|
|
Headlines
Mussman KARES about Walla Walla
Walla Walla, Washington - In August, 2005, Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast wreaking havoc and destruction. Walla Walla responded to calls for support during recovery through the leadership of Kyle Mussman, owner of the Marcus Whitman Hotel and Conference Center.
"I saw an opportunity to help and knew if I could provide some leadership, our community would respond," says Mussman. He created Washington KARES that partnered with Pascagoula, Mississippi for recovery.
With an economic storm brewing in 2009 that effects Walla Walla families and the nonprofits that serve them, Mussman once again saw an opportunity to help.
"With a few remaining funds, I wanted to have an impact locally to help families," continued Mussman. "In consultation with the Blue Mountain Community Foundation, I believe we have a mix of contributions that will make a difference right now. I am pleased to help these organizations, and in turn hope they can provide important services during a challenging economic environment."
Seven grants from remaining funds will be made, which include:
- Helpline, $1,500
- Blue Mountain Action Council Transitional Housing Program, $1,500
- Campfire, $1,000
- Christian Aid Center, $1,000
- Friends of Children of Walla Walla, $1,000
- Medical Teams International's Walla Walla Mobile Dental Clinic, $1,000
- YWCA, $1,000
"These grants represent the many ways that our local community supports people," shared Lawson Knight, Executive Director of the Blue Mountain Community Foundation. "From emergency aid at Helpline to shelter to childcare and dental services, the variety of ways to have an impact with local giving is remarkable. The contribution that Kyle is making through Washington KARES continues to show how invested people are in the health of our community."
The Blue Mountain Community Foundation started in 1984 with the goal of helping local donors contribute to the health of area communities by support, in perpetuity, of the causes they care about. 25 years later, the Foundation has grown to over 250 funds, over $25 Million in assets with grantmaking over $1.4M each year.
° ° °
Local Foundation Begins 25th Anniversary Celebration by Making Grants
Walla Walla, WA - Thursday, October 22, 2009 the Blue Mountain Community Foundation hosted its annual meeting that kicked off its 25th Anniversary Celebration. Peter Harvey, President of the Foundation, offered a report of the remarkable year BMCF had during difficult times. He highlighted the service of retiring Trustees-Jim Hobkirk, Jane Kreitzberg and Ellen Wolf-each of whom served nine years and served as President. Lawson Knight offered the history of the Foundation's genesis and recognized Pete Peery, a founder, who is ending 25 years of continuing service to the Foundation.
Knight also announced competitive grant awards, totaling just over $200,000 in 55 grants. Grants were awarded to organizations across the region. For example, a $9,000 grant was made for the restoration and preservation of the Seely Theatre and Opera House in Pomeroy. The largest grants went to support Basic Needs, particularly in the area of homelessness and homelessness prevention with an $18,000 grant to Helpline; $19,000 for Blue Mountain Action Council's Transitional Housing Program; and a total of $21,900 to Christian Aid Center for assisting homeless men and homeless families make their way from homelessness to stable housing.
The Blue Mountain Community Foundation started in 1984 with the goal of helping local donors contribute to the health of area communities by support, in perpetuity, of the causes they care about. 25 years later, the Foundation has grown to over 250 funds, over $25 Million in assets with grantmaking over $1.4M each year.
° ° °
|
