Quilcene-Brinnon Garden Club awards grants to 14 groups

Published 1:30 am Friday, November 22, 2019

QUILCENE — A $500 grant from the Quilcene-Brinnon Garden Club to the Center Valley Animal Rescue will cover the expense of a new IV fluid pump for the animals.

“It was really needed and is a big deal, so thank you guys so much,” said Sara Penhallegon, director of the Quilcene animal rescue.

The grant was one of 14 that the club awarded during a Thursday luncheon at the Quilcene Community Center, which was attended by about 40 people.

The total of $5,800 was raised through the club’s annual Memorial Day plant sale, in which all members participate, said Bob Bindschadler, the head of the club’s budget committee and grant organizer.

“The reason for the plant sales is to raise money for the community,” Bindschadler said. “It’s part of our charter that we not only promote gardening, we also give back to the community of Quilcene and Brinnon.”

The club puts a focus on organizations that benefit the Quilcene and Brinnon communities when it distributes grants.

In addition to Center Valley Animal Rescue, agencies receiving grants were Quilcene Fire Rescue, Quilcene Historical Museum, Quilcene School Garden, Literacy Council of Jefferson County, Brinnon Parks and Recreation, Weekend Nutrition Program, Quilcene Food Bank, Brinnon Post Office Landscape Renovation, Olympic Mountain Pet Pals, Dollars for Scholars, World Vision Essential Supplies Program, Brinnon Booster Club and Brinnon Food Bank.

The grants varied from $200 to the amount the two food banks received — $900 each.

Penhallegon said she had already spent the grant.

“It went to a new IV pump. Ours has quit and we’ve actually already used the new pump.

“We had a couple emergency cases that have already used it and this is helping eliminate me coming down to the rescue about every hour to two hours when an animal is on IVs.

Grants to other organizations went to such items as bookplates for students, gardening/landscaping needs and scholarships.

Fifteen agencies applied this year. One did not receive funds because Bindschadler said it was not focused on the local community and the organization already has a large amount of support from other organizations.

“We felt that we can spend our money better with the other organizations,” Bindschadler said.

At last year’s grant luncheon, $5,700 was dispersed, Bindschadler said.

“I feel that we can feel good about every dollar we’ve given out,” he said.

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Jefferson County reporter Zach Jablonski can be reached at 360-385-2335, ext. 5, or at zjablonski@peninsuladailynews.com.