Kate, Susan Singleton (chair of the OICF Grants Committee), and I conducted midpoint check ins with those organizations that received over $10,000 in grant funding in 2019. These meetings provide an opportunity to hear about the impact and progress that community...

I received my pin for 20 years of service at the Annual Awards Celebration for Orcas Island Fire and Rescue on Jan. 18th. I am the last one still serving from my class (pictured above--can you spot me???). I was so surprised; I would have never guessed that I would...

The Orcas Island Community Foundation will mark our 25th anniversary this year. OICF was started in 1995 by a small team of committed community members who wanted a better way to facilitate philanthropic efforts on the island. Many had been involved in building the...

2019 finished off in a whirlwind here at OICF. Jennifer completed over 60 donor advised grants for year end gifts in the last few days. All in all, OICF distributed a total of $3,191,000 in grants, making for a record year. When I look around the community, I can see...

I enjoyed a Solstice Hike around Cascade Lake on Sunday, Dec. 22nd and managed to see this amazing sunset. It was breathtaking. Orcas is truly one of the most beautiful places on earth. We are so fortunate to call it home. As we come to the end of the year, I send you...

Wow!  Unique Donor Day was WILD! 532 donations for a total of $17,900- a new record! Congratulations to Friends of Moran, who won first place with 76 donors and the $1000 grand prize. The Early Childhood Education Initiative and Hearts and Hands (the Senior Center)...

Ben Franklin game day was a GREAT SUCCESS! 106 donors contributed $100 or more on Dec. 5th, raising $27,500 for the many programs in the Holiday Catalog. WaHoooo! Helen Bee won the prize drawing and the Orcas Community Resource Center will get an additional $1000 from...

The winds have picked up just in time for Thanksgiving. Thank you to OPALCO for the speedy work restoring power this morning. And a big shout out to the Community Church and volunteers for opening the Cold Weather Shelter Nov. 28, 29, and 30 in the church on Madrona...

We are so very grateful for all each of you does for this community and beyond. In the EMS world, we speak of the 'Chain of Survival.' It is the concept that surviving an accident or injury requires a series of individuals and skills such as assessment, transport, and...