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OPAL honors four islanders at gala

Published 3:04 pm Thursday, September 22, 2011

Michael Sky and Penny Sharp Sky were “relentless workers” when they joined with Peter Fisher in the late 1980’s to establish OPAL.
Michael Sky and Penny Sharp Sky were “relentless workers” when they joined with Peter Fisher in the late 1980’s to establish OPAL.

Marilyn Anderson, Peter Fisher, Penny Sharp Sky and Michael Sky will be honored as the first lifetime and charter lifetime members of OPAL Community Land Trust on Oct. 1 at an annual benefit dinner and gala.

“We welcome all members of the community to attend the gala, to support the honorees in receiving well-deserved accolades. They’re all long-time islanders, who have had a great influence on shaping the Orcas community,” said Helen Bee, chair of the event. “OPAL is certainly a significant part of that story. Peter, Michael and Penny embraced the concept of community land trusts, laid the foundation, created the non-profit that would be known as OPAL Community Land Trust, and recognized the value and significance of affordable housing here. Marilyn was an early supporter who believed in the importance of the dream of home ownership.”

Bee noted that gala attendees are likely to learn something new about each of the individuals being recognized.

The event will be held on Saturday, Oct. 1 at Orcas Center. Tickets are $125 per person and can be reserved by calling the OPAL office at 376-3191.

“If you know any of those being honored, this is a wonderful way to demonstrate your support for them, as well as for OPAL,” Bee said.

The evening will feature a dinner prepared by Lisa Nakamura of Allium, followed by the dessert rush, as well as a paddle raise in support of OPAL.

The only auction component is this year’s online auction, which ends Sunday, Sept. 25. To bid, go to www.biddingforgood.com/opalauction.


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