The Volunteer View

Our IVE volunteers are a wonderful group of caring, involved and supportive parents. We think that when you get to know them a little you may find that you have a lot in common! This month, we sat down with Colleen Gurkin, the chair of our annual Walkathon, Walk Today… Soar Tomorrow. This fundraising event will take place on Friday, May 16th on the IVE field.

Reporter: First of all, many thanks for stepping into this important role at a late date. I understand that you were already pretty busy as the PTA’s Room Parent Coordinator. Why did you volunteer to chair our biggest annual fundraiser?

Colleen: I know how important this event is to our school. It has a long, successful history and it is something in which everyone can participate! I didn’t want to see the Walkathon not happen this year.

Reporter: There is always a lot of excitement about the Walkathon, can you tell us a little bit about this year’s event?

Colleen: The WAT is on Friday, May 16th and the day of the event will be similar to past years. Classes will start walking at 8:35 and will continue throughout the day. It’s a fun day because it’s a Friday, kids can walk with their friends and teachers and all the students get to eat popsicles!

Reporter: What is the fundraising goal for this year’s walkathon?

Colleen: The WAT committee debated the goal number! We decided to push it from $25,000 to $30,000. Our school is growing and we felt that there was a lot of positive momentum from the auction.

Reporter: I heard that this year’s Walkathon was going to be a little bit different than in past years; can you give us some details?

Colleen: The difference this year is that we will not be giving out individual prizes and there will be no separate awards party. Instead, the entire school will be awarded with “Spirit Days” that will occur in June based on pledge collections. At the $10,000 increment, kids (and staff!) can come to school in pajamas! At the $20,000 level the theme will be school colors (which are blue and green, by the way) and crazy hair (any colors!). At the $25,000 level the theme will be Hawaiian Luau day (think Hawaiian shirts and warm weather). If we make it to $30,000 in pledges, we get one more day! It will be Hero Day. We will offer recognition to the individual with the highest amount of pledges, top 10 pledge earners, the boy and girl with the most laps. Also, the class with the highest pledges will have an ice cream party.

Reporter: Will there still be music and a DJ?

Colleen: Of course! We couldn’t have a WAT without some great music! Connie & Bill Bellas have graciously offered to do the music again this year.

Reporter: Is there anything about this year’s event that you want everyone to know about so that they get excited about?

Colleen: I think we should be excited about creating school-wide spirit. Everyone can participate and everyone can win!

Reporter: It has been so cold and rainy this spring, what if the weather does not cooperate?

Colleen: It just has to.

Reporter: I would like to get involved, how can I volunteer to help with the Walkathon? Can I bring my younger children?

Colleen: There are plenty of volunteer opportunities, especially the day of the event. You can help for all or part of the day by walking with kids, keeping tallies of laps and serving oranges. Younger children are more than welcome! Please contact me!

Reporter: Are you a native of the Pacific Northwest or a transplant like many of us?

Colleen: I grew up mostly in Cincinnati, Ohio and moved to Washington when I was 15. I have lived in the Seattle area since 1988 since I transplanted from Pullman (yes, I am a proud Cougar)! I guess that would make it 20 years in the area!

Reporter: Can you tell us a little about your family?

Colleen: My husband is John, my son Matt is in third grade and daughter Annie is in Kindergarten. We love living in Issaquah.

Reporter: Can you share a little about either your current or previous work experience -include anything that might have helped prepare you for this event?

Colleen: I have been in the commercial real estate lending field since I graduated from college. I have been working for myself part time for the past 8 years providing consulting services to various lenders throughout the country.

Reporter: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Colleen: Spare time – what’s that? I love reading, scrapbooking, cooking, biking.