On Sunday, Nov. 13, I was the happy recipient of a wonderful celebration and benefit organized to help me cover medical, post surgery rehab and other related expenses following a complicated spinal surgery this past September. It was a success in all ways and was an event neither my husband Rob or I will ever forget.

Greenbank Farm’s big red barn was filled with love, fun and several hundred people. Dozens of people worked hard to make this happen, and many helped and donated who do not even know me. It is this kind of open-hearted community generosity that makes Whidbey the wonderful place to live that it is.

To the people who hit the streets asking for donations for the gift baskets to be raffled off and to the merchants and individuals who responded so kindly, to the people who cooked and baked, to those who donated wine, paper products, and their time – thank you so much.

A number of talented performers, again some of whom didn’t know me freely donated their time and talent. It was a wonderful party!

And to those who donated money in this time of financial uncertainty and struggle, we can not thank you enough. Every penny means a lot to us, and we will use it thoughtfully and with gratitude. I wish I could thank you all by name, but I don’t think the paper will give me that much space!

I look forward to a full recovery thanks to the loving and generous support of so many dear friends and kind strangers. I think that is quite amazing. Thank you to every single one of you.

Victory Schouten
Greenbank