By Alyssa Ramsfield
Fundraisers are what drive many projects in Thurston County. Without the help of community members, many of programs that make our area special would not be in existence. The Rotary Clubs of Thurston County Cool Jazz/Clean Water Event provides funding for three projects that define our area. This event not only funds multiple local ventures, but also brings awareness to a worldwide problem.
“This is a big event for the 9 area Rotary Clubs and we want to make every dollar count,” says event volunteer Kim Dinsmore. In 2001, the Rotary Clubs of Thurston County wanted to find a way to raise money for a water project in Malawi, Africa. The idea was sparked to combine a music event for students and an evening festival for the community.
This year, the event features the annual high school jazz festival during the day along with a wine tasting with all proceeds going to three humanitarian projects: musical instruments for local schools, a clean water effort abroad, and an annual youth training summit.
With 12 years of history, the event has been very dedicated to young musicians in Thurston County. “We want students who can’t afford lessons or the rental of an instrument to still have access to learning. My wife is a music teacher and my son and daughter are musicians. Music is a vital part of our schools,” describes Dinsmore. Along with their giveaway of instruments to students, the Rotary puts on a jazz festival where jazz bands from schools across the area perform. “It doesn’t cost the schools money to participate and gives the students a chance to perform for their peers, in front of professional adjudicators” he explains.
A humanitarian effort for clean water in other countries is also a focus of this event. “Our first event was inspired entirely by the idea to use the money raised for a water project in Malawi,” describes Dinsmore. “Our focus was to work as a local community to help a community thousands of miles away. This year’s water funds will help finish a water project in Remba Island Kenya and the committee will focus on a new water project in 2014
Money raised at Cool Jazz/Clean Water is also earmarked for a youth training program. This year, the program will include twelve different youth serving agencies and 100 staff and volunteers. The training summit will focus on non-violent communication, engaging youth, suicide prevention, and dealing with social media.
“We have split funds for our three projects,” explains Dinsmore. “First, 40% of the money we raise goes toward the purchase of instruments for local students. The instruments are given to each school district equally based on enrollment numbers. Then we dedicate 40% to a clean water project of the Rotary’s choosing. The remaining 20% is used for the youth training program.”
“The money is raised through an evening wine tasting event,” states Dinsmore. “It costs $50 and includes wines from the Northwest and a performance from a local jazz band lead by Jazz great Syd Potter. It’s really a fun night. We are hoping to raise $35,000 this year through the event.”
For the water portion of the funds Rotary organizers work with higher Rotary levels to stretch the funds beyond the initial goal. “It’s a strong fellowship among the Rotary groups. The Rotary at the district level will match the money we make and then the international level Rotary will match that amount! It ends up being a lot of help for our water projects. Combined with other Rrotary Clubs around the world we have put almost 1 million dollars into significant water projects.”
The benefits of this event far exceed the work it takes to put on. “Fresh volunteers are key to our success,” declares Dinsmore. “It takes months to plan and the driving force behind it all is Rotary volunteers. We are not thinking too far ahead to making any changes to what we are doing. Right now, we are satisfied with consistently being able to help our community. It’s all worth it.”
If you want to join in on the fun and help raise money for a great cause The Cool Jazz/Clean Water Event takes place on November 23, 2013 at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts.
Tickets are $50 and all proceeds go toward Thurston County youth and a clean water project abroad. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.cooljazzcleanwater.com.
