They say it takes a village to raise a child. No one knows this better than Treehouse for Kids.

In keeping with the needs of children, the non-profit organization recently partnered with the Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila. The result is a dynamic program with resources for foster care children in South King County.

On Oct. 18, the Treehouse Learning Center officially opened its doors. Located in the southwest corner of the Starfire Sports Complex, the center sits on the grounds of the former Fort Dent Park. Amid colorful balloons, free youth haircuts by professional stylists, live entertainment, and indoor/outdoor sports fields, it was clearly a celebration for foster care youth.

The center will offer tutoring services in conjunction with athletic and arts-based enrichment.

The event opened with live entertainment by guitarist/performer Dominique Vijarro. Throughout the celebration there were raffle drawings. Some of the prizes included gift certificates for movies, two tickets for a University of Washington football game, bowling, and a Starbucks gift certificate for a caregiver. Balloons hovered over free books for children, and tables of refreshments such as cake, bagels and cream cheese, muffins, and other goodies.

Lt. Governor Brad Owen was the guest speaker at the festivities. Owen spoke to a packed house, comprised of children, parents, visitors and staff. He shared some common denominators that coincide with helping youth succeed.

It begins with mentors, and Owen emphasized the importance of volunteers in children's lives. He explained that youth who flourish, are ones who have care and support by at least one person.

According to Owen, those who do well have opportunities to contribute to their environment and community. He encouraged having high expectations for youth, and to raise the bar.

He declared, "Our challenge is to inspire these kids. The Treehouse Learning Center is a place where the bar can be set high."

Owen made a strong case for young people being afforded every opportunity. He voiced concern about the things youth are exposed to today, and the maze of temptations and distractions they experience.

The lieutenant governor noted that seven out of ten foster youth might not graduate from high school.

Owen touched upon a recent tragic news story, involving a 14-year-old Carnation girl who was starved and abused.

"I hope the foster system fits her with new wings," Owen added.

Quoting from Mother Theresa, Owen declared, "What we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop." He looked around the decorated room and exclaimed, "This can be the Town Square of their village!"

Also in attendance were Shmuel Rubinstein, center coordinator and Degale Cooper, center director of Treehouse programs.

Cooper explained, "We give opportunities in a venue where kids can see what others are doing."

The center assists children with academics but also provides enrichment programs aimed to help a child's overall being.

Cooper said, for example, if a student enjoys ballet, horseback, riding, needs a winter coat, or has other interests and needs, Treehouse can financially help.

Treehouse educational programs include tutoring, "Coaching to College" programs for middle and high-schoolers, and educational advocacy. Enrichment programs include The Wearhouse, where parents can shop for stylish new and gently used clothing, school supplies, and other necessities.

Little Wishes is another program, designed to cover the cost of community and school-based activities, including music lessons, hair care, sports teams, martial arts lessons, field trips, school photos, and student body cards. There is also a summer camp.

Steve Beck also shared the spotlight. He is the co-creator, with Chris Slatt, of the Starfire Sports Complex. He was raised in a family of 10 children--seven girls and three boys, with a single mother.

He remembers those days in Rainer Valley,

"My mom never turned anybody away. Kids were always staying," he recalled.

He emphasized the importance of the sports complex in a child's life, for promoting activity to combat the growing problem of child obesity.

Beck and Slatt have invested $17 million in the complex over the last five years.

A donation was also received for $4.5 million that will enable the construction of four additional playing fields.

Dorothy, a foster mother, sat quietly in the audience. Next to her sat her foster son, and another child, visiting her for respite care.

Dorothy praised Treehouse for its support during the past four years.

She recalls that the organization was instrumental in getting her foster son into Tae Kwon Do. She beamed while discussing how martial arts have boosted his self-esteem.

Dorothy believes nurturing and promoting her foster son's interests, also has diminished the stigma of being in foster care.

She smiled, as she discussed his feeling of pride that he is now part of the community.

To the right of Dorothy sat "an angel." She was fidgeting and elegantly donned in delicate wings and golden slippers. She conveyed the precious kind of wonder and innocence that is only found in the eyes of a child.

Because of this unique partnership between Treehouse and Starfire, her future dreams may not only be brighter, but also come true.

The center is open Monday, Tuesday and Wed. from 2-6 p.m. The indoor soccer fields are available on Tuesday and Wednesday from 3- 6 p.m.

Bi-lingual and other volunteers are needed.

For general or referral information, call 206-767-7000 or email www.treehouseforkids.org

(Tony Miller contributed to this story.)