Orin and Kevin Smith may have left their hometown of Chehalis to pursue careers in Seattle, but the brothers have continually shared their success with the Mint City.
The Chehalis Community Renaissance Team recognized the Smiths’ support of the city on Friday by presenting them with a key to the city and a gift basket filled with mint, wine and local books.
The brothers accepted the honor on behalf of their whole family, which includes Michael Smith, the 1960s basketball star who recently had the Centralia College basketball gym named the Michael Smith Gymnasium. Michael couldn’t attend the Renaissance Team meeting on Friday.
Mayor Tony Ketchum, who handed the brothers the key to the city, said they were the first ones to come forward and donate to community projects such as the Vernetta Smith Chehalis Timberland Library, named after their mother, the Gail and Carolyn Shaw Aquatic Center and the Discover! Children’s Museum.
“They grew up in our community, they left, but they never left us,” Ketchum said. “They kept their hometown roots. We recognize the Smith family, not just for their financial contributions, but mostly because of their love of the community.”
Before being recognized at the Renaissance meeting, Orin and Kevin listened to updates on the group’s projects, many of which they helped fund.
Orin, a retired Starbucks Coffee president and CEO, said he was pleased to hear his home town continues to grow.
“We had a wonderful experience with this community, largely because of the people who made it a great place to live and work and raise a family,” Orin said. “We feel a great commitment to this community.”
Orin encouraged the Renaissance Team to continue improving the city.
“The kind of energy that is here and commitment can really make a difference in this community,” he said.
