Three island residents and one family business were recognized for their inspiring acts of generosity at Bainbridge Community Foundation’s seventh annual Philanthropy Celebration, recently held at IslandWood.
Friends of the foundation — donors and volunteers and notable people in the island’s nonprofit scene — nominated candidates, with BCF’s board ultimately whittling the pool down to three honorees.
Paul and Debbi Brainerd were selected as this year’s outstanding Bainbridge philanthropists for their remarkable support of educational opportunities and wildlife and environmental conservation over the last two decades.
“The visible signs of their generosity are evident in the peace, quiet and beauty of the Island’s natural landscapes,” said BCF community relations administrator Regina Bellody.
Since founding IslandWood in 2001, the couple have engaged nearly 100,000 children and adults in environmental stewardship experiences each year. They’ve also provided key counsel and support to local nonprofits including the Bloedel Reserve, Island Volunteer Caregivers and the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art. Their philanthropic organization, Social Venture Partners, takes their passion for engaging others to a global level by building relationships among professionals and nonprofits to maximize charitable impact.
Recent BHS grad and University of Washington freshman Ian O’Keefe is BCF’s Outstanding Young Philanthropist. The award recognizes island do-gooders under the age of 21 who have made a significant contribution to the community through fundraising and volunteering.
As a board member and two-time student delegate of the Bainbridge Ometepe Sister Islands Association, O’Keefe played a central role in planning and hosting two student-led dinner auctions, which together raised more than $51,000 for community projects in Nicaragua.
The award-winner has traveled to Ometepe two years in a row, helping to construct an amphitheater and a school addition during his visits. He has also mentored fourth-graders through Ordway Elementary’s outdoor education program and served as a member of the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council.
Steve and Becky Mikami received the Outstanding Philanthropic Organization award for the countless causes they’ve sponsored through their business, the Bainbridge Island Ace Hardware.
“Steve and Becky’s love of the rich history of Bainbridge Island is evident in their support of the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum and the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial,” said Bellody.
“They are especially passionate about improving the lives of local youth and strongly support educational and sports organizations [including] Kids Discovery Museum, the Bainbridge Public Library, Bainbridge Youth Services and Bainbridge Performing Arts.”
Beyond their financial contributions, the Mikamis actively volunteer with local organizations and encourage their employees to get involved as well.
