Assisting and Thriving

Newly formed community foundation assists with purchase and installation of new stadium at Eatonville High School

By Rick Stedman

The Greater Eatonville Community Foundation was established in October 2024. In the short time the foundation has been operating, it has had a substantial positive impact on the local community, with the Eatonville High School athletic field as proof.

GECF is a volunteer, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with a clear mission: to foster and promote philanthropy within the greater Eatonville area by connecting people and purpose. It was born from grassroots efforts led by local community leaders who aimed to create a significant sustainable funding source to support emerging community needs. These community stakeholders helped launch the organization and serve on the Foundation’s board, helping develop a strategic plan for ongoing success.

“We partner with donors and nonprofit organizations to find solutions to today’s challenges” says Former Eatonville Mayor David Baublits, who serves as GECF chair. “Together, we envision a vibrant, equitable region where everyone can thrive and survive.”

GECF defines a community foundation as a collection of individual funds pooled together to benefit a broad range of local needs.

“It reflects the traditions, history and culture of its community and is designed to serve the specific geographic rea it represents,” David says. “Unlike organizations that focus on a single cause, community foundations work on behalf of the entire community. Their capacity to meet local needs depends on available resources and the creativity of their donors.”

Thanks to generous voters, donations and continued fundraising efforts, the upgraded EHS athletic field—originally built in 1937—will show off its new luster later this year. The athletic complex is undergoing a major renovation that includes the track, field and stadium facilities, at an estimated cost of $6.8 million.

GECF stepped in to assist the Eatonville School District via a fundraising campaign to help ensure the new stadium is accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act. As of mid-April, the fundraising campaign met its goals through seat sales and sponsorships.

“We fulfilled our goal of raising more than $250,000 to assist with stadium costs, ”David says. “The continuing challenge is to grow other funds under the GECF to meet future opportunities and needs in the Greater Eatonville community area.”

The Foundation has been fortunate to find a donor who is matching, dollar for dollar, every contribution to the Foundation up to $500,000.“

As all the trustees know and believe, the residents of the greater Eatonville area are caring and generous people, and we are so fortunate to live in a community where a group such as the Greater Eatonville Community Foundation can exist and thrive while assisting people in need,” David says.