Coats for Kids 2026: Inside Taylor Station's Sept. 25 Fundraiser for South Mason Fire

Ahead of the September 25 Coats for Kids fundraiser at Taylor Station, Jeff sits down with Amber Anderson of South Mason Fire and Stephanie Bronson of Taylor Station to walk through what the night looks like and why the program matters. Amber explains how the fundraiser — last held in 2023 — has funded the department's coat program ever since, helping South Mason Fire District, including the Squaxin Island Early Learning Center, keep kids warm and dry through the winter. The program isn't limited to kids or to fundraiser night, either: Amber describes South Mason Fire crews carrying coats on calls and handing them out on the spot, including to houseless adults the department's mobile integrated health team encounters in the community.

Stephanie details Taylor Station's role since taking over the restaurant in 2023 — a standing in-house coat donation display, a Christmas Giving Tree program, and, for this event, 10% of all proceeds from 5 p.m. to close going toward Coats for Kids. The night itself runs 5 p.m. to midnight with a silent auction (bidders don't need to be present to win), live music from Katie Wade, an emcee, a full open bar, and dinner specials including prime rib and a homemade pasta dish. Steph and Amber also make the pitch for local businesses to donate silent auction items — recent donations include a Blackstone griddle, a custom cake for 50, and a "Taste of Mason County" gift-card basket built from six local restaurants.

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