The Willapa Heritage Foundation has decided to not hold its annual Hearts for the Arts dinner and auction this coming February due to the virus. However, this year the group has decided to host an online auction instead, happening at the end of November. The foundation’s purpose is to promote the arts, artists and art organizations in the Pacific County area.

The annual dinner and auction has been the only fundraiser of the year, so the goal this year is to raise similar funds utilizing the online auction and encouraging community members to donate to the cause. As usual they are asking people to donate artwork, hand-made items, gift certificates, etc., for the auction. These donated items have been instrumental to the success in years past.

Items are being accepted now through Nov. 14. Contact Judy Buroker at 360-942-3677 (rickb3377@gmail.com) or Richard Brammer at 360-942-8065 (richardabrammer@gmail.com) to let us know you have items to donate. Details on the exact dates of the auction and how to participate will be forthcoming.

Foundation President Joanne Jambor emphasized that, “We are a nonprofit run entirely by volunteers with all funds raised returned to the community. We have no administrative costs and receipts are available for tax purposes.”

In recent years, the foundation has focused on providing services to local schools, including the purchase of much needed art and music supplies for both Raymond and South Bend schools. Each year the foundation offers scholarships for students attending any higher education venue with a focus on the arts. Along with helping the local schools they annually provide funds for local artists, Sunday Afternoon Live, the Carriage House Museum, the Willapa Players, the Willapa Harbor Chorale and for art classes at the local Timberland libraries.