On December 15, 2010, the San Juan Preservation Trust successfully purchased Vendovi Island, the third largest island under single private ownership in the entire San Juan archipelago.
Despite Vendovi Island’s appraised value at over $12 million, the Preservation Trust was able to purchase it at $6.4 million and then, only because of the generosity of an anonymous benefactor who stepped forward with an outright gift of $3 million and a $3.4 million bridge loan.
We have since received a $1 million challenge grant from another anonymous and very generous family who wants to see others invest with us over the next three years to acquire Vendovi.
This challenge grant will match every dollar up to $1 million only if we can meet the following schedule:
$ 250,000 before October 1, 2011: GOAL REACHED!!
$ 350,000 before October 1, 2012
$ 400,000 before October 1, 2013
= $1,000,000
A full-color brochure presents details of the conservation values, cultural history, and plans for permanent preservation and public access for this 217-acre gem of the San Juans. Print copies of the case statement are available upon request (or download a copy here). Please contact Barbara Courtney, Director of Philanthropy, at barbara@sjpt.org.
If you have questions or would like to make a donation to the Campaign to Save Vendovi, please contact our Lopez Office at 360-468-3202.
(The buzz on Vendovi Island is heating up. Here’s what local reporter Tip Johnson has to say about this amazing island: or check out this overview video, created by volunteer filmmaker Geoff Schaaf, and take a virtual tour!)