Themed Moving Mountains, the region’s preeminent celebration of local philanthropy attracted nearly 600 attendees

The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington hosted its 2022 Annual Luncheon on Tue., June 7 at the Hilton Vancouver Washington. Themed Moving Mountains, the region’s preeminent celebration of local philanthropy attracted nearly 600 attendees.

The event kicked off with former president Jennifer Rhoads saying farewell to the organization she served for nine years. In that time, the organization and its supporters granted more than $100 million to nonprofits and increased charitable assets at the Community Foundation five-fold. President Matt Morton then took to the podium and honored Rhoads’ contributions by gifting her with a blanket, a custom he draws upon as a member of the Squaxin Island Tribe to mark major events. 

Morton reported the organization’s 2021 activities, sharing that total grantmaking to nonprofit and community-based organizations topped $26 million. He shared stories from a few of these grants that represented the values of trust, collaboration and equity, which he said the Community Foundation will lean into even more in the future. The event also marked the one-year anniversary of the Social Justice and Resiliency Fund and Morton said it has granted nearly $550,000 to organizations addressing systemic inequities in southwest Washington. At the close of last year, the organization had $413 million in total charitable assets invested for granting purposes according to Morton.

“The progress we’ve made, together, represents the immense possibility of where we can go,” Morton said. “Every bit of your support will continue moving this community forward.”

The annual Southwest Washington Philanthropy Awards provided another highlight, which honored Camas residents Ron and Terry Prill as the 2022 Philanthropists of the Year. Sean Gregory, a chief executive at PeaceHealth, helped present the award. Gregory noted that the Prills are two of the most committed people he has ever worked with and said the couple’s service has added up to more than 3,000 hours at PeaceHealth alone. Both cancer survivors, the Prills’ giving has largely focused on improving access to high-quality healthcare in southwest Washington. Accepting the award, the couple thanked friends who inspired them to give and touted the amazing work being done by the region’s nonprofits.

“We give of our time, but we had to learn to do that, and we learned it here,” Terry Prill said. “It’s all thanks to the many people who helped create a full culture of giving right here in southwest Washington.” 

Vancouver resident Geri Hiller received the 2022 Community Champion Award for her engagement around one of the most pressing issues of our time — homelessness. Kevin Hiebert, owner of Resonate Consulting, presented the award and said Hiller’s dedication to serving others is an example everyone should emulate. Hiller has been a central figure at the Winter Hospitality Overflow program for twenty years, where she has helped grow the temporary shelter into a community network and resource hub. In her remarks, Hiller thanked those who have supported her and “her guys” at the shelter. 

“I can be your cheerleader, but I need you. Together, we are the team that makes this happen,” Hiller said. “This ministry has always been teamwork at its best.”

Vaughn Lein of Vancouver, was posthumously honored as the 2022 Friend of the Foundation for his service to the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington. Lein provided what was described as calm, thoughtful and reassuring leadership over his fourteen years as a board member and champion of the organization. He contributed to a funding effort that built capacity amidst a recession and became an early adopter and ally in its diversity, equity and inclusion work. Ralph Wilson, principal emeritus at LSW Architects, worked with Lein and accepted the award on his behalf. 

“He had a beautiful mind,” Wilson said. “I’m so proud to have known him and to see the light that he brought to every effort. His kindness and love for this community is something we will all miss.”

The event also featured a talk from Tyler Monk, founder and inspirational storyteller at The Underdog Mentality. Monk touched on what it takes to move mountains in our lives, saying it begins with vision but also requires courage, commitment, confidence and community to succeed. Monk stressed the need to remain committed beyond the promise of our vision, because living up to what “could be” in southwest Washington requires working through the difficult — sometimes messy — process of change. 

This year’s Annual Luncheon was made possible thanks to sponsors like Columbia Trust Company, Leslie Durst, the Kuni Foundation and Russell Investments. Information provided by Community Foundation for Southwest Washington.