2009 Celebration of Philanthropy Fetes Nancy and Jerry Reid, U.S.S. John C. Stennis, and Mike James
A celebration of local philanthropy will take place on Wednesday when the Kitsap Community Foundation (KCF) recognizes individuals and organizations who have exceeded the accepted bounds of generosity. The Celebration will both bestow honors on specific recipients and pay tribute to the spirit that compels people to donate their time and financial resources.

This year's Community Volunteer Award recipient is Mike James, recently retired Head Ranger at Scenic Beach State Park. The only Head Ranger for the Park's first 35 years, James has made it the focus of the community and a gem shared by residents and visitors alike. As a volunteer, James has been involved in the creation of the Kitsap Kids Park at the Fairgrounds, Rotary Triangle Park in Silverdale, Boy Scouting, including Eagle Scout Chair, Clear Creek Trail projects, Seabeck Community Club, Seabeck Basketball Association Founder and Director, Scenic Beach State Park volunteer, and member of the Board of Directors of the Seabeck Conference Center.

The recipients of the Organization Making a Difference Award are the Officers, Crew, and Families of the U.S.S. John C. Stennis. Since its original home porting in Puget Sound, the Stennis has emphasized ship-wide volunteerism in the community: All members of the crew and their local families have been encouraged to become a part of the fabric of the community. Their constant presence at nearly every project and event has made them instant neighbors.

Receiving this year's Hannah Langer Spirit of Philanthropy Award are Nancy and Jerry Reid. Since establishing their business, Reid Real Estate, in 1968, the Reid's have been giving back to their community and providing examples of philanthropy for the rest to follow: Nancy has most recently lent her support to the Bremerton Symphony Association and to West Sound Entertainment, a non-profit organization which brings entertainers to Kitsap. Jerry has been President of Bremerton Rotary, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Kitsap Board of Realtors. Together, Nancy and Jerry support the Admiral Theatre Foundation, Olympic College, the Mary E. Theler Community Center and Wetlands, the Great Peninsula Conservancy, and the Bremerton Symphony.

While they have been early leaders in the development of Boys & Girls Clubs in Kitsap and North Mason Counties, the Reid's recent commitment of $1 million to the Boys & Girls Clubs of West Sound has energized the final push to complete a $13 million campaign to sustain and expand the Clubs.

Nancy and Jerry Reid are being recognized for their philanthropic leadership and for the legacy they have created for the future of Kitsap County.

The 2009 Celebration of Philanthropy will be held during the evening of Wednesday, May 13th at the Conference Center at Bremerton's Harborside.

Kitsap Community Foundation