About “See Ya Later”
The Inspiration
Nearly everyone has been affected by a medical crisis of some sort. Typically, disappointment, fear and discouragement settle on family and friends. Support from others is extremely important when dealing with a family member’s medical issues. Regular activities and schedules and even jobs are sometimes set aside to take care of their unique needs. We’ve been there.
When 10 year-old Scott Banke was diagnosed with a rare type of bone cancer on his mother’s birthday in July of 1999, family and friends supported them in a variety of ways. They provided meals, watched their daughter, visited them at the hospital, sent cards, wishes and prayers, decorated their house with Christmas lights, and brought snow and built a snowman in their front yard even when there was no snow in town and much more.
The Motivation
After the two-year battle, and in memory of Scott Banke, the mission began. Scott had an unexplainable impact on many people. That’s the reason why his closest adult friends had such a passion to make something good out of something bad. Almost immediately, the idea and vision of a huge indoor play structure, free and open to the community was brought to the Banke family for approval. This was one way to honor the boy who made everyone smile. The family’s consent launched a series of opportunities for Scotty’s friends, the community and beyond.
The Accomplishment
Funds were raised through annual Scott Banke Memorial Golf Tournaments to complete the indoor play structure, Scotty’s Playhouse, in 2007. A large mural, rising 30 feet above the floor memorializes the lives of three children, Scott Banke, Karina Hargis and Grace Blanchard. The 3,000 sq. ft. playhouse also contains one of the largest indoor play structures in the Northwest, as well as a tot lot for younger kids and a cafe seating area for adults. Though Scotty’s Playhouse pays tribute to Scott, Karina and Grace, it is a gift to all children in the community from their parents. Scotty’s Playhouse is attached to the children’s wing at the Church on the Hill in McMinnville, Oregon.
The Dream
The completion of Scotty’s Playhouse was the finale of the group’s efforts. So they thought! For it was only the beginning. The dedicated team of four couples, the current “See Ya Later” Board of Directors, agreed that there were more kids and families to bring smiles to. So, in 2006 the group became an official non-profit organization.
Serving Kids
Going to camp can be life-changing opportunity for children. Unfortunately, many children won’t ever be able to share these experiences because of high registration fees. One of the desires of the “See Ya Later” Foundation is to provide camp opportunities to children in the community, with no financial burden for the families.
The first day-camp was held in the fall of 2006. The “See Ya Later” Fishing Derby hosted more than thirty kids who got to experience casting and catching fish (some for the very first time), a lot of one on one attention from volunteers, a delicious lunch, a t-shirt, a trophy and some great memories. With almost as many adults volunteering as children, everyone had a great time. Fishing Derbies are schedule one or two times a year.
A 2-day Spring Break Basketball Camp began in 2006. 100 kids (grades 1st–5th) come from all over the Yamhill County area and beyond. Many Coaches and Volunteers give their time and talents to not only teach basketball skills but to give an encouraging word to the kids. Jon “Superhandles” Hildebrandt from Dayton, Oregon demonstrates his phenomenal ball-handling skills. He also gives a positive message to the kids and inspires them. He’s looking to help put smiles on each face during the camp.
In 2008 the annual Football Camp was launched. 200 pre-registered kids (grades 3rd – 8th) participate in the Dante’s Inferno Football Camp. Dante; tight-end for the Carolina Panthers comes to offer encouragement and help to the kids.
The “See Ya Later” Sports is a great opportunity for the youth.
Serving Youth
It was significant, and planned that 2007 would be the first year to award the Scott Banke Memorial Scholarship, as it was the year Scott would have graduated. By a nomination process, two graduates of McMinnville High School were granted the substantial awards for continued education. Since then, one Dayton High Senior and one Yamhill-Carlton High Senior have been added and selected for the Scott Banke Memorial Scholarship.
Serving Families
2008 began with another way to bring good from bad. The Foundation board decided that there must be a way to help encourage families who are going through difficult times like the Banke’s experienced. Seeds of Hope was born; providing resources to families in their time of greatest crisis when a parent or child is stricken with a medical crisis by offering a party at Scotty’s Playhouse and many other surprise blessings with no strings attached.
The Support
The Scott Banke Memorial Golf Tournament still happens every year, the first Saturday in August. It is the Foundation’s largest fundraising event at this point. 132 golfers and more than 300 dinner guests come to enjoy a full day of excitement. Silent and oral auctions help raise the financial support the Foundation needs to continue to inspire youth and encourage families year after year.
The Increase
The Foundation expanded in 2010. A relative of Scotty’s, Brain Williams has been designated the Washington Regional Events Coordinator. He will be bringing the “See Ya Later” Foundation to another area to connect with families through the Seeds of Hope outreach and organize fundraising events.
