Recipients of BCF’s Philanthropy Awards honored at ceremony

By Molly Hetherwick Bainbridge Island Review • November 20, 2025 1:30 am

The Bainbridge Community Foundation, a philanthropic group dedicated to supporting Bainbridge Island programs and services, has announced the recipients of its annual Philanthropy Awards.

Two individuals, one couple, and one project-turned-movement were honored Nov. 13 at the foundation’s celebration, in which 173 people attended.

“This incredible event honors local philanthropic individuals, volunteers, businesses, and groups that have had a profound impact on our community, and aims to inspire attendees to contribute their skills and resources to build a stronger, more inclusive community,” said Dana Binnendijk, director of BCF, in a news release.

Jack Van Derrick, Tom McCloskey, Sallie and Andy Maron and the Buy Nothing Project were all selected for this year’s award.

Van Derrick, a student in the Bainbridge Island School District Adult Living Program, is BCF’s first-ever neurodiverse honoree. He is a committed volunteer at Helpline House, the Bloedel Reserve, local libraries, and events, contributing ten hours weekly to each location — which he views not as an obligation, but as a joy that builds confidence, friendships, and life skills, said Binnendijk.

“Jack is the best thing that could have happened to us. Anything he wants to take on, he can do. I know he volunteers in other parts of the community, and I’m so glad they can share him with us. We could not do what we do without Jack,” added Carol Schuyler, member of Friends of the Library.

McCloskey is a longtime member of the Rotary Club, serving as its president and auction chair multiple times, and as board president of Bainbridge Youth Services.

The Marons helped shape Bainbridge as it’s known today. As a longtime civic leader, Andy helped establish the city government when the island incorporated in 1991, wrote its first-ever Comprehensive Plan and expanded open space and trails. Sallie helped found the BI Japanese American Exclusion Memorial Association, environmental nonprofit Sustainable Bainbridge and the Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network (BARN).

The Marons “go where they’re needed,” Binnendijk said.

“Buy Nothing” started as a local Facebook group organized by Rebecca Rockefeller and Liesl Clark, who were perturbed by the volume of plastic waste washing up on island beaches. To encourage waste reduction, the pair started the group so neighbors could share resources and divert waste from the landfill, wherever possible.

Now there are more than 128,000 “Buy Nothing” groups with 12 million members worldwide.

“Promoting a gift economy, Buy Nothing builds community, reduces waste, and redefines value through generosity. Rooted in Bainbridge’s spirit of sustainability and connection, it reminds us that sharing strengthens both people and the planet,” said Binnendijk.