2021-2022 Community Impact Report - Report - Page 4
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
2021 and 2022 were critical years for our community and the Foundation. GGHF demonstrated how nimble and
flexible it can be by keeping staff and those we provide programs for safe, while providing quality essential services.
In 2021 these services were delivered in many ways. Curious by Nature School (CBNS) implemented a hybrid model
providing students with opportunities to learn both on-campus and through virtual home-based education activities. Our
Students of Distinction scholarship program continued virtually. Gig Harbor Senior Center (GHSC) pivoted from in-Center
services to delivering Shelter-in-Place Meals to seniors across Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula, resulting in ~10,000 meals over
the course of the 13-month program, and much more. Gig Harbor Basket Brigade delivered gift cards to families facing food
insecurity for their Thanksgiving dinner. Our financial support for conservation programs continued by operating “drive-through”
Summer Sips and Cider Swig events. And, we provided critical funds to community businesses through funds raised during the Foundation supported weekly
four-month Band Together Concert Series.
The pandemic was the worst of times, but it brought out the best in the Foundation and our community, asking, “how can we help our neighbors?” We proved the
slogan, “We are better and stronger when we are together.”
2022 brought all into a new normal. We were continually adjusting our programs and services to keep those we serve safe. GGHF Curious By Nature School returned
to in-person learning and hosted its 10th annual Green Gig Dinner. The Gig Harbor Senior Center reopened its doors and held 1st Shamrock’n the Harbor 5k/12k run
and the 2nd INDULGE: A Sip & Savor Experience. Students of Distinction was back to an in-person award ceremony and dinner. GGHF EnviroCorps began making up
for its reduced workload by greatly increasing its road cleanups and community conservation projects in many locations across our community. Friends of Harbor
Hills Environmental Sanctuary continues toward its conservation vision. Gig Harbor Basket Brigade returned for its 29th year with our friends and neighbors boxing-up
Thanksgiving dinners and weeks of food for some 900 families. And all our events and programs returned to in-person celebrations. As in 2021, the Greater Gig
Harbor Foundation continues to move forward with its Community Campus, to develop a permanent home for CBNS, GGHF's community programs, and Foundation
administration, while at same time continuing to explore opportunities for a permanent site for Gig Harbor Senior Center.
What will GGHF and our community do for an encore in 2023? There will be many new challenges
and new opportunities. I am reminded of the Greek origin and definition of the word, crisis,
it means opportunity and, in the word, opportunity, is the word, unity, and that’s what
I see for our community: challenges, opportunities and unity. Let’s be bold together.
Judson Morris, MSW
Board President, Greater Gig Harbor Foundation
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