Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/1423166
Family Matters | WAC Foundation | Reciprocal Club | Cancer fight Family Matters WAC Foundation Reciprocal club Cancer fight Club Life Family Matters Emily O'Brien John O'Brien Scarlett, age 10; Brehan, age 8; Henry, age 6 Emily and John O'Brien both grew up in Seattle—Emily in Cedar Park and John in Magnolia. Aer eight years in San Francisco, the couple returned to town with their children and joined the WAC as a family in 2017. John first joined as a teen- ager in the 1990s and still enjoys many of the same things— working out, playing basketball (now with the kids), and swimming. "I've picked up a few more activities since I was a teenager, like using the steam room to loosen up the muscles, and going to Hagerty's when that doesn't work," he says. Emily wanted a place she and John could work out and also bring their kids. "Our family has enjoyed so many special events," she says. "Magic shows, birthday parties, pictures with Santa, Nut- cracker performances, Jubilee, and arts and cras." Some of the kids' favorite activities include playing in the gym, swimming, enjoying smoothies from the WAC Café, and Juniors Summer Camps. "We are so thankful to have a place to have such a variety of experiences and memories," Emily says. Shannon Danitz Mike Danitz Lucas, age 10; Olivia, age 7; Jude, age 7 Aer relocating to Seattle from Denver following the birth of twins Olivia and Jude, Shannon and Mike Danitz sought a club that offers activities and social events for the entire family. ey found what they were looking for at the WAC. "It's proven to be the right decision," Shannon says. "We're enjoying all the WAC has to offer. It has something for everyone." e Danitz family joined the WAC in the fall of 2020 and used the Club to help keep the kids active following the cancellation of sports seasons due to the pandemic. e kids also attended Juniors Summer Camp this year and it became the highlight of their time away from school, Shannon says. e family also enjoys weekend brunch at Torchy's, and Mike works out at the Club. Recently, they hosted a party for Olivia and Jude that they called the best birthday party ever. "ey played dodge- ball and basketball in the gym, raced around the track, ate cupcakes, and swam their hearts out," Shannon says. "It was the easiest birthday party to host, and the kids had a blast!" E M I L I O H U E R TA S ( L ) ; C O U R T E S Y P H O T O ( R )