We kicked off our 2021 Summer program with Community Paint Day, started weekly fun camps for kids and this past Saturday, over 200 families socialized, played games, painted rocks and had a grand time on the front lawn at the Community Center. Whidbey Island Nourishes provided lunch to all and volunteers of R.A.C.E. came together to give away more than 450 culturally diverse books. We capped off the afternoon with a mural dedication from Mayor Scott Chaplin.
Dedicated volunteers of the Real Action Creates Equity program organized a book giveaway made possible by a Goosefoot grant and discounts through FirstBooks Marketplace. 450 culturally diverse books were given to families to add to their home library. Many of the books were written by BIPOC authors and others provide perspectives and voices that are not always heard or recognized.
Families enjoyed a rock painting station.
Mural artist Jeremy Jarvis and apprentice, Langley's own Max Cole-Takanikos, talk about the concept of the mural.
Mayor Scott Chaplin delivers an address, speaking to both the indigenous history and current native population of Whidbey Island and the diversity captured in the art.
To open the dedication ceremony, Whidbey's own Saratoga Orchestra surprised us all with a flash mob just before their afternoon performance at The Center.