On behalf of the KidsUp! Board, we would like to thank everyone involved with the 2009 Annual KidsUp! Parent Fair!

The fair was a huge success and attended by approximately 2,000 people. We raised a significant amount of money for our goal of opening the Parent Child Center (PCC), raised awareness and there was truly an outstanding energy at Woodward the entire day.

We are continuing to accept donations online through our website or mail and through One Call for All.

We continue to maintain the KidsUp! playground at Battle Point Park and our new goal is opening a PCC.

We anticipate the PCC will be a center for all things children in North Kitsap County, including: an indoor play space for gross and fine motor skills, parent education classes, a lending closet, resource guide and library, a social worker, car seat checks, comfy seating for parents to interact, and meeting space for professionals who work with children.

Research proves that the more families and parents are supported, the less child abuse, post partum depression, and feelings of being isolated occur.

We are continuing to sell our Bainbridge Island Children’s Activity Book created by island artist Mary McCormic-McInnis and engraved playground pickets.

Please see the home page of our website for links to purchase these. We are also still looking for space for the PCC.

We are also accepting nominations for board members and committee members for next year’s fair and other fundraisers we are hosting throughout the year.

Our next fun event will be KidsUp! Rocks, a dance party for children at Seabold Hall, on May 2. Please check our website, www.kidsup.org, for more information, or call 780-6712.

Thank you again for participating and attending!

Carrissa A. Barbee

KidsUp! President