The community foundation holds its “Report to the Community” annually – but it only honors exemplary Orcas Island citizens every few years.

Bob and Marsha Waunch were recognized on Sept. 15 during the foundation’s luncheon at the Discovery House in Rosario. This is the 10th year of the organization’s Report to the Community event, but as president Moana Kutsche said, “we don’t give out an award ever year, but it was a unanimous decision to recognize the Waunches.”

Bob and Marsha were chosen for their more than 20 years of service to the Orcas community. Upon moving here in 1985, they joined the Orcas Island Medical Center Board and, working with Bob Lundeen, coordinated the fundraising effort that led to building the Medical Center facility.

Marsha recognized the need for animal welfare and began connecting stray animals to veterinary services. Her passion led her on a 10-year quest to build the shelter on Orcas, which she still manages today.

Bob, a retired airline pilot, flies islanders to and from the mainland for medical appointments. He eventually helped form the Mercy Flight program. Bob has given time to the Air Hawks program, which provides scholarships and flight instruction for local youth to acquire private pilot certificates. He was also instrumental in founding the Orcas Island Community Foundation. During his 13 years as a trustee, he served in every elected officer position.

In addition, the Waunches have donated time and money to the Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival, the San Juan Preservation Trust, the Funhouse, and the public schools.

Their close friends – and fellow volunteers – Bill and Valerie Anders introduced the couple during the luncheon, saying they are “in many respects a team.”

Valerie thanked Marsha’s mom, who was in the audience, for “raising a daughter like Marsha.”

“Not only are the people on Orcas lucky to have Marsha, but so are the animals,” Valerie said.

Bill called Bob a “leader in the aviation community” and a tireless volunteer.

Update on the Community Foundation

Kutsche, treasurer Lance Evans, and executive director Hilary Canty also spoke about the Orcas Island Community Foundation during the gathering, saying that the organization is doing well, despite the economy.

“We gave $72,000 grants to 21 non-profits in 2009,” Kutsche said. “Because Orcas is a diverse place, we distribute funding to diverse projects.”

Among the 2009 recipients were Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services, Friends of Moran Park, Orcas Center, Orcas Family Health Center, San Juan Nature Institute, and Islands’ Oil Spill Association.

Canty talked about the Madrona Club, which was started in 1904 as an organization that gave back to the community, and how its influence is still felt today. She feels the community foundation is laying the groundwork for non-profits to thrive long after she and the trustees are gone.

“The seeds we plant today, we hope will bear fruit for Orcas in the future,” she said.