Olympia, WA — On Monday, February 11, dozens of legislators, staff and members of the public will put their putting skills to the test in the Capitol building in Olympia to raise money for children in foster care. The Third Annual June Leonard Memorial Mini-Golf Tournament will raise money for non-profit organizations across Washington State that provide vital services to foster children. Treehouse, the state’s leading and largest non-profit serving children in foster care, is producing the event and will distribute the proceeds.
“We hope everyone will come out and help make the cut for foster kids,” said Treehouse Executive Director Janis Avery. “This is a fun way to raise money for education and enrichment programs that make a difference in the lives of foster children. The money raised helps provide services that fulfill key material needs, helps foster kids learn and helps give them a real childhood and hope for the future.”
The tournament is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on February 11 on the lower floor of the Capitol building. Greens fees are a donation of $35 for an individual or $100 for a team of four. To sign up, visit www.juneleonardminigolf.org or e-mail the tournament at rsvp@juneleonardminigolf.org. A reception will be held that evening at the Governor’s Mansion from 5:30 - 7 p.m.
“We are thankful that the Governor and the Legislature have been so supportive of these efforts, and we appreciate their willingness to host the event for the third year,” said Avery.
The event is being hosted by a bipartisan group of legislators, including Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown, Senate Republican Leader Mike Hewitt and State Representatives Mike Armstrong, David Buri, Richard DeBolt, Mary Lou Dickerson, Ruth Kagi and Maureen Walsh.
Last week, the Washington House of Representatives adopted a resolution recognizing the event, HR 4681, saying “the House of Representatives recognize the importance of supporting foster children and their participation in extracurricular activities not paid for by the state, and proudly sponsor the June Leonard Memorial Golf Tournament.”
“We are pleased to be able to support such a worthwhile event,” said William C. Bell, president and CEO of Casey Family Programs. “This event works to raise both political and public will, both of which are needed to improve outcomes for children in foster care. When political and child welfare leaders come together we have the opportunity to produce long-term success for strengthening families and protecting children from abuse and neglect.”
June Leonard
A leading advocate for children’s issues during her time in the Washington State Legislature, June Leonard served in the Washington State Legislature from 1985 to 1994. Former Speaker of the House Brian Ebersole described June as “the conscience of the Legislature. As chair of the House Human Services Committee, she was a voice of wisdom and compassion. June constantly reminded her colleagues that children in our state are suffering. She cared very deeply for children and knew that early prevention and intervention are the most effective ways to help kids.” The June Leonard Memorial honors her memory and her passion for kids in foster care.
Treehouse
Since 1988, Treehouse has been devoted to closing the educational and enrichment gap between children in foster care and those in stable living situations. Their services include Tutoring, Educational Advocacy, Coaching-to-College, Little Wishes, Summer Camp and the Wearhouse. Treehouse serves approximately 4,500 foster kids a year, and continues to expand programs and advocacy to far better meet demands that outstrip current capacity.