Since 2008, The Juneau Community Foundation has honored outstanding local individuals who demonstrate their commitment to the community through generosity and leadership with the Philanthropist Award. This year, we are pleased to announce Eric Olsen and Vicki Bassett as our 2022 Philanthropists of the Year.
John Pugh, Board President of the Juneau Community Foundation noted, “We wanted to recognize Eric and Vicki for their steadfast and generous giving to our community. Both have contributed time, expertise and gifts supporting many local projects and programs including Juneau Community Foundation, The Glory Hall, Teal Street Center, Housing First, Southeast Alaska Land Trust, Juneau Jazz & Classics, and the Juneau Arts & Humanities Council, just to name a few.” In addition, Eric has invested much sweat equity working on local trails and the Hilda Dam Cabin and Vicki has enjoyed volunteering and reading to youth in our community. Together, they have touched many lives and enriched our community.
Eric and Vicki were honored by friends and colleagues on September 15th with a Zoom Reception where Eric succinctly summed up why he and Vicki give back to Juneau, “ I can do it. I should do it. And I like doing it. The amount one gives is not the point and knowing our gifts to the church and community organizations make a difference is so rewarding.”
When asked what they wanted to raise funds for in conjunction with the event, Eric and Vicki chose the Juneau Community Foundation Sustainability Endowment because their interests are broad and supporting the Foundation’s growing and effective role in the community is important to them. To further honor Eric and Vicki, a $50,000 challenge match was announced during the Zoom Reception. Gifts in honor of Eric and Vicki will be matched dollar for dollar and can be made at /fund/juneau-community-foundation-sustainability-fund/ or a check can be mailed to 350 N. Franklin Street, Suite 4, Juneau Alaska 99801.
