The prom you never had
By COLLEEN ARMSTRONG
Islands Sounder Web site editor, Editor
June 12, 2009 · Updated 4:39 PM
If prom just wasn't in the cards for you in high school, there's a second chance to dress up and wear a corsage. And if it was the highlight of your youth, get ready to relive it.
Dance to the big band sounds of Orcatrazz and vocalist Beth Baker during the Adult Prom on Friday, July 10 from 8 to 11 p.m. at the Discovery House in Rosario. The event is a benefit for John Baker, who is undergoing treatment at Swedish Hospital for stage four cancer.
Gordon Koenig, who owns Gordeaux's clothing store, is organizing the prom with Beth, who is John's ex-wife and close friend. They both think it is a fitting fundraiser for a man who is known for his involvement in community theatre.
“People come in here and say they have all these nice clothes but no place to wear them,” Koenig said. “I wanted to give people an excuse to get dressed up, but I wanted it to be a fundraiser, not an advertisement for my business. When Beth suggested we do a prom for John, I knew it was perfect.”
Tickets are $20 per person and include a glass of wine or beer and a dessert. Only those over 21 will be admitted.
“The goal is to make it exactly like prom: we're selling corsages and you can get your picture taken,” Koenig said. “I have a dream that we'll make $20,000, but who knows.”
So far, the community has donated $3500 to John since he was diagnosed on March 5. He has medical insurance through his job at Ace Hardware in Eastsound, but he still needs help with paying rent and buying food.
“His family is most grateful for all of the support. It's been overwhelming,” Beth said.
John will soon be in Portland, Ore. to spend time with his son; his other son lives in Arizona. John, who is also an artist, has lived on Orcas for 14 years. His pencil drawings can be seen at Jillery in Eastsound.
Tickets can be purchased at Gordeaux's, Darvill's Bookstore, Ace Hardware, Ray's Pharmacy, and Orcas Village Store. Silent auction items are also being solicited. Call Koenig at 376-4673 to donate.
“I'd like to see people dust off their fine clothes and enjoy the evening,” Koenig said.
Contact Islands Sounder Web site editor, Editor Colleen Armstrong at editor@islandssounder.com or (360) 376-4500.
Comment on this story.
So keep your comments:
- Civil
- Smart
- On-topic
- Free of profanity
We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters. We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.
