JaNoah Spratt has been nominated for Linda Lee Martens Memorial Health Hero of Island County Award (youth division) and we would love to have JoNoah’s supporters on hand for the event.
While the event is scheduled for May 11th; they are hoping to receive RSVP s by May 4th so they can get an estimate of attendance. You can call Carrie McLachlan at 360-221-8486 or email her your RSVP to carriem@co.island.wa.us.
JaNoah Spratt has been a Good Cheer Food Bank volunteer since the spring of 2008. He was then 7 years old when he heard from his neighbor Kay Stanley (a Good Cheer Board Member) that there were hungry people who needed help here on South Whidbey Island. JaNoah had a garden that he planted with his parents. He would harvest and then sell his crop from a vegetable stand in front of his home. The funds were donated to the food bank; he raised $300. The next year JaNoah wanted to do even more. A poor growing season caused problems and he was only able to raise $50 from his garden sales.
Time to get creative! JaNoah goes to all of the businesses here on South Whidbey and asks them to match his donation. JaNoah in the end raised $2000 in cash and gift certificates.
JaNoah was becoming a seasoned Good Cheer volunteer. He went to Olympia and spoke to Representative Norma Smith and Governor Christine Gregoire about the work of Good Cheer. He invited Norma to come to visit the Food Bank when she got back from their session. When JaNoah reported back to me about his visit I followed up and made sure JaNoah was given the opportunity to give Norma a tour of our Food Bank.
During the tour Norma mentioned to JaNoah that she thought a south Whidbey Talent Show would be a great fundraiser for Good Cheer. After she left I asked JaNoah how he thought the visit went. His first words to me were “I’m really intrigued with her idea of a talent show fundraiser.” That is all it took and one year later the “Mother of all Talent Shows” was born. JaNoah co-chaired the event with Good Cheer’s food bank coordinator Damien Cortez. I budgeted that they would raise $3,500 but they surpassed the budgeted amount and raised $5,090.
Last year JaNoah also sponsored a fund drive at the Goose Community Grocery Store and Casey’s Craft; he and his friends from Tiger Martial Arts raised $690. Then in the summer, right after his tenth birthday, he coordinated a fund drive with the Washington State Ferry system where he solicited the help of his Tiger Martial Art friends and raised over $1000.
JaNoah has been working hard again this year as he is in the midst of co-coordinating our 2nd annual “The Mother of all Talent Shows Rides Again” scheduled for May 28th. JaNoah has already solicited MANY items from local businesses that will be used for raffle items.This year he is also signing up businesses that want to sponsor the event, another revenue making effort. He is solely responsible for this portion of the talent show. Damien brings in the talent and JaNoah focuses on bringing in the MONEY.
JaNoah Spratt is one of Good Cheer’s most treasured volunteers. He is a shining example that one really can make a difference. He shows how commitment and perseverance inspires others to get involved. Good Cheer is so fortunate that JaNoah’s passion is to end hunger.
While raising funds for Good Cheer has been extremely important; his largest contribution has been educating others in our community about the need. He has told the Good Cheer story through news coverage, one-on-one, fund & food drives and community events. JaNoah has become one of Good Cheer’s leading advocates.
Having worked with JaNoah now for three years we have become close friends. When the spotlight shines on him he just turns that spot light right back onto others. JaNoah is humble, wise beyond his years, and full of love. He is so deserving of the Island County’s Health Hero Award. He is definitely an old soul and one that brings inspiration to this community.
Thanks JaNoah!
Good Cheer!
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