Editor

The Orcas Island Community Foundation (OICF) announced grants amounting to about $73,000 at an awards ceremony on Monday, June 9. The OICF contributed $24,000 of its own funds, while the Partners in Philanthropy contributed $49,000.

Executive Director Hilary Canty said at the event, “This is truly a celebration of the entire community.” Incoming OICF Board President Susan Gudgell, said, “We live in one of the most philantropic corners of the country… in a culture of neighbor helping neighbor, now in a more formalized way with a myriad of non-profits.”

The 2008 Grants committee members are Co-chairs Kate Janeway and Moana Kutsche, Joe Babcock, Paul Kamin, Midge Kraetzer, Kaye Mattson, Coleen O’Brien, Suzanne Olson, Victoria Parker, Doug Pearson, Nanette Pyne, Ann Snelson, and Robin Woodward.

Tom Welch, retiring OICF President announced the retirement of two founding members of the Community Foundation, and continuing grants that will be named in their honor.

Doug Bechtel will resign this year. His continued involvement in the performing arts will be recognized in a grant that provides funding to dance and theater programs.

Bob Waunch will retire next year, and the Youth Grants program, which he initiated, will be named in his honor.

This year, the Orcas Island senior class awarded the $4,000 Youth Grants, in the amount of $1,000 each, to Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse Services, Children’s House, Compass Mental Health and Irthlingz environmental education organization.

The OICF can be contacted at PO Box 1496 Eastsound, WA 98245, or at 376-6423. For a complete list of this year’s OICF grants, go to A7.