Believe in Me - Julie Wukelic

 

 

 

 

            Art Rudd was happy to attend the luncheon following an illness. (And the club was happy to have Art back with us!)

 

            Sheila Fritts was happy that plans have jelled for a Wandermere Block Party with 20 vendors scheduled.

 

            Eric Johnson was happy to have his daughter now living in a dorm at Western Washington U. and Steve Bergman was happy that his daughter will also live in a dorm at Western.

 

         

          “Believing in kids” is the mantra of a non-profit organization which wants to make a difference in young lives with challenges and troubled past.

 

           At the Sept. 18 luncheon, Julie Wukelic, CEO of Believe in Me, talked about the many ways that “one person in your life can touch you” to make a positive impression.  

 

           The organization was started in 2006 after Catholic Charities transferred some funding from the Morningstar Ranch foundation, Wukelic said.

 

           Four employees operate “Believe” from headquarters at 510 W. Riverside.  Projects and programs to help kids have expanded to the state of Washington, North Idaho and Oregon, she said.

 

           An array of projects reach young people “from birth to age 24,” Julie said.

 

           Activities involve “5 pillars of caring” – home, family, community support, education and enrichment, she said.  This year, she added, some 26 grants totaling $50,000 have provided support.

 

           One target, Julie said, is “finding beds,” noting that “12 percent under 18 years of age don’t have housing.”  When living space is available, she said, the organization will literally buy beds and set them up.

 

           “Believe’s” vision is “to empower all children to develop the self-confidence they need to succeed.” 

 

          Its mission is “to fund programs that provide marginalized kids for a safe place to call home, a family that loves them, a feeling of community and opportunities to learn, build esteem and have fun.”

 

         Part of the fun for donors and volunteers are events like a “drag beauty pageant,” a golf tournament at Circling Raven “where cheating (for charity) is encouraged, a 0.5 K marathon/walkathon, an Octoberfest, and a gingerbread house decorating contest.

 

         Julie said a Seattle event will be a James Bond-style Casino Royale black-tie dinner.           

 

         A variety of professionals have been recruited to help with the kids.  Colin Prestesater of our club has been a financial advisor for three years, Julie said.