Letters to The Editor: December 19-25, 2024

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The Editor:

As we reflect on another incredible year of arts and creativity in our community, the Blaine Arts Council and the Blaine Art Gallery are excited about an extraordinary opportunity to amplify your impact during this 2024 End-of-Year Giving Campaign.

Thanks to the generosity of a matching donor, every dollar contributed to the Blaine Arts Council between now and Tuesday, December 31 will be matched, up to $10,000. This means your support will go twice as far in fostering artistic expression, supporting local artists and bringing inspiring programs and events to our seaside town.

This year, the Blaine Arts Council has worked tirelessly to promote the arts through opening the Blaine Art Gallery, showcasing the talents of both our local young and established artists, and starting the popular First Friday Downtown Art Walks – which starting in January will move to Second Saturday – stay tuned for more details. These projects not only enrich our community, but also draw visitors, boosting our local economy and highlighting Blaine as a vibrant cultural destination.

Your contribution will help us sustain and grow these efforts, from art installations to creative workshops and gallery exhibitions. Together, we can make Blaine an even more beautiful and inspiring place to live, work and visit.

Donations can be made easily by visiting our website at blaineartscouncil.org/end-of-year-donations, or if you prefer to mail a check, sent to 5620 Sanderling Way, Blaine, WA 98230. Every gift, no matter the size, brings us closer to meeting this matching challenge and ensures that the arts continue to thrive in Blaine.

Thank you for supporting the Blaine Arts Council and the Blaine Art Gallery. Let’s end the year on a high note – together.

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and an extraordinary 2025!

Margaret Owens

Board president, Blaine Arts Council

Blaine

 

The Editor:

The Blaine/Birch Bay Community Toy Store leadership team would like to thank all of those who donated toys, gift cards and funds to help us be able to provide Christmas gifts for 322 children from 125 families through this year’s Community Toy Store event.

The parents that shopped with us had over 1,500 toys and 300 gift cards to choose from. Each family also received a dozen Christmas cookies baked by the Blaine High School Culinary Arts classes and a Christmas ornament craft kit for each child.

The parents were overwhelmed by the huge selection of high-quality toys that filled our store, and all left with huge smiles on their faces and many words of gratitude for the opportunity to purchase gifts for their own children.

We would also like to thank the over 100 volunteers who made this program possible, as well as Christian Way Community Church for the use of their facility.

It is a joy and privilege to be part of such a caring and generous community. Thank you for your outpouring of love and support for all these families!

This year’s shopping proceeds totaled over $3,500, which will be split between the Blaine Food Bank, the Bridge Community Hope Center’s emergency assistance fund, and the Loads of Love program, which helps people pay for laundry costs two evenings a month at the Blaine laundromat.

Thanks to the families who shopped with us, as well as the donors, for making it possible for us to support these important services in our community.

Laura Vogee, Director

Community Toy Store

Blaine

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