A Celebration of Humanity: Bainbridge Community Foundation Honors the Contributions of a Handful of Philanthropic Islanders at a Gala Event at Wing Point

By Dana Binnendijk and Kevin Dwyer

It was a veritable Who’s Who of Bainbridge Island last Thursday night at Wing Point Golf & Country Club as the Bainbridge Community Foundation (BCF) honored a handful of notable recipients at its 2025 Philanthropy Awards.

As most of the 160-plus people in attendance soon discovered each award winner shared at least one defining characteristic – they took action when they saw a need in our community. “In a time when we’re facing unprecedented challenges,” noted BFC Executive Director Jim Hopper, “working together as a community is more critical than ever. … Every day, BCF puts into action the true meaning of philanthropy, a word derived from Greek to mean the “love of humanity.”

During last Thursday’s celebration, that spirit filled the room in a way that was truly palpable. The Foundation produced four tribute videos to honor each recipient, showcasing the remarkable impact of community members across Bainbridge Island.

One of the award recipients, The Buy Nothing Project, was recognized as the Outstanding Philanthropic Organization. Buy Nothing, which got its start on Bainbridge Island, has grown to serve more than 245,000 communities, promoting sustainability and reducing waste at the local level.  As Rebecca Rockefeller, one of the founders, explained, the movement was born to reflect the values of this community by “doing what this Island does best, which is taking care of each other. It empowers neighbor-to-neighbor generosity. Philanthropy is not defined by scale or structure; it is defined by our spirit.”

The night celebrated those who have moved mountains and created waves to build the foundation of the community we enjoy today. From volunteering their time to shaping policy to donating to causes they care about, each award recipient said “yes” over and over again, and they did so, it would appear, with joy in their hearts.

Jake Clemens, a long-time supporter of BCF and other local organizations, said about the event, “Especially now, this network of people is paramount, and the support of nonprofits is the safety net our community relies on.” She continued, “What BCF does is nurture and feed our community with exactly what it needs. It has never been more inspiring to see what people give to shape our future.”

Below are the 2025 Philanthropy Awardees:

Outstanding Youth Philanthropist | Jack Van Derrick

Born in Maine and raised partly in Costa Rica, Jack Van Derrick has called Bainbridge Island home for the past decade. A student in the Bainbridge Island School District Adult Living Program, Jack embodies service and compassion, contributing more than 10 volunteer hours weekly at Helpline House, Bloedel Reserve, local libraries, and more. Inspired by early mentorship at the Ordway Elementary School Library, he views helping others not as an obligation but as a joy that builds confidence, friendships, and life skills. An avid photographer and Minecraft fan, Jack believes commitment and kindness create purpose, making him a quiet yet powerful force for good in our community.

“Jack is the best thing that could have happened to us. Anything he wants to take on, he can do. I know he volunteers in other parts of the community, and I’m so glad they can share him with us,” said Carol Schuyler of Friends of the Library.

Outstanding Philanthropic Organization | The Buy Nothing Project

The Buy Nothing Project, founded in 2013 by Rebecca Rockefeller and Liesl Clark on Bainbridge Island, began as a simple idea. Sparked by their discovery of plastic waste washing onto local beaches, they created a Facebook group where neighbors could give and receive freely. The concept spread rapidly now impacting more than 245,000 communities. Promoting a gift economy, Buy Nothing builds community, reduces waste, and redefines value through generosity. Rooted in Bainbridge’s spirit of sustainability and connection, it reminds us that sharing strengthens both people and the planet. Read a previous story on Buy Nothing Bainbridge: Buy Nothing Bainbridge: A Gift Economy Movement that has Morphed into a Global Phenomenon | THE ISLAND WANDERER

Philanthropic Spark Award | Tom McCloskey

Tom McCloskey has dedicated his life to service, learning, and connection. With degrees from Notre Dame and the Monterey Institute, he shaped environmental policy in Pennsylvania, authored federal oil and gas regulations, and founded a consulting firm that guided energy and wildlife recovery projects, including the Exxon Valdez response. Since moving to Bainbridge Island in 1994, Tom has led with heart as Rotary Club President, three-time Rotary Auction Chair, and Bainbridge Youth Services Board President. Guided by humility, humor, and the Rotary motto “Service Above Self,” Tom’s legacy is simple yet profound: make Bainbridge Island a little better every day.

Outstanding Philanthropists | Sallie and Andy Maron

For more than 40 years, Sallie and Andy Maron have quietly shaped Bainbridge Island through steadfast service, philanthropy, and leadership. Married for 56 years, they “go where they’re needed,” building community through connection and collaboration. Andy, an attorney and longtime civic leader, helped establish Bainbridge’s city government, its first Comprehensive Plan, and expanded open spaces and trails. He currently sits on the boards of the Bainbridge Island Parks & Trails Foundation and the Bloedel Reserve. Sallie’s leadership has advanced conservation, sustainability, art, and social justice—helping found BIJAEMA, Sustainable Bainbridge, and BARN. Guided by kindness, honesty, and respect, the Marons’ shared belief in saying “yes” has inspired generations to serve and strengthened the island they call home.

In his remarks, Andy Maron said that on Bainbridge Island “people just chip in. People get together and collaborate. They contribute money and time, and that’s what gets things done. And that’s what we did. I love being able to participate in that and also get to meet so many interesting people along the way.”

Added David Harrison, a BCF Board Member, “The power of community and our belief in the community have not wavered. That is where we are in 2025.”

View BCF’s videos highlighting each awardee. Learn more about Bainbridge Community Foundation.

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