Community August 3, 2021

Community Spotlight: Bainbridge’s Boys & Girls Club

The Boys and Girls Club of Bainbridge Island has persevered through the pandemic and has enriched the minds of countless youth. Since 2001, our Windermere Bainbridge Island office has proudly supported the Club by donating $250 per month, or $60,000 to date. Read on to learn more about the important work that this wonderful nonprofit does right here in our community.

Boys & Girls Club During the Pandemic 

Our local Boys & Girls Club provides academic, engaging, and supportive out-of-school care for Bainbridge Island youth from kindergarten through 8th grade. This organization has also been an integral part of our community’s response to COVID-19. They, along with other local organizations, provided discounted rates and extended out-of-school programming.

Not even the pandemic could stop children from safely having fun and learning at the Boys & Girls Club of Bainbridge Island. The Club implemented remote learning programs to support children during stressful times. And, peer connection, adult mentorship, and engaging activities are still part of the curriculum. As part of their new virtual initiatives, they started offering Free Youth Force Job Readiness workshops. 

This past year and a half, our Boys & Girls Club transformed from an after-school care center to a full-time, safe, and reliable place for kids to learn. Additionally, they’ve provided free childcare for frontline workers’ children. They continue to innovate by working with the Bainbridge Island School District and adapting their programs to meet the changing environment.

School Year Programs

Bainbridge’s Boys & Girls Club provides fun programs throughout the school year. There’s a program for K – 4th grade and a separate middle school program for 5th – 8th grade. Club members enjoy healthy snacks and choose from three to four program options. Kids can choose anything from cooking to sports, Minecraft to drone club. There is also a PowerHour to complete homework. 5th – 8th graders participate in PowerHour every day as well as a variety of program offerings from filmmaking to learning how to play the ukulele. 

Get Involved

If you have a child or children who would like to get involved with our local Boys & Girls Club, the cost varies based on the program. You can find out more on their school year programs page. They also offer full-day camps during school breaks (winter, mid-winter, and summer). To see what the Club has been up to lately, check out their Facebook page.

Whether you have young children or not, it’s easy to see the long-lasting benefits of a nonprofit organization like this. The Club’s programs give students opportunities to try new things, gain confidence, make new friends, and learn in a safe, supportive environment. Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. The Boys and Girls Club’s mission is to continue to uplift youth and help them reach their goals. If you would like to contribute to our local Club, you can easily donate online.

Community July 16, 2020

Our Windermere Foundation Scholarship Recipients

We have recently awarded our Windermere Foundation Scholarship to two incredible graduates from Bainbridge High School’s Class of 2020. There were many talented applicants and it was difficult to choose only two recipients. However, the two students we selected are remarkable individuals. Congratulations to Shea Dephinedae and Libby Clements Hall! Read on to find out more about our scholarship and these well-deserving recipients.

The Scholarship & Our History

Every year, Windermere Bainbridge offers two to three scholarships to invest in Bainbridge Island’s youth. We award the Windermere Foundation scholarships to students based on a variety of their community service involvement and scholastic achievements.

Community service is our primary focus since we pride ourselves on our own community involvement. You will often find our agents and staff volunteering and supporting local organizations. Giving back is a big part of who we are. For the past 15 years, a portion of every agent’s commission has been donated to the Windermere Foundation of Bainbridge Island. All agents participate, and with this common purpose, we collectively show how much our community means to us.

We’re also proud to be part of the broader Windermere Foundation. It impacts communities across 10 states and has raised over $41 million for programs that provide shelter, food, children’s programs, and more.

Scholarship Winner Shea Dephinedae

Shea Scholarship Winner

Shea was an active member of cheer throughout high school and participated in basketball, arts, and community service activities. Also, Shea enjoys cartooning, sculpting, and writing poetry.

When describing community service experiences, Shea said one particular moment that stood out was when they helped senior citizens with technology. “[We] visited a nursing home and helped them to use their phones and tablets. It was always so pleasant to see such kind-hearted people be able to use their phones more effectively and communicate with their families easier.”

A highly active student, Shea was also a member of the National Honors Society for all four years. Additionally, Shea worked for Bainbridge Gardens and still managed to maintain a high GPA.

Now that Shea has graduated, he plans to attend the University of Washington and major in Sculpting. After receiving the Windermere Foundation scholarship, Shea said, “I would just like to say thank you. Windermere’s incredibly generous scholarship was such an amazing and exciting surprise during a rough time. I know this money will greatly benefit me and I hope to one day give back to my community just as you all have.”

Scholarship Winner Elizabeth “Libby” Clements Hall

Libby Scholarship Recipient

Throughout high school, Libby was an active member of band and theater, participating in Les Miserables, Radium Girls, Glee voice, and dance. A performing arts enthusiast, Libby has been doing theater since she was three.

Regarding community service, Libby was an assistant in ILC, a special education classroom at Bainbridge High School. Libby said that experience was the highlight of senior year.

A very active student, Libby also volunteered as a BPA main stage volunteer, Island Theater volunteer, NAACP member, and a Bainbridge Pride Volunteer. Libby also maintained a high GPA and received awards and recognition: the Silver Presidential Service Award and honors in theater. Additionally, Libby lettered in band, theater, and winter guard and was an officer of the International Thespian Society.

Libby plans to attend Seattle University, majoring in History, English, and Interdisciplinary Arts with a focus on Music and Theater. “I plan to get a master’s degree in education and become a special education teacher.” Libby was excited to receive our scholarship and said, “Thank you for this awesome opportunity!”

Here at Windermere, we strive to make a difference, big and small and it’s an honor to support Shea and Libby through the Windermere Foundation scholarship. Please join us in wishing them the very best! We know they will make our community very proud.

Community February 7, 2020

Windermere Bainbridge Foundation | 2019 Donations

 

The Windermere Foundation of Bainbridge Island donated a total of $52,475 to the community of Bainbridge Island in 2019. The list below is of each of the vital community service organizations of Bainbridge Island to receive funding, due to their consistent and strong contributions to our island.

 

Bainbridge High School | Windermere Scholarship Fund

Bainbridge Island School Foundation | 2019 Dinner and Auction Gala

Bainbridge Youth Services | Annual Sponsorship

Helpline House | Project Backpack

Peacock Family Services

Arms Around Bainbridge

Bainbridge Youth Services | Additional Funding

Bainbridge Island Senior Center

Island Time Activities

Boys and Girls Club | Annual Sponsorship

KiDiMu | Annual Sponsorship

Bainbridge Island Kiwanis Foundation | Shred Fest Sponsorship

Bainbridge Island Land Trust | Preservation Partners Party

Bainbridge High School Baseball Boosters | Annual Stars and Strikes Alumni Game

PAWS | Gala and Auction

Community January 18, 2019

Windermere Bainbridge Foundation | 2018 Donations

 

The Windermere Foundation of Bainbridge Island donated a total of $56,550 to the community of Bainbridge Island in 2018. The list below is of each of the vital community service organizations of Bainbridge Island to receive funding, due to their consistent and strong contributions to our island.

 

Bainbridge Schools Foundation

Bainbridge High School | Windermere Scholarship Program

Helpline House | Project Backpack

Peacock Family Services

Bainbridge Youth Services

Bainbridge Island Senior Center

Island Time Activities

Salish Sea Expeditions

Bainbridge Island Boys & Girls Club | Annual Sponsorship

KiDiMu

Bainbridge Land Trust

Housing Resources Bainbridge

Cynthia Lait Art | Bainbridge Island Community Mural

Bainbridge High School Baseball Boosters | Annual Stars and Strikes Alumni Game

Community January 12, 2018

Windermere Bainbridge Foundation | 2017 Donations

 

WIndermere Bainbridge Foundation

The Windermere Foundation of Bainbridge Island donated a total of $57,050 to the community of Bainbridge Island in 2017. The list below is of each of the vital community service organizations of Bainbridge Island to receive funding, due to their consistent and strong contributions to our island.

Bainbridge Schools Foundation

Bainbridge High School | Windermere Scholarship Fund

Peacock Family Services

Helpline House | Project Backpack

Bainbridge Youth Services | Annual Sponsorship

Arms Around Bainbridge

Salish Sea Expeditions

Bainbridge Island Boys & Girls Club | Annual Sponsorship

KiDiMu

BARN | Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network

Bainbridge Island Senior Center

Bainbridge Island Historical Museum

Bainbridge Land Trust

Bainbridge Performing Arts

Kiwanis Club of Bainbridge Island | ShredFest Sponsorship

Bainbridge High School Baseball Boosters | Annual Stars and Strikes Alumni Game

Housing Resources Bainbridge

Community January 5, 2017

Windermere Bainbridge Foundation | 2016 Donations

 

The Windermere Foundation of Bainbridge Island donated a total of $35,200 to the community of Bainbridge Island in 2016. The list below is of each of the vital community service organizations of Bainbridge Island to receive funding, due to their consistent and strong contributions to our island.

 

Bainbridge High School | Windermere Scholarship Fund

Bainbridge Youth Services | Annual Sponsorship

Salish Sea Expeditions

Helpline House | Project Backpack

Peacock Family Services

Bainbridge Island Boys & Girls Club | Annual Sponsorship

KiDiMu

Sustainable Bainbridge

Housing Resources Bainbridge | Rental Assistance Program

Bainbridge Performing Arts

Bainbridge Land Trust

Bainbridge Island Public Library | Spelling Bee Sponsorship

Bainbridge High School Robotics Team

Bainbridge High School Baseball Boosters | Annual Stars and Strikes Alumni Game

Community January 10, 2016

Windermere Bainbridge Foundation | 2015 Donations

 

The Windermere Foundation of Bainbridge Island donated a total of $31,300 to the community of Bainbridge Island in 2015. The list below is of each of the vital community service organizations of Bainbridge Island to receive funding, due to their consistent and strong contributions to our island.

 

Bainbridge High School | Windermere Scholarship Program

Helpline House | Project Backpack

Arms Around Bainbridge

Hannah’s Hopeful Hearts

Crush Kids Cancer | Seattle Children’s Hospital

Bainbridge Island Boys & Girls Club | Annual Sponsorship

Housing Resources Bainbridge

Bainbridge Youth Services | Fun Run Sponsorship

Bainbridge Performing Arts

Bainbridge Arts & Crafts

Bainbridge Island Public Library | Spelling Bee Sponsorship

Bainbridge High School Robotics Team

Bainbridge High School Baseball Boosters | Annual Stars and Strikes Alumni Game

Bainbridge Island Historical Museum

Bainbridge Island Schools Foundation

Community February 1, 2015

Windermere Bainbridge Foundation | 2014 Donations

 

Windermere Bainbridge Foundation Donations 2014

The Windermere Foundation of Bainbridge Island donated a total of $28,6500 to the community of Bainbridge Island in 2014. The list below is of each of the vital community service organizations of Bainbridge Island to receive funding, due to their consistent and strong contributions to our island.

 

Helpline House | Project Backpack

Ben Towne Foundation | Seattle Children’s Hospital

Bainbridge High School | Windermere Scholarship Program

Salish Sea Expeditions

Arms Around Bainbridge

Peacock Family Center

Bainbridge Island Boys & Girls Club | Annual Sponsorship

Bainbridge Youth Services | Fun Run Sponsorship

Westsound Wildlife Shelter

Bainbridge Arts and Crafts

Bainbridge Island Public Library | Spelling Bee Sponsorship

PAWS 

Bainbridge Island Historical Museum

Bainbridge Land Trust

Community January 12, 2014

Windermere Bainbridge Foundation | 2013 Donations

 

Windermere Bainbridge Foundation Donations 2013

The Windermere Foundation of Bainbridge Island donated a total of $25,105 to the community of Bainbridge Island in 2013. The list below is of each of the vital community service organizations of Bainbridge Island to receive funding, due to their consistent and strong contributions to our island.

 

Helpline House | School Clothes Project

Bainbridge High School | Windermere Scholarship Fund

Arms Around Bainbridge

Peacock Family Services

Boys and Girls Club Bainbridge Island

Bainbridge Youth Services | Fun Run

Westsound Wildlife Shelter

Helpline House

PAWS

Bainbridge Arts and Crafts

Housing Resources Bainbridge

Bainbridge High School Robotics Team | Spartronics Team 4915

Bainbridge Island Historical Museum

Bainbridge Public Library | Spelling Bee

One Call for All

CAST for Kids

Bainbridge Land Trust

Community February 1, 2012

Windermere Bainbridge Foundation | 2011 Donations

 

Windermere Bainbridge Foundation Donations 2011

The Windermere Foundation of Bainbridge Island donated a total of $15,075 to the community of Bainbridge Island in 2011. The list below is of each of the vital community service organizations of Bainbridge Island to receive funding, due to their consistent and strong contributions to our island.

 

Bainbridge High School | Windermere Scholarship Fund

Frontier Bank | Middle School Tutoring Program

Helpline House | Project Backpack

Boys and Girls Club Bainbridge Island

Bainbridge Arts and Crafts

Bainbridge Youth Services | Fun Run

Housing Resources Bainbridge

PAWS

One Call for All

Bainbridge Island Schools Foundation | PALS Contribution

Bainbridge Land Trust