By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News
On Saturday, August 10, hundreds of community members gathered at the Boom City lot behind the Tulalip Resort Casino to support the Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Foundation. The event, hosted by Dan and Kelsey Pablo, was the annual drive-in movie fundraiser for their son Keldon. It aimed to raise money and awareness for people suffering from cystic fibrosis. This year’s featured movie was Kung Fu Panda 4, and the event successfully raised $26,744 for the cause.
In addition to the movie screening, Kelsey and Dan organized a raffle with prizes donated by various businesses and local artists. The raffle items included hotel stays in downtown Seattle and Tulalip, Mariner’s memorabilia and game tickets, traditional wool skirts, and more.
Various local food trucks and vendors added to the festivities, offering delicious treats like homemade lemonade, snow cones, frybread, and tacos. Attendees enjoyed indulging in the tasty offerings. One of the kids at the event, Tyler, remarked, “This is fun. I liked the red raspberry lemonade I got.”
Kelsey explained the history and adaptation of the event. “This is year 16 of a Tulalip Cystic Fibrosis event, but our third year doing a drive-in. For fourteen years, we did a walk at the Amphitheater. Then, when COVID hit, because cystic fibrosis is a lung disease, we couldn’t have everyone close, so we came up with the drive-in movie so people could stay in their cars and stay separated. It was like bringing back the Thunderbird.”
Fondly recalling his high school memories of the Thunderbird drive-in, Dan shared, “It was always a fun time with friends.”
Highlighting the family and community involvement, Kelsey noted how amazing it is to see the money raised and awareness spread. She emphasized that everything is 100 percent donated, with contributions from friends, family, and the community. The raffle constitutes 90 percent of their fundraising since the event is free, aside from sponsorships from the Tribe and a few small businesses.
Dan expressed gratitude, saying, “We would like to thank the Tribe for all the help they have given. They let us use this place, and throughout the year, they help immensely with medical coverage for our son.”
Kelsey concluded, “We are truly grateful. There are a lot of CF families that struggle with supplies and medications, and this event will help with that.”
The evening was filled with laughter, camaraderie, and a shared mission. The event’s success highlighted the power of collective support in making a difference for those affected by cystic fibrosis.
If you or someone you know is impacted by cystic fibrosis and would like to make a difference by donating or learning more, please consider visiting fightcf.cff.org.