Joan Burchell as a young woman

2012 grants have now been awarded.  Thank you to everyone for your submissions.

The following organizations received Joan Burchell grants in 2012:

• Skamania Klickitat Community Network:  $3,300
  • purchase and distribution of “What to Do When Your Child Gets Sick.”
• Columbia Gorge Arts in Education:  $750
  • glass art project at Chenowith Elementary
• Hood River Warming Shelter:  $1,070
  • sleeping bags and shower passes for homeless
• La Clinica del Carino:  $1,680
  • educational dvd’s and players for dental program
• Back Packs for Kids:  $2,000
  • food for kids
• Columbia Gorge Cat Rescue:  $1,200
  • reduce cost of spay and neutering program

An additional $11,000 for projects submitted in this funding cycle was funded by donor advisors. 

 The following organizations received Joan Burchell grants in 2011:

• 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.