Foundation raises nearly $50K in ‘Fair Match’ fundraiser

Individual donations exceeded $33,500, with increased to $48,500, as the Foundation matched each donation by 50 percent. Two of the 10 non-profits exceeded their Match Program goals, according to the Foundation.

August 21, 2012 10:26 pm

Bolstered by an outpouring of community support, the San Juan Island Community Foundation raised nearly $50,000 on behalf of 10 local non-profits through its “Match Program” held in conjunction with the 4-day run of this year’s county Fair.

Individual donations exceeded $33,500, with increased to $48,500, as the Foundation matched each donation by 50 percent. Two of the 10 non-profits exceeded their Match Program goals, according to the Foundation.

Community Foundation Chairman Charles Andersen described response to the program and amount of money raised as “a startling success.”

“The Community Foundation extends its deepest gratitude to the generous citizens who made this event so successful,” Andersen said in a press release.

As winner of the program’s “On-Top” drawing, selected Saturday at the Fair, San Juan Island’s Courtland Bell opted to direct the $500 prize to a charity of his choice, the Friday Harbor Food Bank.