Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/1510511
FALL / WINTER 2023 33 club life Foundation founder and commitment to pay tribute to Roger and support the WAC was a powerful enough combination to reach the Platinum level of donation. Naming the 8th Floor basketball court in memory of Roger was the perfect statement." Linda hopes players—no matter the sport—adopt the same passion for their games as Roger had for basketball. "Never stop doing something you love as long as you can do it," she says. Linda met Roger while attending the University of Washington. "My father taught lectures at the university at the time," Linda recalls. "He had tickets to a football game he couldn't make. He gave me the tickets and a blanket and suggested I invite Roger. From then, the rest was history." e couple married in 1963. Two years later, they joined the WAC. "We enjoyed having all the programs—like 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: Family & Friends of Roger Kelly Founders: Linda Kelly, Laurel & Pete Shimer, Earl Lasher, Patricia E. Doyle, Tammy Young & Hahns Burg, The Banerjee Family 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, Steve & Eileen Finnigan, Tom Horsley & Cheri Brennan, Tracy & Eric Pozil, Walt Smith, William & Rebecca Smead, 101 Club Foundation —Additional donors at wac.net/foundation. boxing, ballet, and basketball—at our children's disposal," says Linda, who later worked as a nurse at Snoqualmie Valley Hospital. She and Roger had three kids, Kathleen, Scott, and Laurie. e Kelly family enjoyed countless Club memories, including anniversary dinners, hosting friends, New Year's Eve parties, and Jubilee. And while Roger played basketball, Linda enjoyed swimming, taking fitness classes, and volunteering on Club Programs event planning committees. "e Club still has that same warm feeling as it did back when I was raising my children here," Linda said recently. "e WAC really helped embellish our social lives and gave us lifelong friends. e Club became a part of our family's history, and our years spent here were meaningful." Linda's contribution to the WAC Foundation will help the WAC stay that way for generations to come. —To donate to the WAC Foundation, visit wac.net/foundation. u Roger Kelly on the cover of WAC Magazine. From the WAC archives.