Christmas in the Forest 2025 Gala
Providence Foundation celebrated the 38th annual Christmas in the Forest Gala Dinner & Auction at Great Wolf Lodge. Rob Rice, Rick Middleton & Ellen Middleton, Helena Rice Guests enjoyed a festive evening surrounded by beautifully decorated trees and wreaths, while supporting the Mission of Providence. Auctioneer Chris Cashman of KING 5’s Evening entertained guests and…
Saint Martin’s University Gala
Chef Rick Bayless Saint Martin’s University celebrated the 20th anniversary of its signature black-tie Gala hosted by celebrity chef Rick Bayless. The milestone event honored two decades of generosity and community support that have made a Saint Martin’s education accessible to all students. Drew Philips and Samantha Kersul join renowned chef Rick Bayless on stage…
OlyFed School Debit Card Program is A Huge hit!
Around our region, students, staff, families and alumni will have a new way to wear their school pride with OlyFed’s new Affinity Card Program. These custom designed cards feature the local high schools in Thurston and Mason counties and also include Saint Martin’s University and South Puget Sound Community College. Every time the cards are…
Fall in Love with Downtown All Over Again: LoveOly Shop & Dine Returns this February
February is here, and there is no better time to celebrate the heart of our city. The Olympia Downtown Alliance is proud to announce the return of LoveOly Shop & Dine, offering more ways than ever to connect, explore, and support the local businesses that make Olympia unique. Beginning February 1st through February 28th, you are…
How Leaders Use AI to Solve Real Problems—Not Chase Trends
The Thurston County Chamber invites business and community leaders to its February Chamber Forum, Can My Business Afford to Ignore AI?, on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm at the Norman Worthington Center on the campus of Saint Martin’s University. As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes how work gets done, many businesses are asking the same question: Where does AI actually fit in…
Intercity Transit Expands Routes and Remains Free to all Riders
In May 2026, Intercity Transit will complete the implementation of a system redesign that will increase coverage and frequency throughout Thurston County. “It’s a massive changeover,” says Nick Demerice, Chief Marketing, Communications & Outreach Officer. The planning began after Proposition 1 passed in 2018, which created funds to enhance commuter services, upgrade bus stops, purchase…
Light Dental Studios to Open Fatherland Forest
After years of planning, Light Dental Studios’ Puyallup location is ready for their grand reveal of Featherland Forest. Over six years ago, Lumi the Tooth Fairy began making appearances around the South Sound promoting good oral hygiene. The reception to Lumi was so amazing she inspired a book. Now a perfect replica of her home…
Tacoma Little Theatre Presents – The Time Machine
Tacoma Little Theatre welcomes you to join it for its first production of 2026, the West Coast Premiere of The Time Machine, Michael D. Fox’s thrilling new play based on the novel by H. G. Wells. Michael D. Fox’s adaptation of The Time Machine reimagines H.G. Wells’ classic sci-fi adventure, blending historical fiction with time…
MLK Beloved Community Celebration – City of Lakewood
The City of Lakewood will be honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Thursday January 15th with a Beloved Community Celebration to include a series of events at the Fort Steilacoom Pierce College. According to Sally Martinez, Recreation Coordinator for the City of Lakewood, “The idea of this year’s event…
Pierce County Nonprofits Mark Willie Stewart’s 90th Birthday And Legacy
This December, four Pierce County nonprofits, Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound, Palmer Scholars, Tacoma-Pierce Athletic Commission, and United Way of Pierce County, are coming together to honor a living legend and community cornerstone: Willie C. Stewart Sr. The campaign, titled “90 Time & Treasure for Willie Stewart”, invites the community to be…
All Aboard! Tacoma’s Beloved Model Train Festival Returns
The Model Train Festival returns to the Washington State History Museum from December 19, 2025, through January 1, 2026. For 29 years, this beloved Tacoma tradition has brought together model train clubs from across the region, filling the museum with stunning miniature worlds. Generations of families, friends, and train enthusiasts from throughout the Pacific Northwest…
New Transit pilot program from Key Peninsula to Gig Harbor!
Peninsula Transit is now ADA accessible and offering free rides for everyone. Being able to transport from the Key Peninsula all the way down to Gig Harbor and back up every hour. This pilot program has been in the works for several years. Thanks to the tenacity of not only our local government but also…
O Bee Credit Union Donates to Support Local Food Banks
ShowCase Magazine loves sharign thiis “good News” story. As part of their commitment to people helping people, O Bee Credit Union is donating $10,000 to local food banks to support their neighbors in need. This contribution aims to help bridge the gap caused by recent delays in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, ensuring that…
Birth of the American Supercar Now at LeMay America’s Car Museum
LeMay America’s Car Museum has a fresh new exhibition you have to check out. The Birth of the American Supercar sizzles as it tells the story of America’s pursuit of performance. From early pioneers and racing legends to today’s cutting-edge icons of engineering and design. The never seen before exhibit featuring rare, historic, and influential…
South Sound Holiday Concerts
Tacoma’s Annual Tree Lighting Music is integral to the holiday season with traditional carols, symphonic melodies and voices to warm your hearts. The South Sound area has an eclectic array of possibilities. Tacoma Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings brings the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience under the gentle glow of candlelight.Friday, December 19…
GET Prepaid Tuition Plan Reopens with Unprecedented Pricing
For the first time ever, GET units are priced lower than current tuition. The GET Prepaid Tuition Plan reopened for its 26th enrollment year on Nov. 1, 2025. The annual enrollment period runs through May 2026, giving families another opportunity to begin saving for future education and career training costs. The GET unit purchase price for the 2025-26…
Zoo Society’s Long Table Dinner and Auction
Supporters gathered at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium for Wild Greens, The Zoo Society’s annual Long Table Dinner & Auction. The golf-themed celebration kicked off with a lively cocktail hour on the main lawn featuring animal encounters, mini golf, a Happy Gilmore-inspired trick shot, and mouthwatering bites from local chefs. Guests then moved to the…
Hands On Children’s Museum Summer Splash! Gala
Patty Belmonte, Matt Kennelly, Amy Evans Harding, Alex Smith, Jasmine Vasaveda, Dantae Payne, Jay Burney, Doug Mah The Hands On Children’s Museum hosted Olympia’s signature sunset garden party, the Summer Splash! Gala. Beneath twinkle lights in the Museum’s enchanting outdoor space, guests came together to celebrate and sustain more than 30 Access Programs—ensuring every child…
The Aspen Institute names Pierce College a Top 200 Community College
Today, the Aspen Institute named Pierce College as one of the 200 institutions eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s premier recognition of high achievement and performance among two-year colleges. The 200 colleges were selected based on their student outcomes data, including retention, completion, transfer, and bachelor’s attainment…
Danielle Rants Promoted to President of The Rants Group
The Rants Group, a third-generation, family-owned business leader in commercial real estate, is pleased to announce the recent promotion of Danielle Rants to President. Danielle’s appointment reflects the growing leadership role she has already taken within the company, guiding strategy, operations, and growth. Her focus is on positioning The Rants Group for the future, with…