The Coupeville Festival Association, the non-profit parent organization of the Coupeville Arts and Crafts Festival, awarded over $25,000 to grant recipients in a festive event Dec. 1.

This wonderful night of giving was made possible by the over 100 fantastic volunteers who dedicated their time and efforts to ensure the success of the Coupeville Arts and Crafts Festival this last August. All proceeds from the Coupeville Arts and Crafts Festival are annually donated back to the 98239 community in the form of grants and scholarships.

In addition to the over $25,000 granted on Dec. 1, $4,000 will be made available to scholarship applicants this spring.

This year’s grant recipients are as follows:

Sound Waters, Sound Waters University Day;

Coupeville Arts Center, Equipment Upgrade;

Coupeville Middle/High School, Drama – “The Fantastiks”;

Island Tree Ranch, Community Art Gardens;

Coupeville Middle School, Science, Solar Powered Car Kits;

Coupeville Elementary School, Wolf Pup Reporters Program;

Coupeville Elementary School, Art History Project;

Coupeville School District, Art Department, Silk Screen Equipment;

Gifts from the Heart Food Bank, Food Bank Van Operation;

Coupeville Boys and Girls Club, Art Supplies;

Lighthouse Environmental Program, Lighthouse Restoration;

Historic Front Street, Merchant Living History Recordings;

Whidbey Island Giant Pumpkin Contest ;

Sno-Isle Libraries, Puppet Theater

Coupeville School District, History Day Research Trip;

Penn Cove Water Festival, Youth Activities;

Island County Historical Society, Event Marketing;

Central Whidbey Chamber of Commerce, Memorial Day Parade.

“As one can see by the list of recipients and their projects, the spirit of giving will generously live on throughout the year in Coupeville,” said Tess Gavin, interim president. If you are able to offer any additional support to these worthy organizations, please don’t hesitate to contact them.

The next Coupeville Arts and Crafts Festival will be held Aug. 1 and 2, 2009. For more information about the Coupeville Arts and Crafts Festival, please visit www.coupevilleartsandcraftsfestival, call 678-5116 or email info@coupevilleartsandcraftsfestival.org.

“A a great big thank you to all our dedicated volunteers and to those in the community dedicated to keeping the spirit of giving alive throughout the year,” Gavin said.