Orcas Recreation was created over a decade ago to provide structured sports, art, music, educational and outdoor recreational opportunities for our children. These are opportunities children living on a small island otherwise wouldn’t have. Programs provided by Orcas Rec have enriched the lives of thousands of children and consequently, the quality of life on our island. Unfortunately, Orcas Rec will have to close unless immediate financial support is received.
Due to budget shortfalls, San Juan County had to cut the $16,500 it has annually spent to support Orcas Recreation. The fees children pay for programs do not completely cover the cost of running the programs nor do they cover the cost of scholarships for children who could otherwise not afford to participate. Fortunately generous private donations and the County support historically have covered these additional costs.
Unfortunately the lack of County financial support combined with decreased private donations has left Orcas Rec in a dire financial position. If private funds are not raised in the next month, Orcas Rec will have to close operations. For 13 years, Orcas Rec has run a very tight financial shop. In fact, fears associated with the loss of county funding raised concern that a more stable source of income was needed for Orcas Rec, which helped lead to the current initiative to form a Parks & Recreation District scheduled for the November 3rd ballot.
As Advisory Board members for Orcas Rec, we firmly back the ballot to create an Orcas Island Parks and Recreation District and ask for your yes vote. We also make an urgent appeal to all islanders to make an emergency donation to Orcas Rec to keep the program running. Where historically we would be on budget this time of year, numbers provided by San Juan Parks and Recreation show that Orcas Rec has only $600 in reserves. This is true despite intensified fundraising efforts and even includes anticipated earnings from a November 5th Orcas Rec fundraiser at Lulu’s Restaurant. Help us raise $17,000 in the next 6 weeks to keep Orcas Rec running and providing an important service for our children. Please send your donations to Orcas Rec, PO Box 1644, Eastsound, WA 98245.
Sincerely,
Orcas Recreation Advisory Board Members
Bob Eagan
Joe Gaydos
Emily Gincig
Kevin O’Brien
Bob Phalan
Valerie Harris
Vicki Vandermay
