GiveOrcas Campaign was a huge success

||| FROM HILARY CANTY for ORCAS ISLAND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION |||

Wowza! What a week this has been. First and foremost, THANK YOU to everyone who pitched in and helped fully fund this year’s Give Orcas Campaign. That was a truly remarkable effort, with over 670 donors contributing a total of $374,000 — amazing support for this community. I was so looking forward to celebrating with you all yesterday at the Awards Celebration. Unfortunately, Covid had other plans, and the current surge on the island made a large gathering unwise even if outside. Hopefully, we will be able to gather at some point this summer to thank you in person. Until then, please know how grateful we all are and what a difference your contributions make. 

One of the highlights of the Awards Celebration is the big reveal of the High School Senior’s Class Grant Awards. Each year, the class is given the opportunity to direct $10,000 towards the organizations and programs that they select. It is a lovely way for them to thank the community that helped them reach their graduation. The students follow a process that was designed by OISD Alumni Wylie Kau for his senior project in 2016. This year, Wylie agreed to join us at the Awards Celebration to introduce the Seniors. Given the situation, Wylie went to the High School and met with the students, and the event can be viewed in this video. This year, the class selected the Booster Club, Parks and Recreation, and Children’s House for providing them with opportunities to learn and grow, so heartwarming!