BCF honors local philanthropists
Published 12:43 pm Saturday, October 15, 2016
The Bainbridge Community Foundation has recognized three individuals/groups for their significant philanthropic, leadership and community-building contributions in 2016.
Cynthia Sears, the Suquamish Tribe and the Fort Ward Youth Advisory Committee were honored at the foundation’s eighth annual Inspiring People celebration, which drew more than 170 guests, including the First Lady of Washington State, Trudi Inslee, and former Secretary of State Ralph Munro.
2016 Outstanding Bainbridge Philanthropist
“In the nearly 30 years that Cynthia Sears has called Bainbridge Island home, her remarkable generosity, spirit, and encouragement have helped build a thriving and vibrant arts and cultural community,” said BCF spokeswoman Regina Bellody.
Sears founded the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, which provides free access to art and education to approximately 55,000 visitors from around the world each year, as well as the Island Treasure Award, which honors two local artists each year for excellence and outstanding contributions in the arts and humanities in the community.
As a former trustee of BCF, Sears played an instrumental role in the creation of the Community Grants Cycle, which has to date awarded more than $1.5 million. A few more examples of the many organizations that have benefited from her generosity include Island Volunteer Caregivers, the Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network, Bainbridge Performing Arts and the Copper Canyon Press, an independent publisher of poetry.
2016 Outstanding Philanthropic Organization
The Suquamish Tribe was recognized for their longtime tradition of giving generously to help others, especially the most vulnerable populations.
Through the Port Madison Enterprises Fund and the Suquamish Foundation, the Tribe has contributed millions of dollars in the spirit of helping the community. In addition to their extensive contributions and leadership in the areas of education and poverty alleviation, tribal giving supports arts, health care, public safety, recreation, social services and more. Some of the many organizations on Bainbridge Island that have benefited from the Tribe’s generosity include Bainbridge Arts & Crafts, the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum, Bainbridge Youth Services, Island Time Activities, and Bainbridge Performing Arts.
2016 Outstanding Young Philanthropists
In 2014, neighborhood friends Aila Ikuse, Kate Merifield, Mark Dettman and Erik Appleberry formed the Fort Ward Youth Advisory Committee. As sophomores in high school, they dedicated themselves to restoring a historic brick bakery building for use as the first public hall in the south end of Bainbridge Island.
Over time, as they continued to give presentations and hosted tours and events, their enthusiasm for the project motivated countless community members to get involved and led to the creation of a nonprofit, the Friends of Fort Ward.
According to Douglas Crist, President of the Friends of Fort Ward board of directors, “They’re terrific young people, and they’ve been great ambassadors for the project. I think they set quite an example for other kids unsure about getting involved in ‘grownup’ issues — they really can make a difference.”
