To the editor:

We would like to give a big shout out to the Bainbridge Island Parks Foundation and let other Islanders know about a new program in which the foundation partners with the Bainbridge Island Metropolitan Park & Recreation District to provide fundraising opportunities to local groups.

Bainbridge Island Ultimate (BIU) is a local nonprofit organization that provides ultimate frisbee team opportunities to Island youth. BIU recently participated in this fundraising program and we pronounce it a success!

Here’s how it worked for us: BIU rallied 30 enthusiastic frisbee players plus adult crew supervisors to help clear invasive weeds from the Moritani Preserve. Emily Hegelson, the awesome natural resources coordinator at BIMPRD, acted as the work party leader to guide BIU’s volunteer crews at Moritani.

After an afternoon of hard work together, the Bainbridge Island Parks Foundation made a donation to BIU in recognition of our service to the Parks.

This model yielded a triple win: The student athletes earned community service credits and funds for their frisbee club, the park district got a truck load of ivy and holly removed, and the entire community will benefit from a healthier Moritani Preserve. Isn’t that better than a car wash for your upcoming fundraiser? Three cheers for the Bainbridge Island Parks Foundation for their sponsorship of this opportunity!

ELINOR FANNING, CHRIS BLAIR, MARTHA MAKOSKY, MIKE FOSMARK, CATHERINE O’NEILL AND LISA TIMMINS

Bainbridge Island Ultimate board members