The weather has certainly shifted, and fall has fully arrived! Time to dig out the rain boots and bumbershoots.
OICF is celebrating ten years as the fiscal sponsor for the Island Reproductive Health Initiative (IRHI). Jean Henigson and a team of her neighbors started the program when they realized how challenging it was for young adults on Orcas to access confidential reproductive medical services, prescriptions, and education. IRHI raises funds to supplement care, manages a condom distribution program, and works with teens to create a peer knowledge network.
When Jean stepped back, Jannice Rose stepped in. Jannice is now preparing to step down as well, and she is looking for new folks to join the Steering Committee as well as someone to take on her role as its Chair. This vital program is well funded, organized, and ready to continue to roll. They are also in need of someone to help reestablish their website. If this is of interest, please email Jannice. This is such a vital service to our community.
There are also a couple of other fun ways to support local organizations happening this weekend. Très Fabu! is committing 100% of today’s proceeds to OPAL Community Land Trust in support of affordable housing. You can pick up a fun outfit and pitch in at the same time!
Tomorrow, the Orcas Island Education Foundation (OIEF) is hosting an amazing garage sale at the Youngren Farmhouse on Olga Road from 9am-4pm. They will be selling lovely furniture, household goods, and kitchenware that Jim and Kathy have collected over the decades. All sales will benefit OIEF and our public school students. Treasures are sure to be found!
Finally, if you are interested in using your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) or Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD), OICF is happy to assist. You can have the funds directed to us and then provide us with a list of the organizations you want to support. We will mail out the gifts. No charge to you. No percentage to OICF. We even pay the postage. Our goal is to make it easy for you to support the programs you love. These can also be used to fund the GiveOrcas Campaign in December. Feel free to contact me if you want to learn more.
I hope you have a lovely weekend.
Hilary