The Friday Harbor Elementary School PTA is putting the "fun" back in fund-raising with a new twist on an old idea.

Five island fathers will compete for the title of Mr. San Juan Island April 25 in the Roche Harbor Pavilion.

The event isn't about beauty, brains or talent (although they'll be exhibiting all three at the pageant), but how much money each candidate raises.

"With federal and state funding dwindling, Friday Harbor Elementary School needs our support, now more than ever," Tanja Williamson said. "Proceeds from the event benefit the FHES PTA and will go toward important programs such as PIP and music enrichment, as well as help buying school supplies. The FHES PTA also contributes toward popular elementary school competitions, such as the Math Olympiad and the GeoBee.

"The Mr. San Juan Island Competition is a great way for all adults on our island to make a difference in a child's education."

Mistress of ceremonies Boo Boo Keane will introduce Chad Foley, Paul Hopkins, John Sable, Bobby Tangney and Marc Vermeire. Each dollar you spend on the candidate equals a "vote." The evening will entail fashion, talent and trivia segments. The candidate that raises the most money will be crowned Mr. San Juan Island at the end of the evening.

Along with the show, you'll have an opportunity to bid on some adventures, like a roundtrip flight to Orcas Island for a guided tour of Turtleback Mountain, complete with a Market Chef picnic lunch.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; the show begins at 7 p.m.

To ensure your candidate wins, feel free to "Vote Early & Vote Often" online at www.fhes.blogspot.com between April 15 and the afternoon of April 25.

A limited number of tickets are available; tickets are $25 per person (21 years and older) and can be purchased at Market Chef, Griffin Bay Bookstore, or by calling Tanja Williamson at 378-6004 or Kerry Andrews at 378-1007.

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