Restaurant cooks up benefit for senior trip

The COVID-19 pandemic limited fundraising opportunities for La Conner High School’s Class of 2024.

Santo Coyote Mexican Kitchen is helping the class make up for lost time.

Santo Coyote donated 20% of its proceeds March 22 to the La Conner High School senior class, which looks forward to taking its end-of-year trip to Disneyland later this spring.

Restaurant manager Cristal Perkins said that Santo Coyote’s benefit raised about $800, including what was collected in a donation jar, toward travel and lodging costs to be incurred by the class during its stay in Southern California.

“It was so busy,” Perkins said. “The support was overwhelming. We had calls (for food orders) all day from teachers and community members who wanted to help the senior class.”

There is precedent for Santo Coyote doing its part.

“This was our fourth year of doing a fundraiser for the senior trip,” Perkins said. “It’s always a good time for us. The kids are so sweet.”

Perkins said she’s never surprised by the level of La Conner area support for worthy causes.

“One of the things we love about La Conner, and we’ve had restaurants in other places, is this is such an endearing community,” Perkins said. “We just love that.”

The Class of ’24, which earlier this month held a car wash at the Swinomish Casino & Lodge, will continue fundraising in the weeks ahead. The seniors are slated in April to benefit from tickets sold for a boat ride out of Anacortes.

Those wishing to donate directly to the class may contact Theresa James ([email protected]) or Dan Hansen ([email protected]) or call 360-466-3173.