Funhouse Commons

We are thrilled to welcome Amanda Zimlich as the new Development Director of the Funhouse Commons!

Amanda brings a lifelong commitment to feeding, welcoming, and connecting people. From Seattle’s fine dining scene to global product development roles with major food brands, and most recently building Otters Pond Bed & Breakfast into a beloved Orcas Island retreat, Amanda has spent her career creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and cared for.

As Development Director, Amanda will help strengthen community relationships, expand philanthropic partnerships, and advance the Funhouse Commons’ mission to be a place of belonging and discovery so that every young person is welcome, supported, and inspired.

Please also join us in thanking Nicole Spinogatti, who will continue supporting the Funhouse through the transition this summer. We are deeply grateful for Nicole’s leadership, care, and dedication to our community.

Welcome, Amanda! We are excited for this next chapter together.

A unique music class for children from infants through age 5 and their parents or caregivers, Music with Miss Mary has been well-loved for many years at the Funhouse. Mary is offering these two drop-in classes in early June (6/5 & 6/19). Come learn some new songs and bond through music within a community-oriented, family-centered circle. For more info and to RSVP email: [email protected].

Register here: https://www.hisawyer.com/the-funhouse-commons/schedules/activity-set/1911861
Scholarship application can be found on the registration page.

Our Skills Based Mentor Program is coming to a close! This four month program matches youth with skilled artists or makers to develop specific skills and projects that will be displayed at our final showcase. Come to the Funhouse on Sunday, May 31st from 12-2pm to enjoy the fruits of their labor! Mentors and mentees have been knitting, making beats, doing art and singing together for the last four months, and will show off their work on the 31st. This event is open to friends, family and the public, so come by! If you're interested in joining our fall cohort, either as an adult mentor or a mentee, please email Maddie at [email protected]

🎉 FUNFEST IS BACK! 🎉

The FunFest is a community-wide celebration of childhood, the last day of school, and the kickoff to summer — all centered around the Funhouse Commons mission to be a place of belonging and discovery so that every young person on Orcas Island is welcome, supported, and inspired. 💛

We’re transforming the Village Green into one giant FREE party for kids and families with:
🌊 Waterslides
🏰 Bounce houses
🍿 Popcorn
🍧 Snow cones
🍦 Ice cream
🎶 Live music & DJ
💃 Student & dance performances
🎨 Crafts & games
🍋 Lemonade
🍔 Lots of food
…and so much more!

At its heart, FunFest is about creating joyful childhood memories and building the kind of community where every young person feels seen, valued, and uplifted. No winners or losers. No “haves” and “have nots.” Just a village coming together to celebrate kids.

Because we believe:
✨ It takes a Village, and the Funhouse. ✨

Come celebrate the start of summer with us! ☀️

Thursday, May 21 - In the final hours of giving, Orcas Island Community Foundation will draw random donors, and boost their gift by $250 to the same organization as their donation.

Sunrise Prize 6-7 am
Lunch Hour Prize 12-1 pm
Happy Hour Prize 5-6 pm
Night Owl Prize 9-10 pm

Donate here: https://oicf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/grant?grant_id=42031

The Funhouse Commons is seeking $25,000 to open more doors for Orcas Island youth in the year ahead - so every child can say “yes” to Funhouse programs. Your support removes financial barriers and fuels access to summer camp, after-school care, music, and art, ensuring no one is left out. When you invest in kids, you’re building a stronger, more connected community where every young person has the chance to learn, grow, and thrive.

Thank you for supporting island kids, their families, and the Funhouse!

It's all about the Benjamins today as we continue our GiveOrcas campaign here at the Funhouse! Organizations with the most $100 donations will receive an additional gift from Orcas Island Community Foundation. Your $100 donation could help us raise an additional $1,000, $500 or $250 towards our goal!

Donate here: https://oicf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/grant?grant_id=42031

Thank you for supporting island kids, their families, and the Funhouse!

Every day is FunDay at the Funhouse but this coming Monday, May 18th, everyone who donates over the weekend will have a chance to win an additional $250 from the Orcas Island Community Foundation to gift to an organization of their choice. Donor names will go into a hat draw and be selected on Monday, May 18th!

Donate here: https://oicf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/grant?grant_id=42031

Thank you for supporting island kids, their families, and the Funhouse!

Today is GiveOrcas Unique Donor Day! That means that the grantees with the most individual donors will receive an additional gift from Orcas Island Community Foundation : 1st place = $1000, 2nd place = $500, 3rd place = $250.

Donate here: https://oicf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/grant?grant_id=42031

Your support helps to remove financial barriers and fuels access to summer camp, after-school care, music, and aft classes, ensuring all kids can participate in Funhouse programming.

Thank you for supporting Orcas kids, their families, and the Funhouse!

Orcas Island Community Foundation's 2026 Spring GiveOrcas Catalog is OPEN!

The Funhouse Commons is seeking to raise $25,000 to expand access for youth during the upcoming program year and ensure that every Orcas kid can participate in our programs. Grant money will directly support participation and reduce financial barriers for families, making summer camp, after-school programs, music, and art opportunities accessible to all. By investing in access for kids, you help us build a stronger, more inclusive community where every young person can learn, grow, and thrive regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.

Donate here: https://oicf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/grant?grant_id=42031

Thank you for supporting island kids, their families, and the Funhouse!