A group of Islanders, led by Jessica Bolding, has organized a free “Celebration of Life” party for Island teens, set to start at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the Open Space for Arts & Community.

The party will feature a performance by K-Rad, the rapper name of a recent Vashon High School alumnus Kellan Faker-Boyle. There will also be music provided by DJ Michael Whitmore, an open mic segment, and a chance for teens to gather in quieter “hang-out” zones located in the large Open Space facility.

The party comes in response to the recent deaths of Vashon High School students Palmerston Burk and Ryan Krug, as well as the death of India Castle, a local woman in her 20s who grew up on the island and was known to many people here.

“It’s just been a hard year of loss for everyone,” Bolding said. “As adults, we get weathered to the hardships of life, but when you’re  a teenager it can just smack you in the face. We’re giving this party as a gift to the community, just as a show of support and love.”

Bolding is still looking for potluck contributions to the party, as well as chaperones and other volunteers. Donations are also being sought to defray the costs of the evening.

Those interested in helping should contact Bolding at 463-9066. Since the party is aimed primarily at teens, she added, the event will be alcohol-free.