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Former Seahawks Super Bowl champion headlining Tri-Cities fundraiser for kids

Jenny Vollmer, director of behavioral health, helps McKenzie Sparks create a personalized “worry stone” during a meeting with a small group of fifth and sixth grade girls at the Kennewick clubhouse for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton and Franklin Counties.
Jenny Vollmer, director of behavioral health, helps McKenzie Sparks create a personalized “worry stone” during a meeting with a small group of fifth and sixth grade girls at the Kennewick clubhouse for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton and Franklin Counties. bbrawdy@tricityherald.com
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways

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  • A former Seahawks star will headline the Boys & Girls Clubs fundraiser.
  • The annual event supports Tri-Cities after-school programs and local tutoring.
  • Early sponsorships and a public keynote reveal signal strong community backing.

A Super Bowl champion is coming to town to help raise money for Tri-Cities after school programs and tutors.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton and Franklin Counties announced the keynote speaker for its “Dinner with Friends” fundraiser during a news conference Thursday morning.

Jermaine Kearse, former Seattle Seahawks wide receiver and Super Bowl champion, will headline the organization’s biggest fundraising event of the year, set for October 30 at the Three Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick.

Boys & Girls Clubs board member Matt MacLennan said the nonprofit is excited to welcome Kearse.

Then-Seahawks wide receiver Jermaine Kearse celebrates by firing the ball into CenturyLink Field shaking stands after his touchdown catch in overtime beat the Green Bay Packers in the NFC championship game on Jan. 18, 2015.
Then-Seahawks wide receiver Jermaine Kearse celebrates by firing the ball into CenturyLink Field shaking stands after his touchdown catch in overtime beat the Green Bay Packers in the NFC championship game on Jan. 18, 2015. Jeff Chiu AP

“This year’s guest (fit) the bill of a local legend, someone that has a regional tie, somebody that has a history with the Boys and Girls Club and someone I think that everybody will know and recognize and be excited to see. “

Kearse, who played five seasons with the Seahawks and was a key player in the team’s 2013-14 Super Bowl XLVIII championship season, was described as a perfect fit for the event’s mission.

“More than a celebration, the dinner with friends is a moment of reflection and gratitude and re-commitment to what we do here in the community,” said MacLennan. “A re-commitment to the kids we serve.”

Kearse joins a notable list of past “Dinner with Friends” keynote speakers, which includes Mario Lopez, Brandi Chastain, Gary Payton and Shaun White.

Brandi Chastain, two-time Olympic gold medalist and FIFA Women’s World Cup champion, gives a high-five to one of several dozen youth that participated in a soccer skill clinic during her visit at the Boys & Girls Club of Benton and Franklin Counties site in Kennewick.
Brandi Chastain, two-time Olympic gold medalist and FIFA Women’s World Cup champion, gives a high-five to one of several dozen youth that participated in a soccer skill clinic during her visit at the Boys & Girls Club of Benton and Franklin Counties site in Kennewick. Bob Brawdy bbrawdy@tricityherald.com

Thursday’s press event marked the first time the Boys & Girls Club has revealed the keynote speaker in a public news conference — a move the organization suggested could become a new annual tradition.

The 2025 event is presented by Cornerstone Wealth Strategies, this year’s Keynote Sponsor. Additional top sponsors include Henning Automotive Holdings and Phase 2 Electric. Club leaders noted that several sponsorship commitments had already come in prior to announcing the guest speaker — a sign of strong community support.

Boys and Girls Club after the reveal
Boys and Girls Club after the reveal Sofia A Sanchez

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities or to attend the event, visit greatclubs.org/events/dwf or contact the Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton and Franklin Counties directly.

This story was originally published July 11, 2025 at 5:00 AM.

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