Community Foundation Sets Sail Toward "Brighter Tomorrows" at Annual Meeting

On Thursday, June 10, the Washington County Community Foundation hosted its annual meeting at Cornerstone Hall, welcoming approximately 200 community members, business leaders, and philanthropists aboard the “S. S. Legacy” for a nautically-themed evening titled “Mapping Brighter Tomorrows.”

Foundation Executive Director Judy Johnson greeted guests as “Captain” of the voyage. “As you can imagine, a big evening like this takes a lot of preparation,” Johnson began. “Personally, I did a lot of research. I rewatched every episode of Gilligan’s Island, and I am pleased to say that I can now set up a coconut-powered radio.” Johnson then introduced her “crew” for the evening: Program Officer Lindsey Wade-Swift as First Mate, and Outreach & Marketing Coordinator Raegan Zweydorff as the evening’s Cruise Director.

Johnson also thanked caterer Dar Knapp and her team for their work in the “galley,” and recognized a large group of Youth Foundation volunteers who served guests throughout the evening.

Caterer Dar Knapp provided a hearty meal of roast beef, pork, mashed potatoes, green beans, salad, rolls, and an assortment of cakes.

A major portion of the night was devoted to recognizing sponsors whose contributions made the dinner possible. Johnson acknowledged donors at various levels — “safari,” “cruise,” “road trip,” and “weekend getaway” — thanking each group with travel-themed metaphors. “Together,” she said, “you help transform an ordinary night into an incredible cruise for our guests, members, and community.”

She then turned attention to the heart of the Foundation’s work: its donors. “Without your steadfast support, the Washington County Community Foundation simply cannot sail as smoothly as we do,” she said, noting how things like recurring donations and vocal support serve as philanthropic “safety equipment” for local nonprofits and families in need.

First Mate Wade-Swift played along in full life vest and gear, helping demonstrate how donor contributions act as life-saving tools. “Each gift you make is a direct lifeline to someone right here in our community,” Johnson explained, encouraging guests to become recurring donors through the Foundation’s “GEM” (Give Every Month) program.

Raegan Zweydorff

As the cruise “departed,” Cruise Director Raegan Zweydorff guided guests through three “ports of call” — presentations by recent grantees illustrating the real-world impact of Foundation support.

Port One: Bradie Shrum Elementary STEAM Program

STEAM teachers Emily Johnson and Crystal Michaels opened the segment by thanking the Foundation for a grant that enabled the school to purchase a laser cutter. The tool helped students design and sell handmade items at a holiday shop, a project that not only taught practical skills but spread joy.

Johnson recounted the story of a student they called “Chris,” who came to the holiday shop with no money. Staff quietly arranged for a small donation to help him make a purchase. “He looked up and asked, ‘Who would be so nice to give this to me? Who would care this much about me?’” Johnson said. “Because of you, his siblings unwrapped gifts from their big brother on Christmas morning.”

Bradie Shrum STEAM teachers Crystal Michaels and Emily Johnson

Port Two: Washington County Food Bank

Food bank representative Maurice Godfrey spoke about the local hunger crisis and shared the story of “Gus,” a retired grandfather raising four grandchildren on a fixed income. Gus and his wife found themselves needing the food bank each month to make ends meet.

“They thought they were on track for a comfortable retirement — and they were, until they weren’t,” Godfrey said. “One of their grandchildren's parents became addicted to drugs and ended up in prison.” Godfrey went on to share that thanks to the Community Foundation donors, Gus and his wife were able to put healthy food on the table for the unexpected additions to their household.

Representatives from the Washington County Food Bank

Port Three: The Warming Station

The third stop of the evening was also the most somber. Holly Lawson, joined by Cynthia and Benjamin Bowsman, spoke on behalf of The Warming Station, a seasonal outreach for the homeless held at Salem Presbyterian Church.

In early 2024, during a brutal cold snap, the Warming Station offered warmth, food, and supplies for a few hours each night. But without a shelter, guests still had to sleep outside. “We get attached to our guests and notice when someone isn’t there,” Lawson said.

One regular guest failed to show up — then missed another night. Concerned, a volunteer went to check on him. He was found deceased, apparently injured and left exposed to the cold. “We were crushed,” Lawson said. “The whole point of the Warming Station was to prevent something like this. And it felt like we had failed.”

Determined to do more, the team applied for a grant from the Washington County Community Foundation. With funding to obtain nonprofit status and establish a hotel fund, they prepared for the next winter. When another Arctic blast hit in January, they successfully housed 12 people and one dog in a local hotel.

“Thanks to donors like you, we were able to act quickly and build something lasting,” Lawson said. “When we look back on the day our friend died, and compare it to where we are now, what a journey it’s been.”

Holly Lawson and Cynthia & Benjamin Bowsman with Raegan Zweydorff

“These incredible stories are just a few examples of the work that you made possible,” Captain Johnson concluded. “Your contributions have uplifted local nonprofits, supported our youth, and built a legacy of care in the last generations. Each gift, the matter its size, creates a ripple effect that benefits our community.”

Guests then viewed a short video tribute to Washington County, featuring drone footage and local clips set to an original song, “Your Washington County Home,”  by John Murr.

Before the evening ended, one lucky guest — Shirley Batt — was drawn to recommend a grant to the nonprofit or fund of her choice. Guests received a wooden “Wayfinder” disc made by Bradie Shrum students and a WCCF luggage tag as tokens of appreciation.

Johnson closed the night by quoting Mark Twain: “Twenty years from now, you’ll be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did.”  She encouraged attendees to “throw off the bow lines,” and keep making waves of good across Washington County.

“Bon voyage,” said Captain Johnson, “and we’ll see you next year!”