The community came together for a beautiful day at Parish Hall and the Labyrinth to celebrate the nonprofits that make a difference on Orcas Island every day. With strong local participation and support from the Orcas Island Community Foundation’s Partners in Philanthropy Fund, Spring GiveOrcas exceeded expectations, raising $472K for 35 nonprofit programs, more support than ever before.
These funds help organizations move forward with projects that strengthen Orcas Island, from health and human services to arts, education, and environmental programs. The impact is meaningful and far-reaching.
Thank you, Orcas Island, for showing once again what’s possible when community leads the way.
As part of the annual Community Celebration, representatives Lili Malo, Kristian Freeman, Rhys Segault, Soli Halabisky, and Remy Lago from the Orcas Island High School senior class presented the Youth Philanthropy Awards. The awards program empowers the senior class to award $10,000 in grants to Orcas Island nonprofits, supported by a generous donor. Their thoughtful choices reflect the organizations that have supported them in the past, present and future: OISD Farm to Classroom, Island Reproductive Health Initiative, Orcas Community Resource Center, and Orcas Island Booster Club.
Thank you to these organizations, to the students for their inspiring philanthropic leadership, to the donor who made these awards possible, and to high school teacher Phil Comito for mentoring the students through the process. Donations to OICF in support of the Youth Philanthropy Award program are welcome.
Congratulations as well to this year’s GiveOrcas grantees for their creativity, outreach, and dedication throughout the campaign. And thank you to the OICF Board, Community Grants Committee and staff for making it all run smoothly.
Most of all, thank you to everyone who took part in supporting local nonprofits—your generosity continues to strengthen Orcas Island.