Community Highlights from a Joyful Summer at Hull Foundation & Learning Center

By Creanna Gallegos, For Sandy Standard

This year’s Sandy Mountain Festival was a celebration of everything we love about our community — enjoying the great outdoors, great music, friendly faces, and the chance to come together around traditions that make Sandy such a special place. Our nacho booth was a hit all weekend long, and serving nachos turned out to be one of the most unexpectedly joyful parts of the festival. Volunteers and staff shared laughs behind the counter, families stopped by to say hello, and each visitor kept the energy flowing. The music drifting through the park created a lively backdrop, and the beautiful weather made it easy for everyone to enjoy the festivities. Being part of such a beloved event reminded us how meaningful it is to show up for one another and celebrate the traditions that bring our community together year after year. You can count on us to be back next year.

As we carry that excitement forward, we are thrilled to share what is coming up next for the Hull Foundation & Learning Center. Our first year partnering with the Sandy Lions Club for their Jack White Golf Tournament is quickly approaching, but there is still time to get involved. This tournament is more than just a fun day on the course — it is a partnership rooted in shared missions and a commitment to supporting sight and hearing programs throughout the region. Funds raised help sustain the accessible programs, services, and facilities at Oral Hull Park, ensuring that individuals with sight loss and blindness have opportunities to learn, grow, and connect. Funds raised also support eyesight and hearing programs through the Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation in the Estacada and Sandy area.

If you have been thinking about joining the tournament, now is the perfect moment. We still have team available spots, and you can call the office to register today at (503) 668 6195. Whether you are a seasoned golfer or simply looking for a fun way to support a great cause, we would love to have you participate.

Looking ahead to late August, we are preparing for one of our most anticipated programs of the year: the Summer Adventure Retreat. This week-long retreat is designed for adults with sight loss and blindness and is based at our beautiful facility in Sandy. Each year, the retreat offers participants a chance to build confidence, try new activities, and enjoy meaningful social connections in a supportive environment. This summer’s lineup is especially exciting. Participants will take a trip to Oaks Park, experience indoor skydiving, enjoy the thrill of white-water rafting, spend time kayaking, and celebrate together during a lively outdoor fiesta, which will include a dunk tank for a chance to dunk the staff. These activities are more than just adventures: they are opportunities for empowerment.

To make all these programs possible, we rely on the dedication and kindness of volunteers. As we prepare for the retreat, we are seeking volunteers who can help as sighted guides, assist with meal setup and service, support with dishes and cleanup, and help maintain a warm, light-hearted environment throughout the week. Volunteering with us is a chance to make a meaningful difference while sharing laughter, building connections, and being part of a mission-driven community. If you enjoy helping others, creating joyful experiences, and supporting inclusive programs, we would love to welcome you to our volunteer team.