It is easy to imagine local radio and TV celebrity, Jerry Farmer, on stage, hands on hips and cape flowing behind him—his easy-going personality and great sense of humor willing good into the world.
Most of the time, however, Jerry’s hero work is accomplished in a suit and tie, with microphone in hand, speaking to masses of people. Each year, Jerry donates his emcee and auctioneer skills, radio voice and improv comedy experience to more than 50 auctions and charity events in Thurston County.
“Jerry Farmer is a community asset beyond compare,” says Joe Ingoglia, who, as former executive director of The Boys & Girls Club of Thurston County, worked closely with Jerry. “His contributions, as an emcee, to organizations across the county are remarkable and have helped raise millions of dollars for critical local causes. His professionalism, flexibility, commitment and of course his sense of humor helped us turn very good events into great events. I am extremely appreciative of all that Jerry has done and continues to do for our community. It’s a better place to live because of him.”
These relationships and skills take time to develop. It was 1972 when Jerry made his home in the Olympia area, originally to help Dirty Dave Wilson start the legendary Dirty Dave’s Pizza Parlor.
Jerry has had 25 years experience in a variety of areas including retail sales, insurance and investment counseling. Jerry also produced and hosted both a comedy show, Funny Guy on the Prowl (1987-2000) and a community affairs morning show on TCTV, as well as took on some freelance video and advertising production.
Eventually in the mid 90’s his combined skill set came together in a way that allowed him to give back. “The local YMCA asked me to emcee a fundraiser called the ‘Clam Slam,’ where local celebrities had to eat as many clams as they could,” recalls Jerry, a smile on his face.
“After that there was this gradual request to emcee additional events,” he says in a more serious tone. “The epiphany, if you will, that led me to philanthropy was when I had the opportunity to emcee these events. I realized that there is this need for people to help others and that these people are giving back to their community in a variety of ways. My goal was to use the abilities I had to advance those causes.”
Photo courtesy: Jerry Farmer
Now, Jerry is co-owner and community affairs director at 94.5 Roxy Radio, as well as an active member of Lacey Gateway Rotary. Committed to service in the community, he also recently served on the Thurston Regional Transportation Policy Board, as president of the Olympia Downtown Association, a board member of the Boys & Girls’ Clubs of Thurston County, president of the Gateway Rotary, and is a past president and board member of the Lacey Chamber of Commerce.
As co-owner of Roxy, Jerry works to use the power of radio, too, donating hours of air time to promoting events and donating money and advertising packages to the auctions.
“I live by the concept that you can do life, and you can do business, and you can do philanthropy all as kind-of one thing. You don’t have to separate those,” he says.
Some of the organizations that rely on Jerry’s talents year after year include nonprofits such as The Boys & Girls’ Club of Thurston County, Homeless Backpacks, Lakefair, Habitat for Humanity, SafePlace, and numerous others.
“By helping these organizations, we’re helping the community,” shares Jerry. “Most people need a hand up rather than a hand out.”
“Ours is such a giving community,” he continues. “If I can make people who go to these events say to themselves, ‘Man, I had a great time. I’m really glad I came.’ Then I’m using my super powers for good.”
Clearly, it is working. Every year Jerry raises hundreds of thousands of dollars, brings a sense of entertainment and joy to his audiences, and participates in the community in as many ways as he can.
See Jerry’s emcee skills in action at the following upcoming events:
Thurston Chamber “A Night on the Town” auction March 3
Lacey Ethnic Celebration March 11
Raise for Rowyn April 22
SLURP (Shellfish Growers’ Association Party and Auction) April 23
City of Lacey 50th Anniversary Mayor’s Gala April 28
South Puget Sound Rotary Auction April 29
