Submitted by the Kiwanis Club
The Kiwanis Club of Friday Harbor received a matching grant of $7,500 from the Honeywell Charitable Fund of The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region. This money will be used to help fund the annual scholarships awarded by the Kiwanis to Friday Harbor High School seniors.
Over the last four years, Kiwanis has provided over $40,000 in scholarships. In 2014, $7,250 was awarded to 10 students; in 2015, $10,000 was awarded to 11 students; in 2016, $12,500 was awarded to 17 students; and last year, 2017, $11,000 was awarded to 15 seniors.
“I can think of no better gift than helping young people to continue their education,” said President Vicky Thalacker. “With a good education, all kinds of doors can be opened that will have a profound effect on their lives.”
Dave and Nancy Honeywell are committed to helping our local community in numerous ways. The Kiwanis requested a challenge grant for its annual Pig War Picnic and was awarded a generous gift from the Honeywell Charitable Trust, continuing a partnership they have enjoyed with the Honeywell’s for the past three years.
“It’s a lot of work to put on the annual picnic, but it’s worth it in when you think of all the great things we can do in the community with the money we raise,” said Thalacker. “The Honeywell partnership has allowed our club to impact many kids right here on our island”.
The Pig War Picnic has evolved into a major attraction for the annual Friday Harbor Fourth of July celebration. In addition to the Honeywell’s support, a number of local businesses also help make the event possible. These local companies sponsor the event at the $600 level and up: Islanders Bank, Kenmore Air, Browne’s Home Center, Ace Hardware, Chicago Title, Heritage Bank, and Kings Market.
The Honeywells have only been on the island for a few years. Their generosity and philanthropy toward the local community should be noted. They have also helped Island Rec, the local Food Bank, the San Juan Islands Museum of Art, and others. We are fortunate they picked San Juan Island for a place to enjoy their senior years and are grateful for their generosity.
