A New Beginning
I wish I could say it’s been a great start to the year and fill this message with only joy and excitement. Hard to do when so many are suffering from recent bouts of violence in our country and throughout the world, and the destruction and devastation of the wildfires in Los Angeles.
Our hearts go out to all those affected by the fires. Many of our fellow islanders are impacted with friends, family, and community in LA. You can lend support by donating to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, the California Community Foundation Wildfire Recovery Fund, or the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region.
It’s hard to imagine such a disaster hitting our island. It’s easier, however, to imagine the ways that we would mobilize quickly, pull together as a community, and care for those affected. We are building a stronger, more resilient community with each year that passes, as evidenced by the investments and generosity of so many in our community. Last year, 1,729 donors made 4,865 donations, totaling nearly $8.5 million in donations to and through OICF. Dozens of community members regularly contribute their time, expertise and passion to our nonprofits and civic organizations to put these dollars to work where it’s needed most.
I’m incredibly proud and astonished by the work of our collective community. I’m excited to work with our Board of Trustees on strategic visioning and prioritization this year to ensure we are aligning our resources in the best way possible and amplifying the impact of our generous community.
If you’re interested in investing your time and energy as a board member on Orcas, OICF is hosting a virtual Introduction to Board Service Workshop on Wednesday, February 26, from 4 – 6pm. Please register in advance.
One more bright light to share. The Peach Pit is a newly formed youth-driven organization that will be opening up its doors as a safe space for teens to connect and access resources. Read all about their journey over the last year.
I wish you a big dose of warmth, joy and adventure wherever you may find it in the year ahead!
Lindsay