Community Foundation For Southwest Washington To Celebrate Local Giving On June 3 (Photo) -05/27/25

Vancouver, Wash., May 23, 2025 — The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington will host its 2025 Annual Luncheon on Tuesday, June 3, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Hilton Vancouver Washington. A major highlight is the 2025 SW Washington Philanthropy Awards presentation, which recognizes individuals and organizations that contribute generously and consistently to local causes.

Lisa Lowe, shareholder at Schwabe, will receive the Friend of the Foundation Award for helping to advance the Community Foundation’s mission through her consistent leadership, astute guidance and professional network. Ian Thompson, founder of Lower Columbia School Gardens in Longview, Wash., earned the Community Champion Award for his tireless efforts to expand access to fresh produce and hands-on environmental education. Kate Jones and Marty Rifkin, founder of the KMR Group Foundation, will be honored as Philanthropists of the Year for providing generous support and leadership to local nonprofits, especially those offering educational opportunities and basic human needs.

"The annual luncheon is always full of inspiration, because it's a time to highlight the importance of giving and celebrate those making an impact in southwest Washington," Community Foundation president Matt Morton said. "We also have a few surprises planned that will give our guests a chance to explore the unique strengths they can contribute as community stewards."

The program also features a talk from Nichole June Maher, president and CEO of Inatai Foundation. In her first year, she and her team visited all of Washington’s 39 counties to learn about their strengths and opportunities. Along the way, they witnessed the power of people—each contributing their perspectives, skills and purpose—to create positive change in communities. Maher’s talk will touch on her work in southwest Washington and share how life’s hardest learned lessons can make people better givers.

Tickets are nearly sold out for the event, which is not a fundraiser. Those interested can purchase seats online at cfsww.org. Regarded as southwest Washington’s preeminent celebration of philanthropy, the Annual Luncheon is made possible thanks to The Columbian, Leslie Durst, First Pacific Financial and Sellwood Investment Partners.

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About the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington

Established in 1984, the Community Foundation helps southwest Washingtonians build a more vibrant community by fostering charitable giving and community engagement. The Foundation holds more than 380 charitable funds, which are actively invested to generate growth and income for granting purposes. Governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, the Community Foundation offers benefits and services to donors, nonprofits and the community at large. Learn more at cfsww.org.