Greetings, fellow Avilones. I begin this month’s column with a heavy heart. I imagine all of you are by now aware of the death of SLO County District 3 Supervisor Adam Hill. Though the news is about a month old, Adam’s passing leaves me sad on both a personal and professional level. Over the past eleven years, Supervisor Hill had been a consistent and generous supporter of numerous “Foundation” events, projects and programs to benefit Avila Beach. The list is long, and highlighted by monetary gifts to help bring public art to Avila for all to enjoy. The man I knew was a strong advocate for the homeless and those suffering from mental health issues. Politics can be ugly and divisive, casting opponents with opposing view as villains. Some in office vie for power, some for personal gain, and some for a platform to advance causes of special interest. I believe Adam will be best remembered as a champion of the underserved and most needy members of society.
As we approach the end of the “dog days of summer”, I hope we can look back at this period in our lives and use what we have experienced and learned to a future advantage. We at the “Foundation” have learned and embraced the importance of being flexible when it comes to our role of supporting local interests. At the July meeting of our Board of Trustees it was decided to alter for this year our usual grant-making procedures. Our normal application and selection process, which entails a comprehensive and competitive approach to ensure a level playing field, will be set aside for this next round of grant-making due to the uncertain status of partner agencies and staff. In its place, all eligible agencies that received grants in 2020 will automatically receive the same amount for 2021 without having to go through a competitive process, if or when they are open for business. Additionally, the amounts granted can be used for whatever purposes the recipient agencies deem to be most vital to their operations, instead of for a specific project or program.
At the same board meeting, we adopted the following policy statement in reaction to current economic challenges:
The Avila Beach Community Foundation, in operation since 1998, exists to enhance life in the Avila Beach communities for all who reside in, work in, or visit our town. Since the year 2000, the “Foundation” has annually awarded grants to local non-profit organizations that provide community enrichment programs/projects/services that align with the “Foundation’s” mission. In times of unanticipated economic stress, such as now being experienced locally and globally, the “Foundation” will attempt, when possible, to extend assistance in situations that threaten the welfare of non-profit, community or public agencies that provide core services to humans or wildlife in the Avila Beach communities. Our infrastructure and resources are extremely limited, thus requests for assistance will be addressed on a case by case basis as received. For agencies in need of assistance, it is highly recommended that they also reach out to sources with greater capacity, such as the Community Foundation of San Luis Obispo County, or the United Way of San Luis Obispo County. For individuals who are having difficulty meeting their basic needs, numerous organizations throughout the central coast exist to provide assistance. For comprehensive information about the services available, dial the United Way 24-hour information line: “211”, or search online: 211 United Way of San Luis Obispo County.
As you can see, the “Foundation” stands ready to assist our local non-profits to the best of our ability during this critical time. We likewise encourage our local neighbors to offer their support and generosity to help preserve an important link to the history and welfare of Avila Beach. Speaking of generous neighbors, you may recall my plea last month for a donor “Angel” willing to cover the $250 insurance deductible needed toward replacement costs of the public art mural panel stolen from one of the Avila Lifeguard Towers last winter. Quickly coming to the rescue was a fellow Avilone family that wishes to remain anonymous. We are most appreciative of their generosity and swift action. I also want to thank and recognize three folks – Cyndy Lakowske, Karen Blue and Kim Jeffrey - who have volunteered to help with upkeep of the Central Coast Aquarium art panels once plans are finalized by artist Colleen Gnos.
That’s it for now, fellow Avilones. See you at the beach.
As we approach the end of the “dog days of summer”, I hope we can look back at this period in our lives and use what we have experienced and learned to a future advantage. We at the “Foundation” have learned and embraced the importance of being flexible when it comes to our role of supporting local interests. At the July meeting of our Board of Trustees it was decided to alter for this year our usual grant-making procedures. Our normal application and selection process, which entails a comprehensive and competitive approach to ensure a level playing field, will be set aside for this next round of grant-making due to the uncertain status of partner agencies and staff. In its place, all eligible agencies that received grants in 2020 will automatically receive the same amount for 2021 without having to go through a competitive process, if or when they are open for business. Additionally, the amounts granted can be used for whatever purposes the recipient agencies deem to be most vital to their operations, instead of for a specific project or program.
At the same board meeting, we adopted the following policy statement in reaction to current economic challenges:
The Avila Beach Community Foundation, in operation since 1998, exists to enhance life in the Avila Beach communities for all who reside in, work in, or visit our town. Since the year 2000, the “Foundation” has annually awarded grants to local non-profit organizations that provide community enrichment programs/projects/services that align with the “Foundation’s” mission. In times of unanticipated economic stress, such as now being experienced locally and globally, the “Foundation” will attempt, when possible, to extend assistance in situations that threaten the welfare of non-profit, community or public agencies that provide core services to humans or wildlife in the Avila Beach communities. Our infrastructure and resources are extremely limited, thus requests for assistance will be addressed on a case by case basis as received. For agencies in need of assistance, it is highly recommended that they also reach out to sources with greater capacity, such as the Community Foundation of San Luis Obispo County, or the United Way of San Luis Obispo County. For individuals who are having difficulty meeting their basic needs, numerous organizations throughout the central coast exist to provide assistance. For comprehensive information about the services available, dial the United Way 24-hour information line: “211”, or search online: 211 United Way of San Luis Obispo County.
As you can see, the “Foundation” stands ready to assist our local non-profits to the best of our ability during this critical time. We likewise encourage our local neighbors to offer their support and generosity to help preserve an important link to the history and welfare of Avila Beach. Speaking of generous neighbors, you may recall my plea last month for a donor “Angel” willing to cover the $250 insurance deductible needed toward replacement costs of the public art mural panel stolen from one of the Avila Lifeguard Towers last winter. Quickly coming to the rescue was a fellow Avilone family that wishes to remain anonymous. We are most appreciative of their generosity and swift action. I also want to thank and recognize three folks – Cyndy Lakowske, Karen Blue and Kim Jeffrey - who have volunteered to help with upkeep of the Central Coast Aquarium art panels once plans are finalized by artist Colleen Gnos.
That’s it for now, fellow Avilones. See you at the beach.
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