"Thinking Outside the Box" Helps Fund Schools at "Food for Thought" Auction Benefit

Michelle Reed of the Education Foundation and Terri Gilleland of the Chamber of Commerce display boxes to be auctioned at the "Food for Thought" Benefit Nov. 19

By Janet Brownell

The Orcas Island Education Foundation (OIEF) hopes you will join them to “Think Outside the Box” in support of our public schools.   Last year, OIEF asked dozens of island artists to use their talent to transform blank fish forms for its Food For Thought Auction benefit.  This year OIEF has challenged our island’s artists to “think outside the box” and turn simple wood boxes into amazing works of art.  Students and teachers from the Orcas Island public schools are also participating in the project.

The boxes, and other live and silent auction items, are the “main event” at the November 19^th Food For Thought benefit at Camp Orkila.  Red Rabbit Farm, Ship Bay, Doe Bay, Erb’s, and three gifted amateur chefs – including our own Elementary/Middle School principal Kyle Freeman — will provide delicious food!

Starting November 4^th, you can get a sneak preview of the boxes at several businesses around Eastsound.  These businesses include: Aesthetica, the Chamber of Commerce, Woodscove, Body Boat Blade, Pawki’s, Moonglow Arts and Crafts, the Orcas Island Community Foundation, Spirit of the Northwest, Windemere Realty, Darvill’s, the Nest, and Ace Hardware.  (A complete list of participating businesses can be picked up at the Chamber of Commerce.)

All proceeds raised at the “Food for Thought” Auction Benefit go to support our public schools.   Tickets go on sale November 1, and may be purchased for $60 per person, or $100 per couple, at Darvill’s, the Chamber of Commerce, and the public Elementary school office.  The event starts at 6pm.  Shuttles will be provided from the Orkila parking lot to the Lodge.  Child Care is provided through Orcas Rec at the Funhouse.  Please call Orcas Rec (376-5339) to make arrangements.  This is the most important fundraiser event for OIEF – come join the fun and help our public schools!