Dexter Ave Neighborhood Night Out !

This past summer, I led my first Night-Out event ! My thought was to get neighbors together with the few nearby businesses and corporations to connect, learn about an issue on the rise, crime, and enjoy great food and a live band ! It looked like there were many "new" to Seattle transplants moving when passing by the bus stops and apartment buildings that had gone up in the last year. Construction was everywhere and there was peak traffic due to this but I still wanted to hold the event !

Location

With Dexter Corridor not being a traditional neighborhood, where in the world should I host this ? Being a former Starbucks partner, my instinct was to hold the event near the local store, Dexter Station, which had recently opened beside the new Facebook Seattle location. This building was managed by JLL. I "cold-called" the building manager to tell her about the event and ask permission to use the space in front of the building.  Claire Swinbank was very friendly and said yes quickly upon obtaining approval from Facebook.  

I posted these flyers all over businesses on Dexter Ave with permission and even at the bus stops.  I also emailed them to the property manager of some of the new apartment buildings. 

Community Partners

What was next ? I wanted to talk to involved people in Southlake Union (SLU).  As a solo individual, could I get this off the ground ?  I met Noelle Smithhart of Vulcan and the SLU Discovery Center for coffee to share my idea of creating more community in my backyard. I also connected with Mike Mcquaid of the SLU Community Council and Danah Abhar of the SLU Chamber of Commerce.  Seattle Police department leads Terrie Johnston and Sam Cook were more than willing to add us to the "beat" that evening.  
Everyone embraced the idea and the SLU Chamber and SLU Community Council agreed to sponsor the event.  I also connected with the City of Seattle Department of Neighborhoods as were offering grants for these types of events. That experience was not quite so streamlined and an eye-opener but I still moved forward. 

Food always brings people together !

Community Business Support

I wanted to start small and felt I was launching the event in a great location as there were a few restaurants and nearby businesses.  Both Starbucks and a new pub called Mollusk offered up a wonderful spread of pastries, appetizers and cold beverages at no cost.  The Swedish Club also offered up a display table to promote their cause as well as the Seattle Police Department.

Where to find a band ? Noelle Smithhart's partner, Bradford, was in a great band called "Madness Blooms" and they agreed to perform at a discounted rate. 

The Show Must Go On !

Sure enough, the afternoon of the event it began to rain with no sun in sight ! How would our neighbors, food & beverage, partners and the band stay dry ? Under an awning of course ! Thankfully Facebook had a great 1 which we had not thought of using as it was summer. 

It rained off and on but we had a great showing and an awning at the Facebook building to keep us dry !

Diverse Neighbors

The event brought out about 30 attendees and the music definitely helped ! This was a cross section of neighbors, a few dogs, sponsors and neighborhood workers. 

My goal of bringing neighbors together was met and beyond.  I would like to continue to hold the event and promote more starting in the Spring. I would like a few partners (clones) to help me organize and spread the word ! Finally, a neighborhood is not defined by rows of homes and picket fences. It is defined by people and passion !

Thanks to all who supported this fun event !

Learn More

Night Out is a national crime prevention event designed to heighten crime prevention awareness, increase neighborhood support in anti-crime efforts, and unite communities. 

To learn more or to register for Night Out, visit www.seattle.gov/police/Nightout/.

SLU Chamber
http://www.sluchamber.org/

SLU Community Council
http://slucommunitycouncil.org/

Facebook Seattle
https://www.facebook.com/fbseattle/

Starbucks Dexter Station
https://www.starbucks.com/store-locator/store/1012943/dexter-station-1101-dexter-ave-seattle-wa-98109-us

Mollusk
http://www.molluskseattle.com/home/

Madness Blooms

http://madnessblooms.com/