Submitted by event organizors
For the past seven years, the Give Lopez fundraiser has been a beacon of community support. This 2-week online event, running from May 9th to 23rd, is an opportunity for all of us to come together and support 19 Lopez non-profits that promote diverse community-based programs. To participate in Give Lopez, all organizations must do work that directly serves the residents of Lopez Island.
Last year, Give Lopez achieved a record-breaking success, raising $117K for 15 non-profits. This significant amount was instrumental in supporting various community-based programs. Sue DuMond, the Give Lopez Project Manager, shared, “It was heartening to see how the community embraced our motto, ‘One Stop Giving,’ and used the shopping cart system to donate to multiple organizations at once.”
The enthusiastic and generous collective response of donors illustrates their appreciation for the integral work these organizations do in our community. Many of the organizations also collaborate on programs and share resources throughout the year, demonstrating a strong sense of community and shared purpose. They actively meet and work together on the Give Lopez fundraiser, sharing in the planning and associated costs. On GiveLopez.org, you can learn about each non-profit, its fundraising objective, and their target goal amount. In addition to one-time donations, donors can also set up monthly donations. Checks and cash are also accepted during Give Lopez for those who prefer to donate off-line. All donations are tax-deductible, and donors receive a receipt.
Organizations seeking financial support for programs are: Lopez Island Family Resource Center – nourish our neighbors, and buy locally grown and produced food products; Lopez Island Home and Hospice Support – partner with Lopez Fire & EMS and provide fly ‘bags’ to medically airlifted islanders; Friends of Lopez Canoe Landings – fund and welcome two Canoe Journeys and strengthen ties with local tribes; Lopez Island Community Fireworks – support the 4th of July display; Lopez Children’s Center – provide financial scholarships to qualifying families in partnership with the San Juan County Early Childhood Education & Assistance Program (ECEAP); Lopez Island Historical Society & Museum – digitize cassettes of oral histories from the 1950s-2000;
Lopez Fit – fund discounted and medicare sponsored memberships and upgrades to equipment; Taproot – The Lopez Island Community Kitchen – to keep user fees low and offer business start up support; Solid Waste Alternative Program (SWAP) – support “Make Art Not Waste” 2024 Trashion/Fashion show.
Organizations raising funds for infrastructure and capital improvements are: Lopez Island Union Cemetery Association – terramation project for green burials; Lopez Island Community Land Trust – support current projects in housing and agriculture; Lopez Island Grange – gutters on building and water remediation on the property; Friends of Woodmen Hall – exterior painting and wood repair; The Hamlet – new furniture and flooring; Friends of the Lopez Island Library – replace leaking windows; Lopez Center for Community & the Arts – expansion of office space; Housing Lopez – installation of EV charging station; Friends of Lopez Island Pool (FLIP) – equipment for pool programs; and Lopez Food Center – startup costs for building permits.
Every dollar donated to Lopez Island non-profits during Give Lopez is a direct investment in our local community. Your contribution ensures that these organizations can continue their critical and transformative work, making a tangible difference in the lives of our fellow islanders. “Give Lopez is a great community-wide effort that brings everyone together to help Lopez thrive,” commented first-time participant Friends of the Lopez Library board chair Karen Eames. The participating organizations extend their heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing generosity and support. To donate, please visit www.GiveLopez.org.
