Page 2 - whidbey health pulse e-magazine about our services

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A Foundation of Caring

Mark Laska, Ciao Restaurant Owner

We all know Whidbey Island has heart and nowhere is this
reflected more than in its countless nonprofit organizations all
vying for support. So it’s no surprise that Whidbey businesses
are asked to support this noble network of nonprofits that
make our island a wonderful place to call home.

Mark Laska, owner of Ciao Restaurant in Coupeville,
answers the call for many local nonprofit organizations, but
he takes particular pleasure in going the extra mile for the
WhidbeyHealth Foundation in order to assure every resident
of the island gets the healthcare they need.

Mark has served on the Foundation Board of Directors
for six years, and has never hesitated to put his love of
hospitality to work for us.

We first experienced his boundless hospitality with a delicious
five-course dinner donated by Laska and four other Whidbey
Island chefs including, Graham Gori of Langley’s Portico Latin
Drs. John Hassapis (left) and Rosa Rangel express their Bistro, Scott Fraser of Oak Harbor’s Fraser’s Gourmet Hideaway,
gratitude to Mark Laska. Tyler Hansen of Coupeville’s The Oystercatcher and Jess and
J.P. Dowdell of Langley’s Roaming Radish.

This year, Laska went all out once more, hosting a festive Mardi Gras celebration, complete with Italian-inspired New
Orleans fare, wine pairings and live musical entertainment.

As a restaurant owner and warm-hearted guy, bringing people together comes naturally to Laska and helping the
Foundation to support healthcare for the good people of Whidbey Island feels like the right thing to do.
“Find your passion, and give in the way that comes most naturally to you,” Laska recommends.
“Volunteer, become a board member, give a gift, attend the Foundation Gala in June, or ride your bike in the Tour de
Whidbey on Aug. 18. Everyone has something to contribute and keeping the residents of Whidbey healthy gives back
in a way that just makes you feel great.”

Whidbey Island Public Hospital
District Board of Commissioners
On the Cover District 1, Grethe Cammermeyer, RN, PhD • 360.221.5882
District 2, Kurt Blankenship • 360.678.7656, ext. 4001
Emergency Medical Technician Gregory Behan and District 3, Ron Wallin • 360.675.6674
District 4, Nancy Fey • 360.240.8822
Lead Paramedic Chris Tumblin are two of the highly- District 5, Eric Anderson, DVM • 360.679.6796
trained EMS team providing services to our community.