Joan Burchell Fund
The following organizations received Joan Burchell grants this year:
White Salmon Valley Education Foundation $1,000
instruments for mariachi band
Skamania County Economic Development Council $1,000
local art displays in Stevenson storefronts
Mt. Adams Resource Center $2,000
staffing for Glenwood Roots Project
Mt. Hood Towne Hall $1,000
Tai Chi for Balance
Hood River County Library Foundation $1,300
purchase of ereaders for community use
FISH Food Bank $2,500
purchase of food
The Theatre Company of The Dalles $1,000
performing arts camp
An additional $8,600 for projects submitted in this granting cycle was funded by donor advisors.
2010 GRANTS:
Columbia Gorge Cat Rescue $900
feline care kits for foster homes
St. Francis House of Odell $4,000
for assistance in rent of Odell facility
Skamania County 4-H $1,000
for preparation of Kids Care Bags
Helping Hands Against Violence $2,000
for counseling of survivors of
domestic violence and their children
Hood River County 4-H $650
for After-School 4-H LEGO Robotics
Klickitat County 4-H Leaders Council $650
for visioning retreat
Another proposal from the White Salmon Valley Education Foundation for the Maryhill Art Exploration was funded in full by one of our donor advisors.
Joan's Bio
Joan Burchell’s life journey began in Manhattan, N.Y., April 25, 1923— and what a journey it was.
Joan grew up in Chappaqua, N.Y., as a proper lady; exposed to opera, social etiquette, art; all while being the “tomboy” who sledded the fastest down the steepest hills.
As a young woman, she defied tradition, moving to Venezuela to work as a decorator and furniture designer. She traveled extensively in South and Central America, mostly alone, in her Karmann Ghia.
With a third revolution brewing, Joan decided it was time to leave Venezuela. She lived for a time in Scotland, then moved back home to Chappaqua, working for Reader’s Digest until retirement.
During those years, she was an avid swimmer and kayaker. She kayaked and camped, alone, along the Danube River, and traveled extensively in Europe.
After retirement, Joan decided that Chappaqua had become too urban, and traveled the country looking for a suitable home. The fact that she found, and chose, the community of Mt. Hood, attests to her good judgment. She lived there for 20 years.
Joan loved the community, and the community loved her. She was self-educated, mechanically clever and artistic. Her spirit, humor, independence, and interest in all things endeared her to many people. Joan is a true example of living life on one’s own terms.
She passed away peacefully, with friends at her side, on Dec. 14, 2008.