It’s been a banner year for the Orcas Island Community Foundation.
“In 2012 we hit a record of over $700,000 in total distributions,” said Executive Director Hilary Canty during the annual report to the community on Oct. 9. “It is a reflection of your amazing generosity. Even more remarkable, we are on track to break $1 million in distributions this year. What a stunning increase over the past five years, tripling the amount of grants we steward.”
Staff member Kate Long developed an online grant catalog for this years’ Annual Grants program, which doubled the number of community members who contributed to Partners in Philanthropy.
This November, a new Orcas Opportunities grant program will be available online. The catalog will allow people to purchase items, such as a week of food for a family through the food bank or equipment for the hatchery program at Moran State Park.
OICF is working with the fire department to map AEDs in an effort to learn where there are gaps on the island, so that they can orchestrate purchase of equipment and train neighbors in CPR.
Staff has also met with county council member Rick Hughes to discuss a solution to increase access to mental health for the community.
“Compass Health reports that transportation has been a barrier for treating patients on Orcas,” Canty said. “We have asked that the county provide access to a vehicle and parking at the ferry landing – a creative solution that could make a world of difference to neighbors in need of treatment and support.”
The main event of the report was honoring the volunteers who are behind the mobile dental clinics.
“Shortly after our needs assessment in 2010, it came to our attention that access to dental care was a deep concern for neighbors on Orcas,” Canty said. “Many lacked either insurance or income to afford care, leading to serious pain and health issues.”
The dental unit from Medical Teams International visited seven times over the past year and a half, providing care to over 150 patients, many of whom were experiencing pain due to tooth decay and infection. Treatments have spanned from extractions and cleanings to dentures and crowns. The care has totaled over $105,000 in donated services from island dentists, technicians and specialists from the mainland.
The community foundation gathered pledges and donations from a variety of generous neighbors to cover the cost. The Community Church hosted the van on its grounds and provided a waiting area in their family center. The library offered space for an application box. Dr. Bailey, Dr. Ivans and Dr. Triplett all agreed to volunteer for shifts as did many of their hygienists and assistants. The Lions, the Key Club, Out on Orcas and others volunteered to staff the reception area, and islanders provided lunches and snacks as well as housing.
