Together for the Trees: Highlights from the 2025 Annual Benefit

Friends of the ACFL joyfully celebrated together at our 2025 Annual Benefit, held last week at the beautiful Wisteria Gardens. The event gathered supporters, members, and forestland enthusiasts to honor the forest lands we cherish and support the ongoing education, stewardship, and outreach that protects them for generations. A packed room raised nearly $100,000 to support our vital programs.

Guests enjoyed an evening of delicious catered appetizers, dinner, and dessert, alongside lawn games and an exciting auction featuring unique experiences, local art, restaurant gift cards, and handcrafted goods. The atmosphere was vibrant with friendship and shared passion for the ACFL.

The event was filled with inspiring moments, including speeches by some of our program participants, Jacqui Illman, and Wacie and Connor Flournoy, as well as an opening invocation by Samish Tribal Citizen Sam Qolanten Barr. A highlight of the evening was a surprise visit from 1922, brought to life by Briana Alzola Lindquist portraying Cora Allmond, who led local women in selling lemon pies to raise money to purchase Washington Park over 100 years ago. Joining her was Friends Community Programs Coordinator Ellie Kravets, who baked a delicious lemon pie to be auctioned off.

We extend heartfelt gratitude to our generous auction donors, enthusiastic item winners, supportive business members, dedicated volunteers, hardworking staff, and all attendees who made the event a tremendous success. Special appreciation goes to Amy Hong of Barrett Financial for her generous matching gift to our paddle raise, Wave a Branch. Your commitment helps sustain the forestlands we cherish and ensures a vibrant legacy for generations to come.

Stay tuned for upcoming events and ways to get involved in ongoing efforts to protect and celebrate the Anacortes Community Forest Lands.