Whidbey Island is astonishingly fertile soil for growing a community that can sustain us through challenging times and inspire meaningful solutions.
ThrivingFest honors the founders, visionaries, and committed folks who helped pivotal organizations take root — and brings together the leaders, volunteers, and neighbors across the island who are ready to cultivate what grows next.
A HOMECOMING AND HORIZON
Stories of Resilience and Regeneration
For more than a decade, Thriving Communities has filmed ordinary people doing extraordinary work on Whidbey Island and beyond — the people who turn neighbors into collaborators and conversations into movements. Their stories prove that sustained collective commitment makes communities not just resilient, but regenerative.
Over fourteen years and more than sixty films, twenty have featured Whidbey Island organizations. ThrivingFest gathers their leaders, partners, and supporters to share the challenges and successes that have shaped the island since — and to ask together: what does the next evolution look like, and who is stepping forward to lead it?
WITH GRATITUDE
Honoring Those Who Came Before
Lynn Willeford
Founder, visionary, and the circular thread connecting many of the nonprofits that shape the island today.
Nancy Nordhoff
Whose support and stewardship helped seed organizations whose work continues to nourish the Island.
Thursday, August 13
Welcome & Premiere of South Whidbey Prepares Film
5:00 – 6:30 pm
THE CLYDE THEATER
Welcome & Premiere of South Whidbey Prepares Film
Opening-night premiere of the Thriving film featuring South Whidbey Prepares, followed by films celebrating Lynn Willeford's legacy, including her WOW talk and Local Living Economy Whidbey Island.
6:30 – 8:30 pm
LANGLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Dinner & Conversation
Gather for a shared meal at Fellowship Hall.
2:00 – 4:30 pm
WICA
5:00 – 7:00 pm
ORGANIC FARM SCHOOL
Friday, August 14
Celebrating Home, Nourishing Community
10:00 – 12:30 pm
WICA
Celebrating Our Home
Featuring films about Hearts & Hammers, Whidbey Homeless Coalition, Lopez Island Land Trust, and Ryan's House for Youth — each organization will share how their work has grown and evolved since filming.
The screenings will be followed by a panel and community conversation bringing together these and other organizations working at the intersection of home, land, and belonging. Together we'll look ahead: How do we meet the needs for stable, affordable, and accessible housing?
12:30 – 2:00 pm
HEALING CIRCLES PATIO
Lunch & Conversation
Patio gathering with a light picnic lunch between sessions.
2:00 – 4:30 pm
WICA
Nourishing Our Community
Featuring films about the Organic Farm School, Whidbey Island Nourishes, the Soup's On program at Island Church of Whidbey, and Good Cheer Food Pantry — each organization will share how their work has grown and evolved since filming.
The screenings will be followed by a panel and community conversation bringing together these and other organizations working at the intersection of food, farming, and community nourishment. What does the future of farming and access to healthy food look like on Whidbey?
5:00 – 7:00 pm
ORGANIC FARM SCHOOL
Community Potluck
An evening of shared food, connection, and live music at the farm. Bring a potluck dish, your own serving pieces (plates, utensils), and your favorite beverage.
Saturday, August 15
Supporting Today, Preparing for Tomorrow
10:00 – 12:30 pm
WICA
Supporting our Community
Featuring films about Mother Mentors, Friends of Friends Medical Support Fund, Island Senior Resources, Whidbey Veterans Resource Center, Healing Circles Langley, and Partners for Youth Empowerment — each organization will share how their work has grown and evolved since filming.
The screenings will be followed by a panel and community conversation bringing together these and other organizations working at the intersection of care, healing, and community support. How do we sustain the health and well-being of all of our community members through each stage of life?
12:30 – 2:00 pm
HEALING CIRCLES PATIO
Picnic Lunch & Conversation
Patio gathering with a light picnic lunch between sessions.
2:00 – 4:30 pm
WICA
Preparing for Our Future
Honoring the legacy of Nancy Nordhoff
An encore screening of the South Whidbey Prepares film, followed by a presentation from the Whidbey Community Foundation — together painting a picture of current and future needs in our community. A closing conversation and call to action rooted in the regenerative power of community.
2:00 – 4:30 pm
WICA
5:00 – 7:00 pm
ORGANIC FARM SCHOOL
