ONE EYED JACKS ROADHOUSE; LYNNWOOD, WA
One Eyed Jacks looks out for their own

By Ty Hughes

On Saturday, July 12th, Tom and the gang at One Eyed Jack’s Roadhouse in Lynnwood presented their charitable side when they orchestrated a full on auction benefit for a couple friends in need.

Duffy Owens and his wife, April, have been struggling with some unexpected hospital expenses since April was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in her abdomen – an inoperable procedure. To top that off, Duffy was actually hit by a street sign when a bus careened off the street, leveling the sign and Duffy in the process. This left him with serious back injuries, forcing him into early retirement.

We all know these kind of medical bills can bring anyone to a breaking point financially. And with no money coming in, can be devastating. It is in these times that we find out who our true friends really and truly are.

Fortunately for Duffy and April, local karaoke nuts, their network of friends stretches far and wide. This was proven that night at One Eyed Jacks when the bar filled up with close friends and family members for the live and silent auction. Fehrone got the karaoke started around 9pm and folks perused the items displayed around the stage, laying down their bids. Items up for auction included neon beer signs, a poker table and lots more. Throughout the evening, Tom auctioned off some out of print T-shirts and collector’s CDs and other great stuff. At one point, he put up a signed copy of Megadeath’s CD and the crowd went crazy! Everybody jumps up, arms flailing. The bidding started at twenty bucks and quickly rose to eighty. Finally, Heather secured the sale with her generous bid of one hundred dollars!

The bidding wars continued intermittently with the karaoke throughout the night, benefiting Duffy and April in their time of need. In fact, Duffy was actually celebrating his birthday that night as well.

Known around town as the busiest bar in the neighborhood, One Eyed Jacks offers 15 beers on tap and a big ol’ stage framed by towering speakers and a fully stocked sound booth where Fehrone has been employed for over four years now. The music is loud and proud and the singers are bold and brave, bringing a wide range of genres to the people.

Ian, owner Tom’s brother, started things off with a classic Buddy Holly tune, followed by Kevin and his Metallica selection. Duffy, who’s known ‘round these here parts as the “Karaoke Whore”, sang Lady in his signature style. Sarah Lee did Since I Fell For You before Laura, a well-known karaoke host from the past who has since moved to Texas, got up to sing Blue for an excitable crowd.

Special thanks to One Eyed Jacks for helping out an old friend in need by raising over $900 in donations after two fundraisers.

Duffy and April are extremely grateful for the effort and consideration shown by Tom, his staff and their multitudes of generous friends.