Letter to Editor | Cheesy thank you from OIEF

— from Janet Brownell for Orcas Island Education Foundation —

Thank you to the over 150 people who turned out for the 3rd Annual Grilled Cheese Showdown. It was a mighty tasty evening. The voting was REMARKABLY close — but the winner of this year’s grilled cheese was Cheryl Helm of Catkin Cafe! Her sandwich: Aged white cheddar with quince onion jam.

Thank you to our other winning chefs: Jay Blackinton (Hogstone’s Wood Oven/Aelder), Shawna Hanan (Luna’s Cafe & The Three Sisters Bakery), Jon Chappelle (Voyager Sandwiches & Seafood), Audra Lawlor (Girl Meets Dirt), and Kate Long (super star home chef). They are all so talented and we cannot thank them enough for donating their time and supplies to help support our schools.

We need to also mention a huge thank you to Jason Nichols (OISD) for his tremendous effort in getting the cafeteria ready for the event. Also thanks to the Principal Kyle Freeman and the OISD cafeteria staff who allow us to work in their space. Finally, to all the adult and student volunteers – you made the evening run perfectly and we are ever grateful!

We will be back next year. Thank for supporting the Orcas Island Education Foundation. You are helping to make great things happen at our public schools.