The South Whidbey Mardi Unit extends a warm welcome to men or women who want to join local folks in helping the Ryther Child Center in north Seattle.

The local Mardi Unit hosts a fun-filled annual event with all proceeds going to Ryther Child Center, where the center and its professional staff help kids who have been chemically dependent or come from neglected or abusive home situations. The center oversees campus cottages where the Ryther staff counsels kids and prepares them to reenter the community happier and healthier.

The South Whidbey Mardi Unit meets every third Tuesday of each month at a local Langley location. For more information, call Fran Johnson at 221-4519.