Andy Gilbert is on a mission. 

On Oct. 4, Gilbert, co-founder of Whidbey Makers, will exit the lab and take to the stage at Freeland Hall to compete for the prestigious title of Mr. South Whidbey 2014. For this Freeland resident, the incentive to win the title is twofold: it is a chance to give back to his community as well as an opportunity to impress his wife, Mitsuru and his two-year-old son, Will.

“There are not a lot of pageants for nerdy people,” said Gilbert with a chuckle. He noted that this will be his first time performing in an event of this kind.

“I was excited to see that this one accepted all kinds of people,” he added.

After leaving Silicon Valley for a return to Whidbey, Gilbert said he was inspired by the island’s numerous “do-gooders,” and decided to take his high-tech knowledge to the nonprofit sector as a means of giving back and gaining fulfillment.

“On Whidbey Island it’s not all about stuff that people have, it’s not a materialistic culture,” Gilbert said. “It’s more about what you do than what you have, so I just saw that there was an opportunity to do a lot more [good] things.”

Although Gilbert opted to keep the details of his act secret until the night of the pageant, he said it will be much akin to “a ride at the fair,” incorporating lights, music and of course, technological enhancements. 

“[Mr. South Whidbey] celebrates goofiness. I think this is good for the world. There are competitions like Mr. Universe and body building competitions and other ‘manly competitions.’ But this one is probably nothing like those,” Gilbert said with a laugh.

The ninth annual Mr. South Whidbey pageant will contain all of the traditional elements such as Q&A and talent presentations, though as usual, contestants such as Gilbert may have their own surprises planned.

According to Christi Ruscigno of the Friends of Friends Medical Support Fund committee, that element of the unknown is a good deal of the fun. She said that although she never really knows what contestants will do, it’s always a good show.

“It’s a surprise, especially if it is someone that is known in the community, but they’re not known for performing,” said Ruscigno. “Suddenly they are on the stage, laying it all out there for everybody. …There is a community spirit there.”

This year’s contestants are Gilbert, Erik Jokinen, Frank Parra, Jerry Shimek, Ken Stephens and Tucker Stevens. Attendees will vote for the winner with donations. One dollar donation equals one vote.

The pageant will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at Freeland Hall. Tickets cost $25 and may be purchased at Moonraker Books in Langley or Paint Escape in Freeland.

Ken Stephens, Clinton resident and Network Systems Administrator at Whidbey General Hospital, is a seasoned performer, having played roles in Island Shakespeare Festival, Whidbey Island Center for the Arts and others.

“I think it helps that I’ve got a performance background, so it’s not too difficult for me to put my face out and have fun with whatever is going out of me,” he said. “I can make a fool of myself and it doesn’t matter. It will be fun.”

In regard to Mr. South Whidbey, he said, he’s less focused on winning and more intent on having fun and making as much money as possible for Friends of Friends, something he said he believes will be made possible by the network of supporters and friends he expects to attend.

As a healthcare professional, Stephens said he recognizes the importance of the fund to South Whidbey residents. Even a donation of $10 for a ferry ride ticket can make a difference, Stephens said.

“It’s the little things that go a long way,” he said.

The event is sponsored in part by a hefty handful of island businesses.

Ruscigno and her cohorts from Friends of Friends Medical Support Fund hope to raise between $20,000 and $40,000, though she said anything helps.

Prescriptions and transportation costs add up quickly, she said, especially for South Whidbey residents who have to go off-island for medical treatment.

“It drains people’s pockets,” she said, explaining that between ferry tickets and increasingly high gas prices, the cost of simply getting to a doctor can be unexpectedly high.

Friends of Friends has been assisting South Whidbey residents for 17 years. Ruscigno said the fund helps approximately 200 people per year.

“Buy tickets and fill the house, make some money for Friends of Friends,” said Ruscigno.

“It’s going to be a high-spirited [night], full of life and laughter,” said Stephens. “I’m looking forward to seeing what the other guys come up with.”