The San Juan Community Home Trust held its fifth annual signature fundraiser, Fiesta San Juan, Sunday, July 16. It’s a wonderful opportunity to support this organization’s goal: to deliver permanently affordable housing for those who are the fabric of our island community.

Nothing of this venture can be done without the unflagging work of some key individuals deserving of thanks and recognition: Sarah Crosby, Chary Caren and Steve Bowman who were the core organizers and Jane Buck and Marcy Hahn who with their skills transformed the Brickworks into a bright, festive motif.

Salutes of sincere thanks to the many volunteers who set up the tables and chairs, sold tickets, decorated, served food, tended the bar, worked the check-in/check-out lines, spotted for the auction and stayed after a long day to clean up.

A special nod to On Island Thyme caterer, Liz Varvaro and Chef Andy Radzialowski, who prepared a sumptuous banquet! A further nod goes to Boo Boo James for being our energetic and enthusiastic auctioneer. And many thanks to all the community members who lent baskets, auction paddles and their “secret” margarita mix.

The Chance Auction and Live Auction items were phenomenal but they couldn’t have been without the unstinting generosity of both San Juan Island and Orcas Island merchants.

To our major sponsors for whom we are most grateful: Lawson Construction, Melic Masonry, King’s Market, Glen and Deb Bruels, Roche Harbor Resort, Nickel Bros, LLC, Gay Graham and Ron Hanson, Island Gardens, Islanders Bank, Coldwell Banker San Juan Islands, Inc, Bird Rock Hotel, Chicago Title, Aeronautical Services, Vacation Doorways, Martin Commercial Fueling and Life Care Center.

All of these good folks are to be sincerely thanked for their unflagging support for the Home Trust. Most of all, a huge thanks to you, our island community, who believe in our goal, who are there for the trust, and our fellow islanders.

Gay Graham

San Juan Community Home Trust Chairman