On behalf of Arms Around Bainbridge we would like to thank everyone who generously supported our calendar sales at T&C last week.

This holiday season, with many demands on your pocketbook and many charities in need, you contributed $3,100. We would also like to thank all of you who so gave to our fund-raising swim earlier his year. Your donation assists this year’s Arms recipient, Bainbridge Island resident Katsuko Kimura, in her battle with stomach cancer.

We are also grateful to T&C for allowing us to set up in their entryway and for their continued support of this worthy cause.

And finally, we thank those of you who shared your personal stories of how cancer has affected you or someone you love. With your stories in our hearts and minds we will, on Aug. 14, 2010, hold our fourth annual 32-mile relay swim around the island.

We hope that once again you will offer your support as we swim to raise money for a member of our community who faces the financial obstacles that accompany medical treatment.

If you don’t have a calendar yet, visit us at Safeway on Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The calendars, featuring the stunning photography of Pete Soloutos, are also available for $20 at many local businesses.

Learn more about Arms Around Bainbridge or make a tax-deductible contribution by visiting www.armsaroundbainbridge.com. Contributions can also be mailed to: Arms Around Bainbridge Association, c/o Sharon Kane, 3654 Crystal Springs Dr. NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110.

Orlando Boleda, for Arms Around Bainbridge