Our meeting place at Central United Methodist Church in Sedro-Woolley

It started over two years ago with the rainbow lamp in the corner. Mickey had donated it for the PFLAG sale at the Skagit Fairgrounds. We all loved it and immediately put a sold sign on it. We could have sold it many times during those two days. 

We began to talk about how it would feel to have a space that visually celebrated diversity. 

So the conversation started. 

Central United Methodist Church and Marilyn said, "Let's build a safe haven." They have been all these years. 

At a wonderful event honoring Jerry Sommerseth, our long time community peace activist, musician and one of the founders of PFLAG, $1500.00 was donated to make this room into such a place. Jerry has been here throughout the project with the same kind of faithfulness he has shown in his commitment to peace and justice. He has once again inspired others to take action. 

Next step: a lovely plan for the SHR make-over was put together by Michael, followed by a shopping trip for paint and supplies and later a trip to select the drapes. 

Work parties have included many people and typically some food and music. These folks have helped clean, pull out staples, spackle, sand, take off hardware, remove wall paper, put on base coats, paint, clean up, touch up, put on the hardware, fix the tie backs, hang the drapes, order the posters and hang them, have the plaque made and many other tasks: hard workers with good hearts! 

• The amazing TV and electronic fixtures came from Bill and Sally from Concrete.
• Black chairs, table, fan and mirror were donated by Rick and Chuck from Anacortes.
• Lamp came from the church - a new shade and finial came from Chuckanut Lighting. 
      --  They said come back sometime for a donation :)
• The bookcase came from the church and the smaller storage cabinet from Robert and Kathy.
• The rug was donated by Michael. Many people are donating to the library.
• The Toffoli print was donated by Robert and Kathy. They brought it back from Dijon, and it reminds us not to forget our brothers and sisters and the children of Africa.
• The hat was a gift to Kathy from Kevan at the Pride Foundation.
• The Kiss My Cookies Jar and RZ Pignacious (our beloved bank) were donated by Chris.
• The Diversity Posters are our theme- the PFLAG mission of support, education and advocacy.
• The Dove of Peace by Picasso, Andy Warhol and Georgia O'Keefe also celebrate the diversity in the art community and how that speaks to us.

The rainbow flag celebrates the progress we have made. May it continue through the people who find safe haven here.