Thanks to generous community support, it looks like Orcas Rec will continue running… and jumping, swimming, and playing this year.

As of April 27, Orcas Rec had received $20,550 in pledges and was very close to its goal of $23,000 by month’s end.

The county, which in past years has allocated $16,500 to the program, will not be contributing any funds in 2010. On April 7 the program was $4,761 in the red and the County Council requested that Orcas Rec leadership provide a concrete financial plan for funding the program through the year. So coordinator Linda Sheridan and the Orcas Rec Advisory Board members requested pledges from the community to ensure a solid 2010 budget.

Local residents have come through with flying colors to support the program, and Sheridan plans to present pledge data and discuss the situation with the San Juan County Council in early May.

The overall plan is to raise $56,000 in donations to keep Orcas Rec open until December; that number includes upcoming fundraisers and donations from program sponsors.

“The Orcas Rec Advisory Board and I are trying to find ten large donors to pledge $1,500 each. We have found seven so far and are keeping our eye out for three more families that would be interested in donating this amount,” wrote Sheridan in a recent community email blast. “As you know, Orcas Rec is a great program that provides a variety of opportunities for Orcas kids and adults as well as off-island folks. We would appreciate a pledge of any amount from you and your family. If you have already made a pledge or donated to Orcas Rec this year THANK YOU! We truly appreciate your support.”

To make a pledge, email or phone your pledge amount to Orcas Rec Coordinator Linda Sheridan at:

lindas@sanjuanco.com or 376-5339.