At our March 20, 2026 meeting, we celebrated the spirit of Service Above Self by delivering checks to four incredible organizations. While the financial support is significant, the true story lies in the beds provided, the history preserved, and the future generations educated.
St. Vincent de Paul-Bremerton: A New Chapter for the Star of Hope Campaign
We are proud to support the first phase of the “Star of Hope” capital campaign, a project that provides more than just shelter—it provides dignity. Our partnership will help create 38 units of affordable housing and expand the women’s and children’s shelter to 47 beds. Beyond housing, this effort renovates a vital food bank, ensuring no neighbor goes hungry. With our own Larry Smith serving on their board, we aren’t just donors; we are long-term partners in the fight against displacement and food insecurity. Grant: $75,000
Suyematsu Farm Legacy Alliance: Honoring Our Roots
History lives in the soil and the structures of the historic Suyematsu Farm. With this grant, we are supporting the SFLA to restore the last three surviving farmworkers’ cabins at the Picker Camp. Once rehabilitated, these bunkhouses will serve as a living classroom to tell the stories of the First Nations and Filipino farmworkers whose labor built our community. This project is a hands-on labor of love; in addition to our grant, one of our members, Carol Reitz, serves as an SFLA board member. Plus, later this Spring, our Community Partners in Action Committee will be on-site removing invasive plants to prepare the land for this vital cultural preservation. Grant: $75,000
Bainbridge Prepares: Resiliency in the Face of Disaster
When the unexpected happens, communication is the lifeline that saves lives. We are deepening our long-standing relationship with Bainbridge Prepares by funding a high-capacity 32KW generator and fuel system. This critical infrastructure ensures that BP’s communication network remains fully operational for up to ten days during a disaster. We have stood by this organization for years, and this “Huney Grant” ensures that when our island needs a voice in the dark, we will have the power to get the message out. Grant: $50,232
Butler Green Farm School: Investing in Sustainable Agriculture Education
Sharing Bainbridge’s agrarian heritage with a new generation. Through our partnership with the Butler Green Farm School, a new propagation greenhouse will soon rise at the historic Suyematsu Family Farm. This year-round learning environment will allow K-12 students to get their hands dirty while studying soil science, plant biology, and sustainable agriculture. The best part? Our members will be joining the BGFS team next month to help physically assemble the greenhouse. We aren’t just funding a classroom; we’re helping build the place where the next generation of environmental stewards will grow. Grant: 25,000
Congrats to all our grant recipients!
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