Beneficiaries

Net proceeds of the Bellingham Bay Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K benefit the non-profit Whatcom County youth organizations listed here. For direct public and participant financial support, the Bellingham Bay Marathon supports a number of charities and officially recognize a number of organization and individual fundraisers.

Bellingham Bay Swim Team

The Bellingham Bay Swim Team (BBST) is a year-round club affiliated with Pacific Northwest Swimming (PNS), a committee of USA Swimming. Founded in the fall of 1995, this parent board-run club offers swimmers from all skill levels, novice to elite, the opportunity to improve themselves and their swimming through the continued development of advanced swimming technique and conditioning in the sport.

BBST is a not for profit 501(3)(c) organization comprised of over 100 swimmers of all ages, abilities, and commitment levels. The team offers something for everyone, from beginning swimmers to highly skilled swimmers competing at the national level.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Washington

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Washington is a true change agent, committed to providing an adult mentor for every child who needs or wants one. Mentoring is a proven strategy that changes how children grow up in our community by meeting critical needs of our region’s children and engaging all levels of community. We help children build the attitudes and behaviors needed to stay in school, succeed academically, make healthy choices, and create promising futures.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County

Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County has been the safe and positive place for youth since 1946. Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County now serves over 11,000 youth in the following area locations: Bellingham, Blaine, Ferndale, Lummi Island, Lynden, as well as the Northwest Sports Complex and an extension site in Birch Bay. There are currently 50 employees who are all dedicated to the mission of The Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County is recognized nationally for its commitment to excellence in youth development. Core program areas include Character & Leadership Development, Education & Career Development, Health & Life Skills, Sports, Fitness and Recreation and The Arts.

Girls on the Run

Girls on the Run is a character development program for girls. The highly interactive curriculum combines training for a 5k run with self-esteem enhancing lessons and uplifting workouts aimed to develop the whole girl; her phsical, mental, emotional and social self.

Girls on the Run is a non-competitive running program for 3rd-5th Graders.

Lummi CEDAR Project

The Lummi CEDAR Project is a Native American, community-based non-profit organization serving the Lummi Indian Reservation in Bellingham, Washington.

Lummi CEDAR Project supports young people by providing leadership opportunities and ways to get involved in their community. We promote collective leadership across the generations that leads to individual and community well-being.

Uniting the Wisdom of the Elders with the Dreams of the Youth - The Lummi CEDAR Project believes that Native American values and traditions that have existed for generations can be used as tools to rebuild the community. Elders carry the community's schelangen–the Lummi way of life–and youth carry the Tribe's future and dreams.

Lummi Youth Academy

The mission of the Lummi Youth Academy is to provide a safe, structured and culturally competent environment and foster excellence in learning opportunities for Lummi Youth for higher education, family unification and wellness.

We will give our children a chance at achieving higher education and expand their opportunities for future generations to come. And, we will help our children become healthy family role models.

Whatcom Family YMCA

The Whatcom Family YMCA is an association of individuals with shared values which enhance the community with programs for the spirt, mind and body.

At the Y, strengthening the foundations of community is our cause. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.

At the Y, no child, family or adult is turned away. Opportunities are provided for those in need through our financial assistance program.

Whatcom Football Club Rangers

Whatcom Football Club (WFC) Rangers is the select soccer program in Whatcom County, situated in District One of the Washington State Youth Soccer Association.

WFC Rangers is a not for profit 501(3)(c) corporation governed by a volunteer Board of Directors who oversee a coaching and development staff of 50+ soccer professionals. Club membership is made up of 450 boy and girl soccer players, playing on 28 teams in several leagues.