Mathis Guild, Miss Kitsap unite for Harrison

Samantha Przybylek has made rounds up, down and all around Kitsap County since earning the title of Miss Kitsap 2008 on March 29 at the Miss Poulsbo/Miss Kitsap Scholarship Pageant.

In more than 15 appearances since her crowning, Przybylek has hit the ground running in her position as one of Kitsap’s more prominent public figures.

“It’s been a blast, it’s been so much fun,” Przybylek said. “My day planner is definitely full.”

Przybylek recently appeared at a fund-raising luncheon hosted by the Dr. Maurice S. Mathis Guild, an organization that began as a small group of women in 1961 and is now a growing non-profit dedicated to raising money for Harrison Medical Center.

Its latest effort, the “Uncontainable Hope” luncheon on May 2, sought to generate proceeds to benefit Harrison’s cancer care as well as Kangaroo Kapers, a program designed, among others, to help children adjust to the arrival of new siblings.

“We are here to raise money for the hospital,” said Mathis Guild president Kate Epsy, also a Harrison Medical Center employee.

Sponsoring fashion shows, operating a thrift shop, holding a rummage sale and even publishing a cookbook, the Guild has worked over the years to help Kitsap’s largest medical center to raise funds for patient care.

“What we raise goes directly to the hospital,” Epsy said of the Guild’s work, donating to various departments at Harrison including cardiac care, oncology, obstetrics, pediatrics and the emergency room.

With a silent auction, live auction, raffle drawing and an “Iron Chef” style plant-container design competition, the May 2 luncheon put the “fun” in fund-raising.

“It’s really wonderful to be able to work with the Mathis Guild,” director of the Miss Poulsbo/Miss Kitsap program Michele Wasson said.

Wasson helped Przybylek expand her platform from the “Children’s Miracle Network” to include a wide range of health-related issues.

Working to support breast cancer awareness, child safety and nutrition, heart disease and provide college students with health insurance, Przybylek said the Mathis Guild shares her vision of keeping people healthy.

“I wanted to do it all,” she said of expanding her platform. “There’s so much I want to do.”

Planning to participate in Festival of the Trees, Armed Forces Day, Whaling Days and numerous other events, Wasson and Przybylek will be busy before — and after — the July Miss Washington Pageant.

“We have been so busy with activities... It’s been a whirlwind,” Wasson said. “It’s festival time, so, ultimately, we’ll be busy every weekend.”

Contact Bremerton Patriot Sports writer Wesley Remmer at wremmer@bremertonpatriot.com or (360) 308-9161.

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