HUMAN RACE 2009

It was a gorgeous Saturday – something we could get used to in Whatcom County! Hundreds of people joined us in Maritime Heritage Park to “have a good time doing good,” raising funds for their favorite cause and celebrating the terrific work nonprofits do in our community.

Whatcom Volunteer Center brings the Human Race to the Whatcom County community – this was our 14th year! More than 434 racers and 75 volunteers came together to enjoy the day. More than $56,000 was raised to help 50 nonprofit organizations stay viable. The Bellingham Youth Jazz Band played, and Representative Kelli Linville and County Executive Pete Kremen served as honorary MCs for the event.

The Human Race would not have been possible without the good work of many – it was cosponsored by the Bellingham Parks Department, who are responsible for much of our logistic success. Additional sponsorship came from ConocoPhillips, Alcoa Intalco Works, Banner Bank, St. Joseph Hospital, Wilson Engineering, WECU, Blossom Management, Puget Sound Energy, Peoples Bank, and a myriad of local businesses and organizations, including Ciao Thyme, the Greater Bellingham Running Club and Sanitary Service.

Thanks to all the volunteers and the racers – it was a great day!

Please visit the Human Race page for more details and a complete list of sponsors.

VOLUNTEERING IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Summer just doesn’t seem to last long in this corner of the country. Many of us think being outside is the best and highest use of the good weather and long days. There are many opportunities to volunteer that give you plenty of outside time – cleaning up parks and the landscape, helping your neighbors, helping raise food for those who lack it. Think about spending some quality time outdoors this summer – making a difference in the life of your community while enjoying the beautiful summer!

Click here for a PDF listing of Outdoor Volunteering Opportunities.

VOLUNTEER CHORE PROGRAM THANK YOU

The Volunteer Chore Program would like to thank several groups this month that have done an extraordinary job for our seniors and adults with disabilities. Birchwood Presbyterian is a constant presence with our program, and did some major clutter-busting in May for a senior about to be evicted. Our young veterans group, The Mission Continues, teamed up on two projects and blessed clients with their enthusiasm for giving back to the community. The vets take on the tough jobs, and did a major overhaul on a client’s yard. They also helped a senior with a rat problem, removing several truckloads of junk. Chore wants to recognize Cornwall Church for coming to us to help two clients in desperate need. The church were able to help a flood victim take some control over her loss, by working from early morning until night to fix up her damaged garage. At another project, they rebuilt a porch and completed yard work for a woman undergoing chemotherapy. Lastly, Ferndale Banner Bank sent a team of 30 people to paint a Ferndale client’s home. They were generous and donated not only their labor, but also the paint, landscaping, and junk removal. The Chore Program and its clients are grateful to have kind and wonderful people in our community, like those mentioned above, willing to inspire others with their good deeds.

Corporate and Business Donors 7/08 – 7/09

Alcoa Intalco Works

American Museum of Radio andElectricity

BP Cherry Point Refinery

The Bagelry

Banner Bank

Bellingham Grocery Outlet

Bellingham Herald

Bellingham Housing Authority

Bellingham Parks Department

Blossom Management

Ciao Thyme Catering

City of Bellingham

City of Bellingham Human Services Dept.

Conoco Phillips

Copies Now

Corporation for National and Community Service

Great Harvest Bread

Jansen Foundation

Joe’s Garden

Kohl’s

Mallard Ice Cream

Northwest Regional Council

Peoples Bank

Port of Bellingham

Puget Sound Energy

Sanitary Service Company

St. Joseph’s Hospital

St. Luke’s Foundation

Starbucks

United Way of Whatcom County

Wal-Mart

Whatcom County

WECU

Wilson Engineering

WVC SUMMER CALENDAR

Thursday and Friday, July 2 and 3, Office Closed for Independence Day Holiday

Wednesday, July 8, Becoming a Partner Agency of WVC, 10 -11 AM, No fee*

Wednesday, July 15, Becoming a Partner Agency of WVC, 3:30 – 4:30 PM, No fee*

Thursday, July 16, Working Effectively with Groups of Volunteers, 10 AM – Noon, $20 fee*.

Thursday, August 13, Becoming a Partner Agency of WVC, 10 – 11 AM, No fee*

Wednesday, August 19, Becoming a Partner Agency of WVC, 3:30 – 4:30 PM, No fee*

Monday, September 7, Office Closed for Labor Day Holiday

Thursday, September 9, Becoming a Partner Agency of WVC, 10 – 11 AM, No fee*

Tuesday, September 15, Ins and Outs of Interns, 10 AM – Noon, $10 fee*

Wednesday, September 16, Becoming a Partner Agency of WVC, 3:30 – 4:30 PM, No fee*

Saturday, September 26, Volunteer: Save a Life, 9 AM – 4 PM, No fee*

Registration opens August 26 and is required. Held at Red Cross at 2111 King St.

* Pre-registration is required.  Phone 734-3055 to sign up.

WVC Office Volunteers

Ed Ackerlind ~ Louise Balonick ~ Robbie Drabek ~ Erik (Ole) Eriksen ~ Mary Evans ~ Rick Fulton ~ Cathie Gerlicher ~ Barbara Green ~ Ilene Green ~ Judy Holt ~ Gerry Mitchell ~ Noel Paus ~ Brian Scott ~ Linda Scott ~ Carol Sewright ~ Gloria Smith ~ Mable Sudduth ~ Alberta Widman ~ Sharon White ~ Vera Young