It was about five years ago that Tyrone McMorris, Executive Director of Casino Road Kids Ministries, received his first email from Carrie deKubber, owner of Bob’s Burgers and Brew – Everett. She and her staff were wondering if there were any opportunities to help out with the faith-based nonprofit.
“I missed that first email, so she called me,” Tyrone says with a laugh. Carrie has a track record of taking the initiative, especially when it comes to helping others.
Soon she and her staff had sponsored three families from Casino Road, purchasing Christmas gifts and food for the upcoming holiday.
“It was a blessing. I was really in awe of it, and her — her heart,” Tyrone says.
Carrie remembers their origin story a little differently, passing the credit back to Tyrone of course.
“I took ownership of Bob’s Everett in December of 2016. I remember being there about a week or so and Tyrone came in looking for a space to have their Christmas party. Our back room wasn’t large enough for his group, but I asked him questions about his group and he left me a pamphlet. I loved the mission and I love kids. It felt like a great fit.”
Serving, mentoring, and feeding local kids
Casino Road Kids Ministries serves elementary aged children (age five to 11) through free after school homework and Bible clubs. Children receive help with homework, build friendships with other children, participate in science activities, play fun games, hear a Bible story and eat a great meal.
“The main reason we do what we do is to share the love of Christ with kids by serving and mentoring them, so they can become community leaders, know the value they hold in God’s eyes, and thrive in school.”
After the success of the Christmas program, Carrie asked Tyrone how else the restaurant could help. Soon Bob’s Everett was volunteering to cook and serve meals, and helping out in other ways as needed.
“It’s been a cool partnership, and Carrie’s become a great friend. She’s very humble, gracious and kind.”
Tyrone says she’s been generous with other opportunities — offering CRKM kids employment at Bob’s Everett, for example. Other staff have offered other skills, like free haircuts, or continued to volunteer long after moving on from their work in the restaurant.
Bob’s Burgers and Brew - Everett donates tasty meals to Casino Road Kids Ministries, which hosts after school clubs for elementary aged children.
Help the next generation
Faith and community work has always been a big part of Tyrone’s life, and he founded Casino Road Kids Ministries in 2008. Over 14 years he’s helped a lot of local kids — some now help out running clubs, and others he catches up with around town.
“Some of the kids who used to be in the homework club are 27 years old now, with jobs and families,” he says. “Just last week I went to a restaurant to get food for a club and one of the servers said, ‘Do you recognize me, Mr. Tyrone?’ He was all grown up, but he used to come to our clubs! It’s cool running into kids and seeing them doing well.”
Casino Road Kids Ministries actively welcomes donations and volunteers. Donate your time by volunteering at a club or serving a meal. Become a monthly financial donor, or support the Book Mobile, which delivers books, puzzles and snacks directly to CRKM kids. Learn more at www.crmkids.org, or get in touch with Tyrone McMorris directly at (425) 243-2190 or info@crmkids.org.
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