||| FROM HILARY CANTY for ORCAS ISLAND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION |||
Bob and Betty Lundeen loved Orcas and worked to build a strong community. They were especially engaged in ensuring medical access, excellent public education, support for the aging population, and a robust library, as both were lifelong learners. In their lifetimes, they invested in several local institutions, including the Senior Center (the main meeting space is the Lundeen Room), the medical center, the library and the school district (OISD), launching an academic excellence fund that supports career and technical education as well as advanced placement classes.
They made plans to continue their support as their legacy by establishing the Bob and Betty Lundeen Endowment at the Orcas Island Community Foundation upon their deaths (or as Bob was fond of saying: “When his will matured”).
Starting in 2020, the fund generates a distribution which is then granted to one of the organizations selected by the Lundeens. OICF polls the four organizations to learn about their current needs and have them recommend the recipient for OICF Board approval. This year, OISD was selected and approved by the Board and will receive $35,000 to support a middle school Student and Family Empowerment Advocate for the 2021-22 school year.
Last year, the Orcas Island Health Care District received the grant to complete repairs on the clinic building.
Thank you to the Lundeens for their efforts in life and in the future. Their investments make Orcas a stronger community and will benefit generations to come. If you are interested in developing a legacy plan, give us a call at OICF- 360-376-5376. We are happy to assist.
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Well done, Bob. (And OICF!)
Thank you to Bob and Betty Lundeen! Their generosity and vision are inspiring. Part of the Orcas dream is to share good fortune with the community. I hope to be able to do the same one day, when “my will matures.”
There’s a reason this Island is know as the Jewel of the SanJuan’s .. this is just one example..
I think it is important to acknowledge their contributions but it is also important to remember where the money came from too. Just sayin.
I have wonderful memories of Bob and his enthusiasm for inspiring members of OICF and other donors alike! He was the first person I’d ever heard use the expression “when my will matures. . .!”
Should probably throw a shout-out to Dow chemical in there… funding made possible by the makers of Agent Orange, Napalm B, and the Bhopal disaster. Can’t overlook the fact that money came with a hell of a body count.