Greetings, fellow Avilones. We have entered the month of October, and things around the beach area continue to slow down for tourists, businesses and locals alike. Before we know it, the year-end holiday season will be upon us, followed by the welcoming in of 2017. For the “Foundation” however, the final months of each year are among our busiest. A great deal of time and energy will be spent on the annual grant-making processes. This is the task to which the “Foundation” Trustees and staff look most forward, as we review requests for financial support from a host of local non-profit organizations and public agencies, then through a spirited exercise choose where we can best invest the money we have to spend in Avila Beach for the coming year.
Now is also a good time to remind you loyal readers of the Avila News just how much having a local “Foundation” means to the community. Though I may be a bit biased here, the terms that come to mind are “making a difference”, “having a positive impact”, and “added value”. Since the “Foundation” began operations, it has awarded and helped distribute roughly $3 million in funding for our community. For example, the “Foundation” has invested slightly more than $1 million to renovate the Avila Beach Community Center and subsidize ongoing staffing costs. The Central Coast Aquarium has received grants totaling over $140,000, as has the popular Jr. Lifeguards Program. We have spent more than $120,000 over the years to help ensure that rides on the Avila Trolley remain free to the public. Port San Luis Harbor District has benefited from more than $180,000 in “Foundation” and collaborative grants. We have hosted three Town Hall Forums, two Live Well Symposiums, an Internet Safety Workshop, and an Avila History and Heritage presentation. We founded both the former Avila Albacore Feed and present Avila Apple Festival, arranged for the placement of commercial grade trash bins along the railing of the beach boardwalk, facilitated the acquisition and installation of the free public viewing telescope near the foot of the Avila Pier, and the people/pet water fountain at the restroom adjacent to beach boat ramp (both thanks to the generosity of Richard and Kathy Zacky), and partnered with Saul Goldberg to place the educational signs along the Bob Jones Trail. And, before the end of the year, will be unveiling the first Avila Beach Public Art project – local artist Colleen Gnos’ history inspired painting of the Avila Lifeguard Towers.
Having just mentioned the Avila Beach Public Art project, I encourage you to keep your eyes open for information about the upcoming unveiling of the completed work. In addition to the donors and project partners – Chevron, PG&E, the Sara Horne Art Fund and Port San Luis Harbor District - the Avila public will be invited to partake in the ceremonies. Details are still to be finalized, so stay tuned. And speaking of “staying tuned”, you may want to mark your calendars for an upcoming informational event scheduled for Thursday, October 27, 6:30p.m., at the Avila Beach Community Center. The SLO County Planning Department will be presenting “Envision Avila” a kick-off update of the Avila Community Plan. This is a topic that has been of great concern to many locals, as the pending plan may have a huge impact on the future of Avila Beach.
In closing, I believe that for such a small and lean organization the “Foundation” serves our community well, and will continue to do so as our mission states, “in perpetuity”. When it comes to community foundations, ours is a bit unique since it functions as a sort of hybrid organization. As articulated above, it is one that awards grants AND conducts a variety of educational, informational and community enhancement activities. While we do not actively pursue endowment building, the possibility of expanding our grant-making and project development abilities through planned/estate giving and personal donations remains an option and interest. I welcome hearing from any Avilones open to discussing ways that they can invest in the community. You have chosen to live in a very special place, and there are opportunities to help make the future of Avila one that the next generation can enjoy as much as you do. The upcoming holiday season is a terrific time to think about your legacy and talk about your interests. You know where to find me.
That’s it for now, fellow Avilones. I’ll see you at the beach!
Now is also a good time to remind you loyal readers of the Avila News just how much having a local “Foundation” means to the community. Though I may be a bit biased here, the terms that come to mind are “making a difference”, “having a positive impact”, and “added value”. Since the “Foundation” began operations, it has awarded and helped distribute roughly $3 million in funding for our community. For example, the “Foundation” has invested slightly more than $1 million to renovate the Avila Beach Community Center and subsidize ongoing staffing costs. The Central Coast Aquarium has received grants totaling over $140,000, as has the popular Jr. Lifeguards Program. We have spent more than $120,000 over the years to help ensure that rides on the Avila Trolley remain free to the public. Port San Luis Harbor District has benefited from more than $180,000 in “Foundation” and collaborative grants. We have hosted three Town Hall Forums, two Live Well Symposiums, an Internet Safety Workshop, and an Avila History and Heritage presentation. We founded both the former Avila Albacore Feed and present Avila Apple Festival, arranged for the placement of commercial grade trash bins along the railing of the beach boardwalk, facilitated the acquisition and installation of the free public viewing telescope near the foot of the Avila Pier, and the people/pet water fountain at the restroom adjacent to beach boat ramp (both thanks to the generosity of Richard and Kathy Zacky), and partnered with Saul Goldberg to place the educational signs along the Bob Jones Trail. And, before the end of the year, will be unveiling the first Avila Beach Public Art project – local artist Colleen Gnos’ history inspired painting of the Avila Lifeguard Towers.
Having just mentioned the Avila Beach Public Art project, I encourage you to keep your eyes open for information about the upcoming unveiling of the completed work. In addition to the donors and project partners – Chevron, PG&E, the Sara Horne Art Fund and Port San Luis Harbor District - the Avila public will be invited to partake in the ceremonies. Details are still to be finalized, so stay tuned. And speaking of “staying tuned”, you may want to mark your calendars for an upcoming informational event scheduled for Thursday, October 27, 6:30p.m., at the Avila Beach Community Center. The SLO County Planning Department will be presenting “Envision Avila” a kick-off update of the Avila Community Plan. This is a topic that has been of great concern to many locals, as the pending plan may have a huge impact on the future of Avila Beach.
In closing, I believe that for such a small and lean organization the “Foundation” serves our community well, and will continue to do so as our mission states, “in perpetuity”. When it comes to community foundations, ours is a bit unique since it functions as a sort of hybrid organization. As articulated above, it is one that awards grants AND conducts a variety of educational, informational and community enhancement activities. While we do not actively pursue endowment building, the possibility of expanding our grant-making and project development abilities through planned/estate giving and personal donations remains an option and interest. I welcome hearing from any Avilones open to discussing ways that they can invest in the community. You have chosen to live in a very special place, and there are opportunities to help make the future of Avila one that the next generation can enjoy as much as you do. The upcoming holiday season is a terrific time to think about your legacy and talk about your interests. You know where to find me.
That’s it for now, fellow Avilones. I’ll see you at the beach!
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