Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/1510511
16 WAC Magazine | wac.net first take don kraft / the main event Remembering former Chairman Don Kraft Former WAC Chairman Donald "Don" Kra passed away in August at the age of 96. Don, who served as WAC Chairman from 1987–1988, possessed a staunch commitment to leaving a positive impact on his communities, serving in several leadership roles in Seattle organizations, including the University of Washington Alumni Association, the WAC 101 Club, and Rotary Club of Seattle—at which he maintained perfect attendance for 74 years—to name a few. "Dad always said he enjoyed the camaraderie of belonging to something … and boy, did he!" says daughter Karen Vander Hoek. "He once said, 'Perhaps by giving back to the community, it would make the world a better place.' He put the extra 10 per- cent into everything he did, and his work for these organizations was an example of that." Don was born in Seattle in 1927. He attended Roosevelt High School and graduated from the University of Washington School of Journalism in 1948. Aer college, Don opened Kra Adver- tising in Seattle's University District, and he continued to be an agency CEO for 45 years before retiring in 1993. Don not only le his mark on the WAC as Chairman, but also on the advertis- ing industry and Seattle community at large, earning the title of "Wittiest Person in Seattle" by the Seattle Advertising Federation in 1996. Among his many honors through the decades, he also earned the Seattle Junior Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award in 1962, the "Torchy Torrance 101 Percent Award" by the WAC 101 Club, and a spot in the University of Washing- ton Department of Communication's Hall of Fame. "Mr. Kra was simply a leader—whether it be in his business, in his multiple community activities, and certainly at the WAC," says WAC President & CEO Chuck Nelson. "He always led with both personality and professionalism. He was part of a great generation of WAC leadership, and we are grateful he chose to play a significant role at the Club." Don is preceded in death by his older brother, Warren. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary Jo Erickson; his broth- er, Ken; his four children, Dan, Karen, Berkeley, and Erika; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. u Don Kraft, 1987–1988 WAC Chairman. He joined the Club in 1954. The Main Event Two nights of premier boxing action return to the Club e WAC's biggest amateur athletic event of the year is back! e Main Event collegiate boxing invitational is set for Friday and Saturday, February 2–3, 2024. Each night of this black-tie Clubhouse classic begins with dinner and a comedy show in the Crystal Ballroom before adjourning to the 8th Floor gym for around 10 bouts of collegiate boxing. An annual sellout, e Main Event draws fighters from around the country and is considered one of the preeminent college boxing events in the U.S. e University of Washing- ton and Washington State University are generally repre- sented, as are fighters from the military academies and many other schools. e gym transforms into a boxing arena for the two-night affair, and each night is a different ticket. "Members look forward to this weekend all year," Chief Operations Officer Wayne Milner says. "If you've always wanted to go, make sure to get your tickets as soon as they go on sale." The Main Event Friday & Saturday, February 2–3, 2024 Each night starts at 5:30 pm General admission: $225; VIP ringside seating: $350; each night ticketed separately. Tickets go on sale on the WAC app on November 1. Bout cards will be finalized in early 2024. J O H N B A N G