Nonprofits come together at Cannon Beach celebration

Through providing social services to those in need, offering recreational opportunities and enhancing local arts and culture, the nonprofit organizations receiving this year’s Cannon Beach community grants impact residents throughout Clatsop County.

At the community grant potluck on Thursday evening, nonprofits receiving funds presented to the room that included state Rep. Deborah Boone, City Manager Brant Kucera, Assistant City Manager Colleen Riggs, councilors, parks committee members and many others.

“I wish everyone in town could see this,” Mayor Sam Steidel said.

The City of Cannon Beach awarded $75,000 to 18 local and county-wide nonprofits. Now in its 28th year, the city’s community grant program received about $113,000 in funding requests. The city’s Parks and Community Services Committee made funding recommendations.

New recipients included the Clatsop Community College Foundation to support its volunteer literacy program, offered for Spanish-speaking residents.

The local arts scene, including the Coaster Theatre, Cannon Beach Chorus and Cannon Beach Arts Association, also got a boost.

“This community just blows my mind,” arts association program director Jane Brumfield said.

The Coaster Theatre will introduce a visual arts program later this fall. “We would love to have kids and adults coming together to create art,” executive director Patrick Lathrop said.

Cannon Beach Chorus, which brings together 50 to 60 singers from all over the state to perform, will use funds for its performance series music.

Serving the community is a group effort. The Tolovana Arts Colony makes its space available for Coaster Theatre play rehearsals and community groups. The Sunset Empire Park and Recreation District, which provides homework help and activities for middle school students, joins forces with Cannon Beach on events like “12 Days of Earth Day.” The South County Community Food Bank works with the weekly Cannon Beach food pantry.

“We could not make it in the county without everyone’s support and collaboration,” said Elaine Bruce, director of Clatsop Community Action, which addresses poverty by providing rental assistance, energy assistance and a food bank.

Event emcee and former Parks and Community Services Chair Barb Knop said she kept hearing the words “community” and “partnership” throughout the presentations.

“In true Cannon Beach fashion, we work together,” she said.

Awards:

Cannon Beach Arts Association received $10,033

Cannon Beach Chorus received $1,083

Cannon Beach History Center received $833

Clatsop CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) received $3,550

Clatsop Community Action received $6,350

Clatsop Community College Foundation received $1,772

Coaster Theatre received $3,083

Healing Circle received $1,131

Helping Hands received $8,625

North Coast Food Web received $1,483

Restoration House received $3,933

Seaside Hall received $863

Seaside High School CYBORG Robotics Team received $883

Sunset Empire Park and Recreation District received $1,716

South County Community Food Bank received $2,050

The Harbor received $8,107

Tolovana Arts Colony received $14,983

Wildlife Center of the North Coast received $4,516