| A celebration of local philanthropy took place when the Kitsap Community Foundation (KCF) recognized individuals and organizations that have exceeded the accepted bounds of generosity. The Celebration of Philanthropy was held at the Kitsap Conference Center at Bremerton Harborside and both bestowed honors on specific recipients and paid tribute to the spirit that compels people to donate their time and financial resources.
This year’s Community Volunteer Award recipient was Tex Lewis of the Clear Creek Trail Project. A founding partner in creating the concept of the trail many years ago, Lewis has since been the driving force behind the development and subsequent expansions of the trail. What makes this project unique is that he enlists the assistance of volunteer youth in developing the trails: both high school volunteers as well as Boy Scouts working for Eagle Scout awards. Additionally, Lewis has been active in county government, leading a committee working on the Silverdale Urban Growth Area, helping establish the Central Kitsap Community Council, and working to improve road-side safety for children walking to school.
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Receiving the Business Making a Difference Award was Martha & Mary of Poulsbo and the greater-Kitsap community. Founded in 1891 as an orphanage, the facility converted to a nursing home in 1954 as the need for elder care overcame the demand for housing a diminished number of homeless children. Subsequently, the Martha & Mary Childcare Center was established in 1983. As a non-profit with a mission to serve families regardless of their ability to pay, Martha & Mary serves the greatest percentage of low-income, Medicaid-eligible seniors of any nursing home in the state and from 40 to 60 percent (depending on location) of the children served come from low-income households. This unique and successful intergenerational programming is the basis of this award.
Being honored with this year’s Hannah Langer Spirit of Philanthropy Award were Don and Elizabeth Drury. Since coming to Kitsap County in the 1970’s, the Drury’s have been giving back to their adopted community and providing examples of philanthropy for the rest to follow: Elizabeth has lent her talents to several regional horticultural conservancies and foundations and has worked to raise the awareness of the possible loss of the Heronswood Gardens. Don was the leader of Bainbridge Island Foundation’s “One Call for All” campaign, a founding Board member of the Dispute Resolution Center of Kitsap County, and is currently Chair of the Seabeck Christian Conference Center. Together, the Drury’s were founding donors of the Kitsap Community Foundation, contributed the Arts Building at IslandWood on Bainbridge Island, and have supported many social and cultural activities in the region. Elizabeth and Don Drury are being recognized for their leadership in philanthropy and for the legacy they have created for the future of Kitsap County.
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