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Investing in the Future
Investing in the Future: Celebrating Our 2026 Windermere Foundation Scholarship Recipients!
At Windermere Real Estate Whidbey Island, we believe that investing in our community means investing in the people who will shape its future. Each year, the Windermere Foundation is proud to support local students as they take the next step toward meaningful careers. This year we’re honored to award two $2,000 scholarships to graduating seniors pursuing careers in the skilled trades.
Congratulations to our 2026 Windermere Foundation Scholarship recipients:
- Killian of Coupeville High School, who will be attending Bellingham Technical College (BTC).
- Madison of Oak Harbor High School, who will be attending Evergreen Beauty College.
We’re incredibly proud of both students and can’t wait to see all they accomplish. Their hard work, determination, and commitment to their future embody the values these scholarships were created to celebrate.
Simona Groves, shared:
“These scholarships are close to our hearts because they support students choosing vocational programs, trade schools and certification programs, paths that deserve every bit as much recognition and investment as any other. To our 2026 scholarship recipients: congratulations! Watching your hard work and dedication payoff is exactly why we do this. We couldn’t be more excited for you as you step into this next chapter. Go make something incredible!”
Supporting Education That Strengthens Our Community
At Windermere Real Estate Whidbey Island, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to pursue the future they’ve worked so hard to build. The Windermere Foundation Scholarship was created to support students with financial need who are pursuing technical and vocational careers. This includes trade schools, certification programs, community colleges, and other hands-on educational opportunities.
These careers are the backbone of our communities. From healthcare and cosmetology to construction, manufacturing and technology. Skilled professionals make a lasting difference every day. By helping ease the financial burden of continuing education, we’re investing in students and in the future of our community.
Powered by Our Community
One of the things that makes the Windermere Foundation so meaningful is that every dollar raised by Windermere Real Estate Whidbey Island stays right here on Whidbey Island. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Foundation is dedicated to supporting low-income families with children. Thanks to the generosity of our agents, clients and community, we’re able to make a meaningful impact where it matters most.
With every home bought or sold through a Windermere agent, a portion of their compensation is donated to the Foundation. Additional support comes from local fundraising events and generous contributions from our agents. Together, these efforts create opportunities for students like Killian and Madison to pursue their dreams with greater confidence.
Congratulations, Killian and Madison!
Killian and Madison, this scholarship reflects your hard work, perseverance and dedication. We are incredibly proud to celebrate this milestone with you. It is an honor to play a small part in your journey.
As you begin this exciting new chapter, know that your community is cheering you on. Congratulations, we cannot wait to see everything that comes next for both of you!
Want to learn more about ways that you can support the Windermere Foundation and our community? Or learn how to apply for a scholarship in the future? Connect with us here.
Improving Lifestyles While Reinforcing Independence
Did you know that our North Whidbey Help House offers more than just food? Part of their mission is to, “offer the best assistance possible and assist wherever possible in not only improving lifestyles but striving towards independence from the need for assistance.”
WHERE DOES THE ASSISTANCE COME FROM
They work in combination with other human service agencies within our communities and even offer welfare checkups to those in need. However, they cannot do it all alone. The North Whidbey Help House relies on 96.41% of public funding and the remaining 3.51% from the Washington State Department of Agriculture’s Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP).
That means it is donations from people like you and me that personally affect those in need within our community to keep this program running.
DURING THE HOLIDAYS
During the holiday seasons alone in 2021, the help house was able to provide 458-holiday food baskets that fed over 1,870 people. There were 45 families “adopted” for Thanksgiving, and 51 Families for Christmas. Let’s make sure they can offer the same, if not more this year.
With the weather changing here in the Northwest, there is a need for warmer food items like to-go oatmeal bowls where you just add water, hot-hands, pasta, and rice. Easy-to-open items like pop-top cans of meat, cereal, and peanut butter are much appreciated.
WHAT ABOUT HYGIENE
Did you know the help house goes above and beyond supporting those in need with hygiene products too? There is a need for items like toilet paper, toothbrushes, deodorants, and feminine products.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
We urge you to take a moment to clean out your pantries this month and donate any extras you might have that are cluttering up your space. We have made it easy by hosting a drop-off location in our Oak Harbor and Coupeville offices on Whidbey Island for you to drop off your donations.
We know it has been a rough year for a lot of people. Let’s work together to make it slightly easier for those in our community who are struggling to get by.
To kick off this event @WhidbeyIslandLiving has pledged to cut her coffee orders for a week and donate the funds directly to raising funds for the Whidbey Island Help House. If you would like to join in the efforts you can make a money donation here. Once done, message us at @windermere_Whidbey_Island as we would love to publicly thank you on Instagram for your donation and inspire others to do the same!
