The inception of the nonprofit Rooted Generosity begins with a tragedy, but is ultimately a story of hope.
After 26-year-old Jordan Ross Garcia Slagle died unexpectedly in his sleep on the morning of July 16, 2016, his family, friends and coworkers at downtown Bellingham’s Boundary Bay Brewery were left with memories of a young man who, by all accounts, was a hard worker, loving son and treasured member of his community.
To ensure his legacy continued, Jordan’s parents Ramona and John Mark Slagle launched Rooted Generosity and the Jordan Slagle Boundary Bay Scholarship as a way to not only pay tribute to his life but also to give others a chance to fulfill their own dreams.
Before he passed away, Jordan had been working to complete his college coursework. With this in mind, Boundary Bay employees who are awarded the annual scholarship receive financial support focused on completing a variety of educational goals. Those who are chosen possess Jordan’s character traits of generosity, grit and determination — something they must be able to expound upon during the application process.
After Jordan Slagle died unexpectedly in the summer of 2016, his parents launched Rooted Generosity and the Jordan Slagle Boundary Bay Scholarship as a way to pay tribute to his life and give others a chance to fulfill their dreams. (Photo courtesy of Boundary Bay Brewery)
Thus far, the scholarship fund has supported nine Boundary Bay employees enrolled at various institutions of higher learning, including Brian Skywalker, Jabez Richard, Megan Hansen, Megan Gambill, Anne Malone, Gina Garding, Nik Budden, Allie Craswell and Jenny Schmidt. Current applicants have until May 20 to be considered for the 2022 scholarship.
“The Jordan Slagle Boundary Bay Scholarship continues to support folks as they reach toward their important goals,” John Mark said in a recent press release. “Each year since Jordan’s untimely passing in 2016, deserving learners connected to the Boundary Bay community have been gifted with funds — all focused on helping folks further leverage their own grit and determination to meet their educational goals. Degrees have been completed, certifications received, and careers extended in a wide range of professions and disciplines. This past year, the generosity of the scholarship was expanded to help fund a recovery journey. Learning takes many shapes. We look forward to continuing the scholarship for years to come.”
Stepping up to help fill Rooted Generosity’s coffers, local artist Shawn Kemp is donating 100% of the proceeds of his current exhibit hanging at Boundary Bay’s bistro to the scholarship fund. Through the end of March, those who purchase his unique $400 creations — complex, nature-inspired hangings composed of layers of woodcut with a high-powered laser and finished with tinted shellac — will be helping with fundraising efforts.
Shawn Kemp’s exhibit also has a component that allows community members to create a piece of art together by scanning a code on the bistro’s wall to generate a digital design. (Photo courtesy of Boundary Bay Brewery)
“I have donated this show and all the proceeds to the Jordan Slagle Fund as a way to say thank you to the Boundary Bay team for enduring a brutal pandemic and keeping our bellies and hearts full,” Kemp said.
To further extend the art of giving, the exhibit also has a component that allows community members to create a piece of art together. Anyone interested in contributing can head to the bistro and scan the large QR code on the wall to generate a digital design. Any designs that are shared on social media may then be selected to be part of a grid composed of 36 unique elements created using a generative script (translation: each section will be picked from billions of possibilities).
“I’ll select my favorite posts and turn the generated design into an in-real-life segment for the mural at Boundary Bay Brewery,” Kemp said. “Once the show is finished, you’ll be able to collect your personal segment and keep it forever.”
To find out more about Shawn Kemp’s exhibit and Rooted Generosity, go to bbaybrewery.com or rootedgenerosity.org
