SCAF celebrated their 18th annual Philanthropist of the Year Awards on Friday, March 22.
Breakfast was served by student volunteers from Lincoln Hill High School.
Sam Reed, former Secretary of State, was the keynote speaker (pictured with Elaina Dulaney, SCAF Vice Pres). He has spent a lifetime volunteering and in public service. His grandmother was also the first teacher at the Camano Schoolhouse!
Mr. Reed was presented with a lovely blown glass vase, donated by Glass Quest. This was made possibly through our partnership with the Stanwood Camano Arts Advocacy Commission.
The Heritage Bank Organization Making a Difference Award was presented to:
The Crab Cracker - Jim & Malynda Shipley.
The Crab Cracker is published specifically for the benefit of our community, advertising at a discount for local nonprofits, and providing ways for the community to get involved with their articles and photography. It features a robust community calendar that is relied upon by many. "Every other week, without fail, we receive the best gift ever - community connection and lighthearted humor to brighten our days."
The Floyd & Delores Jones Spirit of Philanthropy Award was presented to:
Tom & Laura Byers.
There is not an organization or local event that has not benefitted from the contributions of Tom & Laura. They are an incredibly generous couple who quietly share their time and resources. The Byers stated, "whatever we have given in time or money has come back to us ten-fold - in friends, experiences and an amazing place to live."
The Tom Eisenberg Pay It Forward Award was presented to:
Clarene Ricarte.
Clarene is a retired teacher who has a passion and drive to support others. She has given her time to many organizations in Stanwood, including Kiwanis, Key Club, the Stillaguamish Grange, and ISE (International Student Exchange). Clarene is a firm believer that you can make a difference one student at a time.
A new award, The Home Town Hero Award was presented to:
Karissa Bodnar - Thrive Causemetics.
Karissa, a Stanwood native, built a cosmetics company with a bigger purpose - giving back to others. To date, her company has benefited grassroots organizations and nonprofits with over $140 Million in funding and products. She was not able to accept her award in person, but sent a video message talking about her experience growing up in Stanwood, thanked the community for supporting her, and said, "you can take the girl out of Stanwood, but you can't take Stanwood out of the girl." Each attendee was gifted a Bright Balance Hydrating Gel Cleanser from Karissa.
Executive Director Natalie Hagglund spoke about the joys of being a nonprofit that says, "YES." She shared stories about organizations and individuals that have been impacted by SCAF's ability to say YES, which comes directly from our donors.
We are grateful to all attendees for their support of SCAF and the impact made in 2023. Also, a special thanks to the sponsors of this event.
