annual celebration

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40th Anniversary Celebration

Honoring four decades of purpose-driven philanthropy and local impact.
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Matt Morton at the podium at ilani next to the 40th Anniversary stage decoration by BalloonGam

Shine On

Wow, southwest Washington, you DAZZLE us!

On June 6, we celebrated 40 years of local giving with 550 friends at ilani Casino Resort. The night was truly special, and we are so grateful for all who participated in any way. Please enjoy the full event video (coming soon) and share freely as you so choose!

Shine On! Cover Slide

Watch the 40th Anniversary Celebration

Shine On! will take you on a journey through time, showing how our past and present have positioned us to shape an even brighter future. Tune in to hear first-hand impact stories and learn about the shared vision we're building for the future.

Join in the Experience

Shine On! featured big announcements and important questions. You can learn more and engage in our shared vision with the links below.

Our New Initiative

Learn about the SWIIFT Initiative, our new impact investing strategy, and see how your charitable dollars can help transform our region!

Thanks to Our Sponsors!

This generous group of sponsors is made our 40th Anniversary Celebration an event to remember.

Anniversary Sponsors

Sustaining Sponsors

First Pacific Financial Logo
Kuni Foundation Logo
PeaceHealth Logo
Sellwood Consulting Logo
Realvest Logo
Umpqua Bank + Columbia Trust Logo Lockup

Partner Sponsors

Carelon Behavioral Health

Ferguson Wellman Capital Management

Friends of the Children SW WA

Heritage Bank

Key Bank

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management

Midwest Trust/FCI Advisors

OnPoint Community Credit Union

Pacific Northwest Fundraising

Washington Trust Bank

Wells Fargo Advisors

Philanthropist of the Year Award

The Philanthropist of the Year Award recognizes and celebrates individuals, couples, families or foundations that serve as exemplars of generosity in our community through outstanding charitable support, leadership and service.

Mark Matthias and Ali Novinger

2023

Ron and Terry Prill

2022

Gary and Christine Rood

2021

Jim and Judith Youde

2019

Al and Sandee Kirkwood

2018

Greg and Michele Goodwin

2017

Bob and Pauline Kirchner

2016

Bob and Sharon Lewis

2015

Jim and Kay McClaskey

2013

Steve and Jo Marie Hansen

2012

Lee and Connie Kearney

2011

Joe & Teresa Pauletto

2010

Steve and Jan Oliva

2009

Wes and Nancy Lematta

2008

David and Patricia Nierenberg

2007

Ed Firstenburg

2006

Ed and Dollie Lynch

2005

Leslie Durst

2004

Ray Hickey Foundation

2004

Margaret Pulliam

2004

Friend of the Foundation Award

The Friend of the Foundation Award recognizes individuals and organizations who have provided both professional and personal support to the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington and its mission.

First Pacific Financial

2023

Vaughn Lein

2022

James Martin

2019

Brett Bryant

2018

Michael Burgoyne, CFP®

2017

Pabst Holland & Reynolds, PLLC

2015

Richard Melching

2013

Scott and Jody Campbell

2012

Max B. Kamp

2011

Vernon F. Peterson, CPA

2010

Brot Bishop, Jr.

2009

Michael Minnick

2008

T. Randall Grove

2007

Jeanne Kojis

2006

William C. Dudley

2005

Rhona Sen Hoss

2004

David Kenny

2003

Ron Legg

2002

Karen Sahlstrom

2001

Jeanne Mack

2000

Freeman Keller

2000

Larry Smith

2000

Community Champion Award

The Community Champion Award celebrates individuals or organizations that are deeply engaged in their communities and tackling the most pressing issues of our time.

Karen Morrison

2023

Geri Hiller

2022

Anna Cruz

2021

Merril Firestone

2021

Don and Margaret Fuesler

2019

The Ryan Family

2019

David and Diane Difford

2015

Harris Dusenbery

2012

Margaret Colf Hepola

2012

Catalyst Award for Philanthropic Innovation

The Catalyst Award for Philanthropic Innovation is reserved for southwest Washington’s most influential changemakers to recognize individuals who have achieved lasting community improvement through innovative philanthropic approaches. These visionaries combine extensive amounts of time, talent, treasure, ties and testimony to advance original approaches that have transformed southwest Washington organizations, places and communities.

Ed Lynch

2016

Mary Granger

2011