Dave Eitland
Those who enjoy a walk in the park or a seat near a pond to take in the beauty of nature will find plenty to do at the Columbia Springs outdoor education center in Vancouver.
New Development Director Dave Eitland looks forward to meeting visitors, young and old, and hearing their stories about how this place makes a difference in their lives.
“It’s wondrous over here. At its root, Columbia Springs is a valuable environmental center. We have 6,000 students from our local school districts who come here on field trips,” Eitland said. “It’s also like a public park with lots of nice trails. Even though the trains go by and the planes go by, I can also hear the ducks and the herons. It’s pretty neat.”
Eitland hopes to increase charitable giving at Columbia Springs. He brings 30 years of philanthropic experience from art centers, children’s hospitals and churches all across the country.
“Columbia Springs is a great natural treasure to the Vancouver community and worthy of philanthropic support,” Eitland stated. “I envision the greater things we could do at Columbia Springs with more financial donations. Teaching the love of nature is one of best things we can pass on to our children.”
Recently, Eitland spoke with The Reflector about his passion for philanthropy and his goals for Columbia Springs. Here is what he had to say:
The Reflector: Where did your roots in philanthropy and giving begin, and how has it prospered over the past 30 years?
Dave Eitland: I have had the good fortune in working with many charities that wanted to take their organizations to the next level of service. I have done this as a manager, director, staff or volunteer. With some of the greatest people on the planet, we have created over $100 million in charitable giving.
TR: What brought you out to Columbia Springs, and what are some of the jobs you had before that will help you as the new development director.
DE: If you walk on the property at Columbia Springs, you can see why I am working here.
I have worked with churches, elderly communities, universities and colleges, a children’s hospital, arts centers, and more. Previously, I have worked for St. Matthew Catholic Church, Hillsboro, Oregon; the Grand Traverse Pavilions, Traverse City, Michigan; the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA, Traverse City, Michigan; and Lake Superior State University Foundation, Sault Ste Marie, Michigan. I have been fortunate to do every kind of fundraising used in America.
TR: What are your short term and long term goals for Columbia Springs?
DE: In the short term, I would like to speak with key leaders of Vancouver to understand and get to know the community. To Columbia Springs, I would like to provide organizational sustainability through increasing individual donations and estate giving.
In the long term, I would like to expand our educational opportunities in our community through individual giving and legacy support.
TR: How does Columbia Springs benefit students and community members, and how can donations from individuals help expand these options?
DE: Columbia Springs creates experiences for children and adults to fall in love with nature. We also provide community volunteer opportunities to advance and enhance our natural setting here in Vancouver. Gifts of time and donations are critical to expand and support existing nature programs both now and the future. We must keep this community treasure going for future generations.
TR: What is it about Columbia Springs that is unique to you and its visitors, what goes through your mind when you’re driving into work?
DE: For me, I look out my window and hear herons. I see school children and people walking in the woods and around lakes of Columbia Springs. I can’t wait to get to work. I am excited to speak with people about their personal experience with Columbia Springs and explore with them how they would like to contribute their time and financial resources for the kids of this community.
