Two members of the community were recently recognized as Juneau Community Foundation’s Philanthropists of the Year.

Eric Olsen and Vicki Bassett were honored by friends and colleagues on Sept. 15 in a Zoom reception, according to the community foundation.

“We wanted to recognize Eric and Vicki for their steadfast and generous giving to our community,” said John Pugh, board president of the Juneau Community Foundation, in a news release. “Both have contributed time, expertise and gifts supporting many local projects and programs including Juneau Community Foundation, The Glory Hall, Teal Street Center, Housing First, Southeast Alaska Land Trust, Juneau Jazz & Classics, and the Juneau Arts & Humanities Council, just to name a few.”

Olsen has invested much “sweat equity” working on local trails and the Hilda Dam Cabin and Bassett has volunteered with and read to youth in the community, according to the foundation.

Olsen explained the drive behind his and Bassett’s philanthropy during the reception: “I can do it. I should do it. And I like doing it. The amount one gives is not the point and knowing our gifts to the church and community organizations make a difference is so rewarding.”

When Olsen and Bassett were asked what they wanted to raise funds for in conjunction with the event, they chose the Juneau Community Foundation Sustainability Endowment, according to the foundation, because their interests are broad and supporting the foundation’s growing and effective role in the community is important to them.

A $50,000 challenge match was announced during the Zoom reception. Gifts in honor of the 2022 Philanthropists of the Year will be matched dollar for dollar and can be made at https://www.juneaucf.org/fund/juneau-community-foundation-sustainability-fund/ or a check can be mailed to 350 N. Franklin Street, Suite 4, Juneau Alaska 99801.

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