Beach School Foundation

By special request, Eric Foxman brought his one-man performance of short stories, “Oh! O. Henry!” to Lummi Island for an extraordinary engagement Sunday, August 29.

“Oh! O.Henry!” comprised short story masterpieces by popular early 20th century writer O. Henry. Mr. Foxman brought the stories alive in a theatrical tour-de-force, weaving together four stories that wowed the audience at Beach School.

As entertaining as the stories were, the history behind them was almost better. Interspersed between performance pieces, Mr. Foxman shared his research into the real life of Will Porter, a.k.a. O. Henry. What a writer, what a man, what a  life!

If you were there, I’m sure you concur. If you weren’t, you really missed something special. Maybe next year? Perhaps we can lure Mr. Foxman back to our little school for an encore. He not only provided fine storytelling; his gracious donation of time and talent resulted in more than $735 of donations that will benefit our Beach School students!

With generous hosting by Islanders to eliminate expenses, all proceeds benefit the co-sponsoring Beach School Foundation and the Beach School PTO. A few benevolent Islanders who made large cash donations (you know who you are) deserve our deepest appreciation, along with each of you who spared what you could.

Many thanks to our PTO colleagues who baked the popular treats enjoyed at intermission, and to PTO President Buffy Fox for co-sponsoring and working the concessions herself. It takes an Island, after all.

Julie Hunter
Beach School Foundation Chair

More about “Oh! O. Henry!”:

Mr. Foxman pointed out added significance of the event. “This year marks the centenary of O. Henry’s death,” he said. “I am honored to be able to give these stories as a gift to Lummi Island and offer this program as a grateful tribute to this master of American literature.”

This special appearance on Lummi Island was part of an Eric Foxman Tour that includes stops in Washington, Oregon, and Vermont.