Who I am:

My name is Oakley Afualo. I was born in Yakima and have lived here my entire life. Throughout my years of high school, I have been able to participate in marching band, jazz band, wind ensemble, and chamber choir, serve as president of the Knowledge Bowl club, and take college classes through Yakima Valley College’s Running Start program. Aside from volunteering at Children’s Village, I try to serve others through church service projects and by donating blood for the Red Cross. I aim to live by what is expected of me as an Eagle Scout and to be fully committed to any task I take on.

What I’m doing:

As a Mr. West Valley nominee, I am participating in The Memorial Foundation’s YouthWorks program to raise money for local child health services. My teammates and I are supporting Children's Village and Memorial Hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) among other organizations. To raise money, we accept community donations and host various fundraiser activities such as restaurant takeovers, basketball and volleyball games, and in-school sales.

Why I’m Fundraising:

My older brother, Mason, was born with Down syndrome. He is non-verbal and requires much assistance with everyday tasks such as eating, getting dressed, and other personal care needs. As such, my family has received countless hours of service from Children’s Village since before I was born. My whole family has benefitted from Children’s Village; through them, Mason received early intervention services and participated in their One 2 One inclusive recreation program, my parents attended support groups for those raising kids with special needs, and I have been able to take part in the Children’s Village Mentorship program and work with others who have special needs. Much of who I am today, I owe to Mason; growing up with him taught me patience and understanding, and I feel that because of his presence in my life, I am able to have a sincere, empathetic love for others.
I am honored to participate in the Mr. West Valley pageant and to have the opportunity to give back to Children’s Village. I know from personal experience how valuable they are to the Yakima community, and I want to ensure that Children’s Village is able to continue to serve families as they have mine.

Please know that by donating, you are not only helping me, but you are also helping improve the lives of children in our Yakima community. Thank you for your interest in this cause; any donation you can provide will be appreciated.
Please share this page with others who you think may want to donate.

If you would like to donate by check, please make it payable to The Memorial Foundation and include "Oakley, Mr. West Valley" in the memo. Checks can be mailed to me at 10401 Wide Hollow Rd. Yakima, WA 98908.

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Mr. West Valley:
https://www.justgiving.com/team/mrwestvalley2022

Children’s Village:
https://www.yakimachildrensvillage.org/index.asp

The YouthWorks program:
https://memfound.org/get-involved/youthworks-council

The Memorial Foundation:
https://memfound.org/about