We’re 15 and We’re Throwing a Party!
Bainbridge Prepares is finally old enough to get a learner’s permit. (Don’t tell anyone, but we’ve been driving change for a while now already.) Our 15th birthday is just an occasion to celebrate everything we’ve accomplished.
So we’re inviting YOU to our Birthday Bash Fundraiser, which happens September 12 and includes Sisters’ Cider House tastings and appetizers, live music, and a Raise the Paddle and Auction.
History
Fifteen years ago in 2011, BP was founded by Scott James. He had done some simple math, recognizing that the several dozen professionally trained first responders who might be on the island at any given moment would not be able to manage a disaster affecting the entire population of, at that time, 24,000 people.
He envisioned a from-the-ground-up program of neighbors helping neighbors. Encouraged by a few other similar programs across the country, he launched what he first called Prepared Neighbors (based on the title of his book about the topic) and what eventually became Bainbridge Prepares.
The fledgling program partnered with the Fire Department. The City later joined the partnership and hired its first part-time emergency manager. Eventually it expanded the position to full-time. In 2021, BP became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Today, the program boasts more than 550 trained and active volunteers who work in teams ranging from a Medical Reserve Corps to Child Safety and Reunification Tech Ops, and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Teams, with 19 teams in total. The teams work year-round to prepare the island and are ready to deploy when a disaster happens.
In the fifteen years since its founding, Bainbridge Prepares has been recognized nationally and across the State. In 2021, we received the Humanitarian Award from Bainbridge Community Foundation. In 2022, we were voted the Volunteer Organization of the Year by the International Association of Emergency Managers. And in 2023, we received special recognition from then–Washington State Governor Jay Inslee for our accomplishments.
PARTY
So now to the party. Join us September 12 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Fieldstone of Bainbridge, 10861 Manitou Park Blvd. Park at Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church for shuttle service.
Children ages 5 and up are welcome to participate in fun, supervised activities (separate from adults).
Get your $35 ticket now and remember that your support will help us keep going for another 15 years of serving you and Bainbridge Island.
