By Doug Wadsworth, Rotary Club of Columbia Center Kennewick, Richland, Washington, USA
When I took charge of the Columbia Center Rotary Club’s annual “Shine a Light” fundraiser to fight human trafficking in 2023, I wanted to turn it into a real party with live music, to celebrate our efforts. I play a little guitar, banjo, and bass myself, so I pitched the idea to some fellow Rotary members. What started as a casual jam in Bill Robertson’s house (to see if it would work) quickly grew into an actual band — the Soup Dogs.
Our original core included Bill Robertson, Mark Showalter, and Jeff Petersen. We soon added drummer Phil Ohl, who joined with the classic line, “How hard could it be?” Khurshed Sharifov jumped in on keyboard after hearing us jam at a Rotary event, even though his background was in accordion. Rich Sargent added lead guitar and even joined Rotary, while René Vasquez took charge of sound and lights. The name “Soup Dogs” came from the homemade soup Debbie Robertson served at our early practices.
We’ve since moved our rehearsals to Mark Showalter’s spacious hangar at the Richland Airport, where a small plane watches over us as we practice rock favorites like “Margaritaville,” “Let It Be,” and “Hound Dog,” plus a few originals. The atmosphere is filled with music, laughter, and plenty of soup during breaks.
This year marked our third performance at the “Shine a Light on Human Trafficking” event on 16 May. What began as a simple fundraiser has grown into a lively celebration featuring live music, food trucks, a beer garden, Red 10 Bash beer pong, speakers, and games. Beyond the main event, the Soup Dogs have played at Solar Spirits, Bookwalter Winery, Meadow Springs Country Club, and other venues. Other gigs included Anelare Winery on 26 June and Bookwalter upcoming in September.
All proceeds — already approaching $5,000 — support our club’s efforts against human trafficking, including grants to local organizations like SARC, teacher training programs, awareness signage, and hotline information at community events.
As business leaders and retirees (including Phil, recently named 2026 Tri-Citian of the Year, Bill of Bill Robertson Nissan, and Khurshed of a Charles Schwab branch), we’ve discovered unexpected joy in this musical adventure. Many of us had never been in a band before, but we’ve grown together, learned new instruments, and found real purpose in using our music for good.
The “Shine a Light” event itself has evolved beautifully since its early days as a 2020 campout-style fundraiser. Today it’s a true community gathering that raises both funds and awareness.
If you’re in the Tri-Cities, come join the party. Follow the Soup Dogs on Facebook and grab tickets for the next Shine a Light event. Together, we’re proving that Rotary members don’t just serve — we rock the house while doing it.
Learn how you can make connections, participate in meaningful service, become a leader, and expand your perspective in the Designing Your Rotary Experience resource.
https://blog.rotary.org/2026/08/04/rotarian-band-rocks-on-to-fight-human-trafficking/