A Generous Community of Friends
by Nia Martin • Photos by Jamie Conners
While the first Saturday of every October might seem like any other Saturday on Whidbey Island, for Friends of Friends Medical Support Fund, it marks a tradition that has been going strong since 2005—the Mr. South Whidbey Pageant. A handful of men from the community campaign before and during the event to garner votes—a vote equals one dollar—which culminates in a lively night of pageantry, humor, and iconic Whidbey Island fun.
As contestants show off their fashion sense, talents, and interviewing skills, votes are cast throughout the evening. The cumulative tally results in the crowning of the next Mr. South Whidbey—a title that is held for one year, complete with bragging rights, a cape, trophy, and a guaranteed spot in the Whidbey Island Fair parade.
“When we first started, we did bake sales, plant sales, and garage sales. It was a lot of work for a volunteer board,” said Becky Foote, who currently serves as the organization’s treasurer and has held several roles, including president, since joining the board in 2003. “The pageant was a raging success.”
In such a small community, it can often be a challenge to raise awareness and funds for organizations. For many, Mr. South Whidbey is their first introduction to the nonprofit, which has been operating in South Whidbey for nearly three decades.