Points of light touch Thurston County volunteers

Mary Beth Harrington, CVA

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County health office pays tribute to vaccination drive volunteers

Happy Summer Solstice! Summer is finally here, and it appears at least for now the weather is cooperating with the season.

Also, Namaste to all my fellow Yogis who are celebrating International Yoga Day today.

There is a lot of nonprofit news this week so let's get right to it.

Celebrating Volunteers!

Last Tuesday, United Way of Thurston County and Thurston County Public and Health Services recognized 18 local people who volunteered between 100 and 473 hours at their vaccine clinics this past year. See story.

These individuals also received the President's Volunteer Service Award (PVSA). In 2003, the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation founded the PVSA to recognize the vital role of volunteers in America's strength and national identity. The award honors individuals whose service positively impacts their community and inspires others to act. I know only one other person who has received the award; it was a huge deal and was considered the greatest award a volunteer could receive. Initially, the PVSA partnered with the Points of Light organization started by President George H. W. Bush and celebrated one volunteer every day. The PVSA has continued under each administration, honoring the volunteers who are using their time and talents to solve the toughest challenges facing our nation. Today the award is still a great honor and now the program allows Certifying Organizations (like United Way of Thurston County) to recognize their most exceptional volunteers.

Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month

June is a busy month. In addition to all the other things we have celebrated, it is also Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month to focus awareness of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. My mother had dementia. I know how debilitating it can be for both the patient as well as their loved ones).

To learn more about this public health concern, attend the Alzheimer's Association Community Forum tomorrow, June 22, from 10:30 a.m. to Noon at the Lacey Timberland Library. For more information click here.

 Be the First to Know!

 Are you anxious to know who will be selected as the next Music Director for the Olympia Symphony?

Then plan to attend the Big Reveal Gala this Saturday, June 24 at 6:00pm at Indian Summer Golf and Country Club. After the whirlwind audition season and in preparation for their 75^th year, the Olympia Symphony is looking to make this the best and brightest season yet. For tickets and more information click here.

Local University Announces Capital Campaign

Saint Martin's University has announced the launch of its first comprehensive campaign, For Every Saint: The Campaign for Saint Martin's Abbey and University. According to their press release, the campaign has a goal of $100 million in current support and future gift commitments.

Funds raised through this campaign will help the university:

1. enhance academic excellence and innovative program development, with particular attention to attracting and retaining diverse and dedicated faculty
2. construct, and create through renovation, modern facilities that promote community and bolster student learning and development
3. dramatically increase scholarships and holistic support for undergraduate and graduate students.

For more details and to donate, click here.

War in Ukraine

Finally, this week marks the 4-month anniversary of Russia's most recent invasion of Ukraine. While the war is no longer leading the news, the atrocities and hardships for the people of Ukraine continue.

We usually focus on local Thurston County nonprofits; however, I want to suggest a place where your donation can directly help the most Ukrainians.

World Central Kitchen, started with a simple idea by Celebrity Chef Jose Andrés, who says, "when people are hungry, send in cooks. Not tomorrow, today."

WCK is first to the frontlines, providing meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises. Today and every day, WCK is feeding 15 million meals to Ukraine refugees throughout the world and most recently the nonprofit has been the victim of several Russian missiles that hit central Kharkiv, Ukraine.

Regarding the most recent bombing, Andrés himself said in an update on the WCK staff: "To everyone caring and sending good wishes to the team in Kharkiv, thank you, the injured are fine, and everyone is ready and willing to start cooking in another location." He ended with, "Many ways to fight, we do it with food!" To learn more about WCK or to donate, go to https://wck.org/.

Soliciting your ideas

If you know of a nonprofit that is doing something great, celebrating a success, needs some outstanding volunteers, or hosting an event, let me know! This column (aside from a little education) celebrates nonprofits!

Mary Beth Harrington, CVA (Certified Volunteer Administrator) lives in Tumwater. She travels the country speaking at conferences and to individual organizations articulating issues facing nonprofits. Send your ideas to her at  MaryBeth@theJOLTnews.com