queen City Swing Band, who also performed on trumpet.)
Photo Credit: STOKE
