DINNER IN
THE WOODS 2025
Dinner in the Woods 2025
DINNER IN
An incredible night ensuring children in our region experience
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Dinner in the Woods – in person or virtually – on Saturday! It was a truly extraordinary outpouring of support for IslandWood, and we couldn’t be more grateful.
“I couldn’t have imagined almost 27 years ago when I had the idea for creating this school in the woods that our reach and also our impact would become so big – to the extent that it is today.”
– Debbi Brainerd, IslandWood Founder
“If you’re feeling helpless, frustrated, or anxious in these times, remember that these kids are the future and that we can amplify their bright light. They MUST know that we did everything we could and that we fought for what we ALL believe in. Because these children are the future leaders our world depends on.”
– Megan Karch, IslandWood CEO
This video, featuring students from Talbot Hill Elementary, shares the impact of the School Overnight Program!
“After the trip was over, I had a newfound appreciation for not only the natural world, but also my role in sustaining it. Through several team-building activities and gratitude circles at IslandWood, I learned the significance of both collective, but individual actions, to preserve and protect our planet.”
– Rishin Tandon, Impact in Action Awardee.
Read about Rishin and his work here!
“I have dedicated my life to uplifting students, families, and communities — and tonight, looking around this room, I am reminded that I am not alone. Thank you, truly, for investing in the future. Thank you for believing, like IslandWood taught us, that small seeds can grow the biggest forests.”
– Bilan Aden, Impact in Action Awardee.
Read about Bilan and her work here!
“There’s no other place that I’d like to be on those three nights and four days but right here at IslandWood.”
– Christopher Glenn, Impact in Action Awardee.
Read about Christopher and his work here!
“If we in Washington want to continue to lead in the environmental sector and cultivate a thriving and equitable future for all – work that many of you here have been committed to throughout your careers and years of board service – then we need to invest in the next generation and provide meaningful experiences in nature.”
– Kate Bedient,
IslandWood Director of Urban School Programs
In this video, with footage from programs both on and off our Bainbridge campus, we share the impact donors have on children in our region when they believe in them and their future!
Thanks to the remarkable generosity of this community, Dinner in the Woods raised the most support ever, at a time when our region’s children need it most. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Save May 2, 2026 for our next Dinner in the Woods and let’s have all the fun again!
Thanks to our sponsors for supporting IslandWood. We are so grateful for you!
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