BIOGRAPHY:

Karen Evenden thrives on being busy. She is the co-founder of the Ojai Women's Fund, a former Board member of Help of Ojai, and a driving force behind the Ojai Valley Lavender Festival.

Karen and her husband Bill came to Ojai in 2002 from Seattle where she owned a kitchen store and cooking school. "We were looking for a place with sunshine."

The Ojai Woman's Fund was started by Karen and Peggy Russell. The program was modeled after a similar program in Seattle. Through donations from more than 300 members, they have sought to help fund special projects and expand efforts in the arts, education, environment, health, and social services. It celebrated its third year by awarding $105,000 in community grants to 13 local nonprofits. "It has been exciting to watch this grow!", she observed.

Her work with the Help of Ojai enabled them to acquire the lease from the County of Ventura for the Baldwin Road West Campus. In addition, Help of Ojai raised about $685,000 in goods and financial donations to help more than 160 households impacted by the Thomas Fire. 10 trailers were purchased for local fire victims who had previously lived in the Valley.

The Lavender Festival provides scholarships to residents involved in educational programs agricultue or the beneficial uses of lavender.