Brier Helping Brier Celebrates Successful Fundraising Campaign to Eliminate Local Student Lunch Debt

Brier Helping Brier is proud to announce the overwhelming success of its recent fundraising effort, Brier Feeding Brier, aimed at eliminating student lunch debt for local families in need. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of the local community, the event raised just over $12,000 to eliminate school lunch debt for students at Brier Elementary School, Brier Terrace Middle School, and Mountlake Terrace High School who qualified for the free/reduced lunch program and owed a balance for school lunches. These children and youth can now focus on learning without the worry of this unpaid debt.

The fundraiser was held Saturday, June 7, at Brookview Church in Brier. The evening featured live music from Justin DePaola, inspiring commentary, and gourmet desserts made by Brier-based baker Reham’s Cake Gallery. The event brought together community members in a shared mission to support students and the response was nothing short of astounding.

“This wasn’t just a Brier Helping Brier event, this was a community effort,” said Pat Rhoads, Brier Helping Brier’s executive director. “From Sound Community Bank sponsoring the event, to the financial support we received from Brier and Mountlake Terrace donors, people really rallied around our children and schools.”

Even for those who couldn’t attend the event in person, the spirit of giving was strong. Many community members made generous contributions online, helping to drive the campaign well beyond its goal. In a remarkable show of support, an anonymous donor also stepped forward and pledged to match all funds raised during the benefit, effectively doubling the impact of every dollar given that evening. This incredible gesture, combined with the outpouring of community support, ensured the fundraiser's overwhelming success.

“We are beyond grateful for the outpouring of support,” said Danielle Elliott, Brier Helping Brier’s  fundraising director. “Whether you donated, volunteered, or simply helped spread the word, this achievement belongs to you. It’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together.”