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Dear Friends,
What an incredible celebration! Our 25th anniversary event was a beautiful reminder of everything that makes The Funhouse Commons such a special place. The energy, stories, laughter, and love that filled the evening reflected the very heart of our community — one that has nurtured generations of young people and continues to inspire growth, creativity, and connection.
Expressing gratitude to our founders, past board members, directors, donors, and participants was a highlight of the evening, especially as we watched a “then-and-now” slideshow and reflected on the journey that began twenty-five years ago.
A special and heartfelt thank-you goes to Jim Bredouw, whose original vision and generosity gave life to The Funhouse. His gift to Orcas Island continues to shape the lives of countless young people — from toddlers in playgroups to youth exploring science, art, music, and technology; from outdoor adventurers to aspiring artists; from those forming deep friendships with trusted mentors to those simply finding a safe, welcoming place to be themselves.
It was inspiring to look back on the many ways we’ve supported youth over these 25 years — and to celebrate the fact that we have never turned a student away due to program costs. This commitment to access remains at the core of everything we do.
Our Coalition for Orcas Youth also continues to grow, strengthening partnerships and promoting health and wellness across all sectors of our community. Their work remains a vital part of our mission to create a supportive environment for every young person on Orcas Island.
This fall, we’re especially excited about our expanding music programs, including SongLab — a comprehensive songwriting and recording class led by the talented Pedro LopezDeVictoria. The program begins this week and is open to any student with a passion for music, thanks to our scholarship support.
As I looked around during our anniversary celebration, I was reminded that The Funhouse isn’t just a building. It’s a living, breathing part of our community’s story.
Here’s to the next 25 years of belonging, discovery, and inspiration.
It takes a Village, and the Funhouse!
Ryan Carpenter
Executive Director, The Funhouse Commons
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