Community Foundation Luncheon Celebrates Legacy And Local Impact (Photo) -06/05/25

Vancouver, Wash., June 3, 2025 — Nearly 600 people attended the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington’s 2025 Annual Luncheon on June 3 at the Hilton Vancouver Washington. The celebration of local giving included an annual update, the Southwest Washington Philanthropy Awards presentation and a keynote speech from Inatai Foundation president and CEO Nichole June Maher.

 

Themed Contribute: A Message to the Future, the event explored topics of stewardship and legacy by highlighting local giving to projects and programs and the nonprofit leaders advancing these efforts. Community Foundation president Matt Morton provided an update with reflections on how local people have long defined the region's character, direction and achievements.

 

“Together, as a community and region, we continue to show that outside perceptions don’t define southwest Washington,” Morton said. We’re writing our own narrative through our generosity, collective action and shared values.”

 

Morton also announced a record-breaking year of grants and scholarships at the Community Foundation, which he attributed in large part to major capital projects such as a new emergency department being constructed at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center. He continued, saying the Community Foundation’s 41-year history of inspiring local giving has generated $401 million in charitable assets dedicated to future impact.

 

The event’s Southwest Washington Philanthropy Awards also honored community changemakers:

• Philanthropists of the Year: Kate Jones and Marty Rifkin, whose business success and family values led to the founding of the KMR Group Foundation, which has awarded over 400 scholarships and supported basic human needs in Clark County and beyond.
   
• Community Champion: Ian Thompson, founder of Lower Columbia School Gardens, whose leadership and service have expanded school gardens to every elementary and middle school in Longview and Kelso that are literally and figuratively feeding the community.
   
• Friend of the Foundation: Lisa Lowe, shareholder at Schwabe, who has connected several clients to the Community Foundation and volunteered her time and expertise as a member of its board of directors, finance committee and as chair of its Professional Advisory Council.

"If you step in at the right moment—at an inflection point—you can change the entire trajectory of someone’s life for the better," Jones said. "Keep looking for those inflection points—those opportunities where even a small act of kindness can help someone move forward."

 

Nichole June Maher spoke about the personal and collective responsibilities of stewardship. Drawing on her roots in southwest Washington, she recalled the region’s tradition of grassroots leadership and innovation as an example of how local people have long wielded the power of positive change. She closed by encouraging the audience to continue supporting long-term thinking and community-led change.

 

“When we lead with humility and curiosity, we become stronger stewards of the future,” Maher said. “Our legacy will be defined not by perfection, but by the care and courage we offer our communities—especially when it's hard.”

 

The Community Foundation also gave each attendee a set of cards introducing the Archetypes for Community Contribution, or the unique roles residents play as community stewards. Guests and community members can learn more and take a quiz to see which archetype fits their giving style at cfsww.org/my-type. The program concluded with a video featuring everyday residents reflecting on what legacy means to them, leaving guests inspired to keep writing the story of southwest Washington.

 

“So, let’s leave today thinking about those who will one day read this chapter,” Morton said. “They are the reason we’re writing what’s next—and they deserve a fitting tribute!”   

 

The 2025 Annual Luncheon was made possible thanks to gold sponsors First Pacific Financial, Leslie Durst, Sellwood Investment Partners and The Columbian, as well as other silver and bronze sponsors. A recording of the event and additional details are available online at cfsww.org/annual-luncheon-2025.

 

About the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington

Established in 1984, the Community Foundation helps residents create a flourishing and just southwest Washington by fostering impactful giving, trusted partnerships and civic engagement. Its team of experts has partnered with local donors and professional advisors to establish more than 380 charitable funds. Collectively, these funds expand opportunities every year by providing grants for nonprofits and scholarships for students. Find out how you can become a part of its giving community at cfsww.org.