Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/1504946
SUMMER / FALL 2023 27 club life foundation founders soccer team, joining her parents as former student athletes. Pete played basketball for the Huskies and Laurel was a cheerleader. "e interesting thing is that we have eight degrees among the six of us," Pete says a few minutes aer parking near Husky Stadium in the couple's Tesla, whose license plate reads "UW." "Our kids not only got into the University of Washington—which isn't easy—but also followed diverse paths when it came to choosing their degrees," Laurel says. e Shimer family enjoyed countless memories at the WAC over the decades—from Mother's Day dinners and Father Daughter banquets to swimming, basketball, and Inn stays. Other fond memories for Laurel and Pete include hosting friends at the Club and having their wedding reception in DONATE ONLINE The Washington Athletic Club Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose sole mission is to preserve and enhance the WAC Clubhouse through charitable, tax-deductible donations. Founding Donors each contributed $50,000 or more during the Foundation's initial round of fundraising. Learn more about donor recognition levels and giving options and make your own contribution to the WAC Foundation. wac.net/foundation Many thanks to the following donors who have committed their support to the WAC Foundation. Platinum: Roger Kelly Family & Friends of Roger Kelly Founders: Laurel & Pete Shimer, Earl Lasher, Linda Kelly, Patricia E. Doyle, Tammy Young & Hahns Burg Silver: Dr. Bill Callahan, Daniel & Margaret Carper Foundation, Robert Wallace Charitable Fund Bronze Donors: David Carlson & Vicki O' Briant, Diane Harrison & John Wujack, Don & JoEllen Loeb, Gregg & Jane Blodgett, Jack R. & Sarah A. Sutermeister, James & Anna Johnson, James Hirshfield, John W. Meisenbach, Joseph Blattner, Chuck & Nanette Nelson, Kathleen & Karl Krekow, Kraig & Lora Marini Baker, Matthew & Laura Van Beek, Michelle & David Rudd, Patricia L. Sheppard, Patrick & Karen Crumb, Peter S. Carpenter, Robert R. Braun Jr., Sharon & Scott Kelly, Tom Horsley & Cheri Brennan, Tracy & Eric Pozil, Walt Smith, William & Rebecca Smead, The Banerjee Family Additional donors at wac.net/foundation. the Crystal Ballroom. "Our guests loved it!" Laurel recalls. "e WAC even did an incredible job clearing snow and ice from the sidewalk in front of the Club aer over nine inch- es of snow piled up the night before our reception." Fieen years aer joining the Club, Pete served as Chairman of the Board, in 2005–2006. "I felt a strong sense of responsibility in what we could do to make the Club better, expand our mem- bership, and sustain the WAC's ethos of excellence," he says. Nowadays, Laurel and Pete live in Federal Way, and Pete works as Chief Operating Officer for Deloitte. Laurel, now retired, taught middle school and high school English. e couple spends their free time hiking, gardening, cycling, and enjoy- ing their vacation home in La Quinta, California. eir trips to the WAC oen include dinners and social gatherings, and Pete says the sense of welcome they've always felt at the Club remains. "We hope our contribution will help the WAC continue to be a thriving, vi- brant place that's open and welcoming to families and the community," Pete says. "ere are so many benefits and oppor- tunities at the Club, and we encourage members to take advantage of the truly wonderful brand that the Washington Athletic Club continues to have." We hope our contribution will help the WAC continue to be a thriving, vibrant place that's open and welcoming to families and the community." "