There are many reasons we are lucky to live in this beautiful spot on the planet but one that sometimes goes unnoticed are the many hardworking, nonprofit groups that go about fulfilling their missions, quietly and with little fanfare.  These groups provide a variety of services that we all benefit from at some time or another.  Their missions are diverse and important.  They protect our children, elderly, animals and environment.  They support our schools, the arts and health care.  They provide lifetime learning on a multitude of subjects, complete historic preservation and are responsible for the many unique events in our community.  They feed our hungry, protect the abused, provide healthy and safe activities for our youth and keep our town beautiful.  All of these nonprofits get their work done with volunteers, giving of their time and talents, to support the people and things that are important to them.

The Town of Coupeville is recognizing and promoting the efforts of these groups by hosting the 4th Annual Nonprofit Fair at the Coupeville Farmers Market 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.,  Saturday, Sept.7.  Over 30 nonprofit groups serving the Central Whidbey area will have booths set up at the Market.  Each group will have information on what they do, how you can get involved, and how you can receive their services.

If your a volunteer for one the nonprofits, you are invited to attend three free classes in the Coupeville Library conference room.  These classes are intended to make your jobs easier and more cost effective.  Each class lasts an hour, no registration necessary, just sign in and learn.

10 a.m., How to market your nonprofit in the papers!

11:30 a.m., Color printing, the real costs, less than you think!

1 p.m., Stunning no-cost websites for nonprofits!

If you’re attending the fair you can enter a free drawing to win a $100 gift certificate good at any Coupeville business.

Go grocery shopping, pay your doctor bill or buy yourself something nice on Front Street.  For every five nonprofit booths you visit you get a free chance to win.  If you visit all 30 booths you can enter six times!

Town of Coupeville is proud to partner with the Coupeville Farmers Market and the Coupeville branch of the Sno-Isle Library for the 2013 Nonprofit Fair. Come on out and say “thank you” to your friends and neighbors working so hard to make Central Whidbey the wonderful place it is!  See you at the Fair on Saturday, Sept. 7.

• Molly Hughes is a member of Coupeville Town Council.