'Boo Ball' at West Hills was a scary good time

Costumed volunteers and refreshments donated by West Hills Assisted Living Community made the Boo Ball, held Oct. 30 at the Chintimini Senior Center, a great success. Ten members of Girl Scout Troop 20142 and Kia Summerlin, Sasha Bogdanovic, Oregon State University students Adam Jones, Ashleigh Soltis and Sarah Finerty helped with decorations, serving refreshments and cleanup.

The costume contest was judged by Mary Lehman, Dan Eden and Karen Emery. Once again, our community demonstrated its generosity and we are grateful.

Sally Robertson

Special Events Coordinator, Corvallis Parks and Recreation Chintimini Senior Center

'Dollars, not Decay' helps Corvallis B&GC

A huge "Thank you!" to Dr. Kurt Black for donating the proceeds of his Halloween "Dollars, not Decay" program to the Boys & Girls Club of Corvallis. Dr. Black's program raised $673, which will be used for much-needed supplies and materials for Dr. Ken Johnson's volunteer dental clinic at the BGCC.

The clinic is the result of a partnership with the Corvallis School District and Benton County Health Department that enables the BGCC to deliver free dental services to low-income children.

Helen Higgins

Boys & Girls Club of Corvallis

Great Pumpkin Run a boon for the disabled

Home Life's 19th Annual Great Pumpkin Run on Oct. 11 was a great success, with 301 registered, plus 29 more in the non-competitive fun run!

Thanks to our sponsors: Northwest Realty Consultants; Korvis Automation; Samaritan Health Services; Stover, Evey and Jackson; American Dream Pizza; Corvallis Insurance Services, Inc; Zel Brook-Fine Art; Barker Uerlings Insurance; OSU Federal Credit Union; Woodstock's Pizza; Michael Stastny and Timberhill Athletic Club.

Thanks to the businesses and individuals that donated prizes and services, including Taylor Street Ovens, Stahlbush Island Farms Inc., Calapooia Brewing Company, Mike Fairchild-Graphic Designer, No Dinx, Francesco's Gelato Caffe', Great Harvest Bakery, Coffee Culture, First Alternative Co-Op, Rocket Queen Cupcakes, Red Horse Coffee, Papa's Pizza, Five Star Sports, Jamba Juice, AAA and Play it Again Sports.

A special thanks to Dr. Brad Townsend and the OSU Rhythm and Beavs, and to all our volunteers! GO Beavs!

Carrie Fairchild

Home Life Inc.

Franklin jog-a-thon result exceeded goal

Franklin School held its annual jog-a-thon fundraiser on Friday, Oct. 2. In addition to having a tremendous turnout of joggers and volunteers, we raised 106 percent of our stated school-wide goal!

We want to recognize those who helped make our event such a smashing success: Thank you to Highland Bowl, Taquería Alonzo, Jamba Juice, Osborn Aquatic Center, Quiznos, Coffee Culture, American Dream Pizza, Pilos Mexican Bakery, Richey's Market, Grass Roots Book & Music, and Louie Bunkelman for providing fantastic prizes to motivate our fundraisers. Thank you Albertsons, The Little Gym and Pathfinder Travel Inc. for providing the nutritious after-run treats for our joggers.

Special thanks goes to NW Graphics for graphics donation, The Little Gym for offering one free class for all K-6 students (plus a financial donation) and to Bob Holt and Corvallis High School for allowing us to use of their beautiful track facility for our event. We appreciate all you do!

Lisa Stewart

Franklin K-8 Jog-a-Thon

committee

Fundraiser gave Special Olympics a big boost

Special Olympics-Benton County would like to extend a big thank you to Applebees Restaurant and all of the volunteers who made our breakfast fundraiser on Oct. 10 a big success!

We raised more than $1,500 and could not have done it without the support of those involved. All of the money raised stays local to help off set the costs of running our local program. We are proud that all of our athletes are able to participate in Special Olympics free of charge.

Jennifer Woolley

Volunteer coordinator

Special Olympics-Benton County

Altrusa's gifts will benefit local children

June's Kids Kloset thanks the Corvallis Altrusa Club for the generous gift of $400 to be used for purchasing children's books and $200 to be used for purchasing socks and underwear. These gifts enable us to do even more to bless the children in our area.

Kent Schnake

Philomath

Kids enjoyed author's wonderful literacy event

The staff, children and families of Old Mill Center extend appreciation and thanks to the Corvallis Public Library and Grass Roots Book Store for bringing Alexandra Day and "Carl" to Benton County.

What a wonderful way of sharing one of our best Northwest children's authors with our community! We'd also like to thank the teachers, parents and children in the kindergarten and first grade classrooms from Ashbrook Independent School for joining us for our meet-and-greet session with Alexandra and Carl. It was wonderfully entertaining and a delightful time was had by all!

Cindy Bond

Old Mill Center for Children

and Families

Adult day center's event a tasty good time

On behalf of Grace Center for Adult Day Services, we want to express our appreciation to all who helped to make the third annual Chefs Jubilee: Tastes of the Local Harvest fundraiser another successful and delicious event.

Special thanks to our major sponsors: Mario and Alma Pastega Family Foundation, Edward Jones (Kay Dee Cole, John Croy, John Griesmeyer, Bill Mercer), Samaritan Health Services, Town & Country Realty, Ingle, Carl and Ragsdale, LLC, and Peoria Gardens.

All who attended delighted in the fine local wines and delicious food presented by our area's finest chefs, vineyards and farms. We also want to thank the many donors to our first silent auction, a wonderfully received addition to the event. Chefs Jubilee helps Grace Center carry out its mission to promote health, dignity and independence for frail elders and disabled adults and their families, regardless of their ability to pay full fee.

Barbara Grant

and Dawn Vermuelen

Event co-chairwomen

Run supported future military leaders

Proceeds from the 11th annual ROTC Scholarship Run on Oct. 18 go to the Benton County Foundation, which manages more than 50 scholarships in honor of the veterans - from World War I to Iraq.

These endowed scholarships generate almost $20,000 annually to help OSU and WOU military students in the Navy, Marine Corps, Army and Air Force ROTC programs.

Thanks to Jack Peters and the Fall Festival Run Staff from the Kiwanis Club; Judi Saam and the Heart of the Valley Runners Club; Travis and Michelle Pindell of Great Harvest Bread Co.; Pepsi-Cola Co. Corvallis; Timberhill Athletic Club; Mater Engineering; Valley Brokers and Air Force Lieutenants Adam Westcott and Matt Russel. The 1K kid's run and the 5K/10K events brought 180 runners to McAlexander Field House and the campus loop course.

Finally, a special thank you to all the runners who helped raise thousands of dollars for these scholarships and the Benton County Foundation.

Michael Rainbolt

U.S. Army, Retired

Corvallis