Employees
Washington Companies' Employees and the Foundation.
The Washington Companies 'Pay It Forward Stories'
CEECO
Friday the 13th is a GREAT DAY in my book!!!!! I received the letter and a debit card advising me that I had been chosen to participate in the 'Pay It Forward' Program, and I couldn't wait to give my card away! I have always been a staunch supporter of the SALVATION ARMY. This goes back to my childhood; I can remember attending a small Salvation Army Sunday School when I was very small. It made quite an impression on me, and I have carried that affection with me my entire life. Their dedication and love for ALL is amazing; the fact that it doesn't matter who you are, just a person that needs help, they are always there, whether it be spiritual guidance in a time of need or redirecting individuals to someone that can provide a specific need. Talking with someone that really cares can do wonders, and they do! Last Friday, the 13th, I took my lunch time and went to the Salvation Army Administrative Offices, here in Tacoma, Washington. There I met with one of their coordinators, Mr. Alva Davis, and was so proud to give him the debit card for $250. He was confused and speechless, but after explaining about the 'Pay It Forward' Program, he was honored that I had chosen their organization to receive my donation. Since I had to return to work at that time, he did request that I take a look at their FOOD BANK, just a short detour to the front door. It was small, but I could see that they treated individuals as if they were going to the local grocery; they would use a grocery cart and move through the room where items were laid out for their viewing and choice. There was also a freezer and cooler that displayed products for their taking when they had them in stock. Mr. Davis said this money would be used for the FOOD BANK and was greatly appreciated at this time. An opportunity like this gives a person such a fantastic feeling, and to be able to help others, especially when everyday life looks so grim. I wouldn't have been able to do this if it wasn't for the 'Pay It Forward' Program! THANK YOU so much for allowing me this privilege!!!!!!!
Joyce Walsh
Branch: Tacoma, WA
Cause: Salvation Army
Envirocon
For the pay it forward card that I was lucky enough to win, I have decided to contribute this generous gift from the Washington's to Mountain Home of Missoula. Recently, I was added to the board of directors for this organization and since then, have been learning more and understanding the mission of MH. Please pass on our gratitude to the Foundation.
Al Brule
Branch: Missoula, MT
Cause: Mountain Home of Missoula
$100 to the Montana Environmental Center: a member-supported advocacy and public education organization founded in 1973 to protect Montana's natural environment. Even though I am an expatriate Montanan, I have been a member for 30-years and found they are well-informed, informative, and disciplined advocate for Montana's public water, air, and land-use resources. $150 Heifer International: growing up on a MT farm instilled in me the responsibility for the care of animals that sustain us. HI provides farm animals (sheep, goats, bees, geese etc.) and education in their husbandry so the poorest of the world may develop a sustainable family (and community) economy.
Loren Gunderson
Branch: Helena, MT and Little Rock, AK
Cause: Montana Environmental Center and Heifer International
Thank you from one of those selected to donate with a gift card! The non-profit organization I selected was the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation located at 5705 Grant Creek Road. The Elk Foundation is an organization that has benefited wildlife tremendously and at the same time has increased public access, which allows all of us to enjoy this beautiful part of the country we call home. My late husband was an avid hunter. One of the sights he loved seeing was elk in their natural habitat, so being able to donate to such a memorable cause was a thrill!
Mary Pheifer
Branch: Missoula, MT
Cause: Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Thank you so very much for the generous gift card Melissa Barkell of Envirocon sent us. We are a family of four just trying to make ends meet. We've lived in the Tacoma Washington area for many years now and love the great northwest. Times have been tough for us recently. My husband Brian has been laid off from work since October of last year and my hours of work have been cut. Brian is a union carpenter and I'm a waitress. Our two wonderful teenagers, Brenton and Kenda, are the blessings to our lives. Work in construction is scarce and those contractors doing work are keeping things pretty tight. As a waitress my income is tip based and with the economy being the way it is, I've been making a lot less then I used to. I can't thank you enough for this gift of hope. It helps our family out more then you will ever know. We look forward to the future when we are stable again and can help others the way you've helped us.
Melissa Barkell
Branch: Missoula, MT
Cause: Family
I donated my pay it forward to The Little Copperheads Wrestling Club. I wrestled as young man myself; hopefully this donation will give some kids a chance to have the experience of team camaraderie, physical and mental test of ones abilities which is brought out by the sport. The club keeps kids off the streets looking for entertainment of the wrong kind. This donation may give a young person a chance to do something he or she may never try if not given the chance.
Kelly Ortez
Branch: Missoula, MT
Cause: The Little Copperheads Wrestling Club
Obviously, in these tough economic times, there's no shortage of very worthy places to put a charitable donation. Although, because of the loss of my father, I actively raise money for the American Cancer Society each year, I believe it's also very important to support efforts that help keep Montana the place I know and love. The protection of wildlife habitat and the hunting and fishing traditions that go with that habitat are very key to what makes Montana the place it is. Passing on wild places, and the conservation ethic that keeps them that way, to my son's generation are very important to me. To that end, I donated my Pay-it-Forward card to Hellgate Hunter's and Anglers, the local affiliate of the Montana Wildlife Federation and the National Wildlife Federation. I appreciate the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation's Pay-it-Forward program and its creative approach to getting Washington Company employees mobilized to give.
Marty Bishop
Branch: Missoula, MT
Cause: Hellgate Hunter's and Anglers
I donated my $250.00 Pay It Forward Program card to the Montana Military Appreciation Project to purchase more Challenge Coins which are presented to Members of our Armed Forces who are fighting the War on Terror around the world. The Project is a way for the citizens of Montana to show their appreciation to the Servicemen and women of our Armed Forces. To date the MMAP has passed out approximately 3,000 challenge coins to our Servicemen. The Washington Companies have been very supportive of the Montana Military Appreciation Project in that they were one of the first Montana Businesses to donate funds for the purchase of Challenge Coins. 100 percent of the funds go to the purchase of Challenge Coins; all other costs are donated by MMAP members who are making the presentations. On behalf of the Montana Military Appreciation Project I would like to thank the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation for all of their support and contributions.
Paul Richter
Branch: Missoula, MT
Cause: Montana Military Appreciation Project
Thank you to the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation and the four employees of Envirocon for the generous donation of 4 $250 Visa gift cards to the Nick Wilson Charitable Group (NWCG). The NWCG provides financial support to help families cover many and substantial costs they encounter during their child's treatment that are not covered by health insurance.
Mike Brady, Bud Stevens, Dave Jacobs, Chuck Hiatt
Branch: Portland, OR
Cause: Nick Wilson Charitable Group (NWCG)
The $250 from the 'pay it forward' program was put to good use and inspired others to pay-it-forward as well. With the help of my wife and many others who contributed money, merchandise and/or time, we were able to assemble multiple 'Night-Night' Bags for local shelters. Night-Night bags are a type of care-package provided to children who enter shelters, due to either homelessness or domestic violence, in order to give them a distraction to their situation and ease their transition (www.projectnightnight.org). The $250 grew to donations and items totaling more that $1,300. With the help and generosity of coworkers, friends and family we were able to put together 62 'Night Night' bags for homeless children at the Family Tree Shelter in Englewood (www.thefamilytree.org). These bags were designed to help the littlest victims of homelessness have sweeter dreams. Each tote bag was stuffed with the essential comfort items of childhood: a new homemade security blanket, children's books, a stuffed animal, a kid sized tooth-brush and tooth-paste, crayons and a coloring book. Every child who receives a Night Night Package keeps theses items and leaves the shelter with a book which encourages reading and family bonding, a security blanket which can be cuddled, and a stuffed animal which can become a cherished friend. In addition to The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, I'd also like to give a special thanks to all those who contributed to this effort with their money, merchandise or time in order to help make this such a success.
Joe Schauerhamer, Mike Beardsley, Nina Lund, Loren Gunderson, Maureen Manzi, Blatter Family, Ford Fa
Branch: Englewood, CO
Cause: Family Tree Shelter
My card was spent on two different causes. There was a 6th grade teacher in the hospital in intensive care with cancer. She is very special to her students. I went with one of the mothers and child from the class. We bought the teacher flowers, blanket, stuffed animal, a talking picture frame, some puzzle books, and supplies for the whole class to make her a giant get well card. The kids had a wonderful time making this for their teacher. I received an update from the mother of one of the children and they said she was out of intensive care now! This was great news! They thanked us for all we had done and they felt that the gesture had a lot to do with her recovery. With what was left on the card I bought some groceries for a young lady struggling on her own that lives by my neighborhood. I also put some gas in her car. She was very grateful and appreciative of the gift and wanted me to thank everyone.
Tracy Lane
Branch: Missoula, MT
Cause: Teacher in need
Montana Rail Link
The Park City Volunteer Fire Department thanks the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation and MRL employee Chris Southworth for their generous donation of $250. The donation was used to purchase hydrant wrenches, salvage covers, and wild land grass nozzles for the department. These little things have been gone without for countless years, and will allow us to provide better service to the fire district as a whole. Thanks again for your donation.
Chris Southworth
Branch: Park City, UT
Cause: Park City Volunteer Fire Department
My name is Brian Palmer I am employed by Montana rail link. I live in a small community where I know many people who really need the help. I chose to give my Pay it Forward card to the Bread Basket which is the local food bank. With the economy the way it is they are struggling with donations. I figured this would be the best way to help many struggling people. They were very grateful to get the card which in turn makes me feel good. Thank you for allowing me to help more in times like these and I know many other people are grateful as well.
Brian Palmer
Branch: Ronan, MT
Cause: Bread Basket
Hello my name is Tim Bennett and I work in Laurel for Montana Rail Link. This winter I had an opportunity to work with the Eagle Mount program and can only say it was a very humbling experience. I am very proud to have been able to give a pay it forward gift card to this organization from the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation. I am also very proud to work for an organization that is as giving as the Washington Companies. I am planning to revisit the Eagle Mount program as my work schedule will allow. They do many things through out the year, but the skiing is something I was able to participate in and the kids really enjoyed it. The kids involved are all special needs children and in my eyes each one was special in there own way. The Eagle Mount Program gives the kids a chance to experience life in a way that may never have been possible with out this program. Try to imagine skiing down a hill without your sight, or with a set of legs that won't cooperate. As far as who this program reaches it affects most all the near by school districts as well as the Special K Ranch and Several different group homes and many people who have disabilities who call for assistance. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for this card and a chance to help many in our community.
Tim Bennett
Branch: Bozeman, MT
Cause: Eagle Mount
Thank you to the Washington Companies for allowing me this opportunity to help. I gave the money to the Missoula County Public School District #1 to assist in their suicide prevention program. This will buy marketing and promotional materials which will be placed in all of the public schools. This cause is important to me because both of my daughters have graduated from Sentinel High School and have lost friends and classmates to suicide. It is devastating to attend a funeral of someone so young and watch the other teens struggle with 'why'. If this program can help even one student decide not to take their life, it will be successful.
Mark Eisenmann
Branch: Missoula, MT
Cause: Missoula County Public School District #1
My name is Paul Stockton I work for MRL and I gave my gift card to the Avon Community Church in Avon MT.
Paul Stockton
Branch: Avon, MT
Cause: Avon Community Church
The Helena Food Share is having troubles meeting the demands of the community. I donated my $250 gift card to them. Michelle at food share said that they are desperately short of macaroni and cheese and that the $250 would help greatly. These are difficult times and I'm sure the demands put on organizations like the Helena Food share will just continue to increase. The less fortunate in Helena and me certainly appreciate the generosity of Dennis and Phyllis Washington. Thank You.
Kern Kemmerer
Branch: Helena, MT
Cause: Helena Food Share
I wanted to let you know I gave my Pay it Forward card to Meals on Wheels. My girlfriend donates her time to delivering meals for them from time to time, and the stories she has told me of some of the people she delivers made me think of them first. For some of the people this is the only outside interaction they get with other people. I was talking with a guy name Aaron at Missoula Aging Services, and he told me they delivered 87,000 meals last year and expect more this year. They were very appreciative. Thank you so much for the opportunity to give such a gift to a worthy cause.
Gregg Cooney
Branch: Missoula, MT
Cause: Meals on Wheels
We donated our Pay it forward card to Eagle Mount of Billings. They are a great organization that helps people with disabilities participate in various sports and social activities. Thank you to Washington Foundation for this great opportunity!
Randall Peterson
Branch: Billings, MT
Cause: Eagle Mount of Billings
My wife and I would like to thank The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation for being selected as a recipient of a Pay It Forward Giving Card. We chose to give our card to The Rolling Dog Ranch Animal Sanctuary in Ovando, MT and also gave an extra $100 to this great charity. The Rolling Dog Ranch Animal Sanctuary rescues and shelters disabled animals. Every animal that arrives at the sanctuary gets another chance to have a safe and loving home. Their residents include blind dogs, blind horses, deaf dogs, blind cats, and animals with other neurological and orthopedic disabilities. The ranch is home to about 70 animals, nearly two-thirds of them blind.
Jeff Jamison
Branch: Ovando, MT
Cause: Rolling Dog Ranch Animal Sanctuary
Just a note to sincerely thank the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation and Suzanne Bonner of Lolo Montana for the donation of a $250.00 Debit Card to our organization, Midwest Akita Rescue Society. We are a 501 3(c) organization dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of abandoned Akitas in need and have been medically treating them and rehoming them for the past ten years within the Midwest part of the Country. Suzanne adopted one of our orphans a few years ago and keeps our organization in her thoughts and heart as we do for the Bonner family. We definitely will 'Pay It Forward' to many of our four legged friends in need. Thank you.
Suzanne Bonner
Branch: Lolo, MT
Cause: Midwest Akita Rescue Society
Hi. I am a recipient of a $250.00 Pay it Forward gift. I am forwarding this gift to the Missoula YWCA. This organization is committed to serving women and children who are victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, including those who need help breaking out of homelessness and poverty. They also provide opportunities for girls to develop their unique inner talents and strengths, so they can become leaders of tomorrow. I am currently on the 2008 Salute to Women committee to be held in May, and am honored to be able to present this gift to the YWCA on behalf of the Washington Foundation.
Trish Anderson
Branch: Missoula, MT
Cause: Missoula YWCA
For Pay It Forward 2009 I was able to send my $250 card to the local Community Harvest Food Bank in Thompson Falls, MT. I was pleased to be able to help my community with this donation. I hope to see this program continue!
Jeff Suttorp
Branch: Thompson Falls, MT
Cause: Community Harvest Food Bank
I wanted to write you and say thank you for the gift card that I received. It was put to good use when I gave it to the principal of Missoula Christian School. He in turn was able to spend it on much needed study materials and course work for the students. This growing school was in need of these materials and funding was not yet provided until your gift card arrived. Thank you again!
Matt Mozingo
Branch: Missoula, MT
Cause: Missoula Christian School
My name is Richard L Hofmeier, I work for Montana Rail Link, and I was one of the lucky recipients of the Pay it Forward Gift Cards. This is the story of what I did with it. My wife and I had discussed the 'Pay it Forward' program started by The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, and thought it was a very wonderful way to contribute to charities, as it covered many different programs and also gave the employees chosen a voice in where the money went. It is a very thoughtful and caring way to give. In these economically troubled times there are many places and people in need of help, and numerous worthwhile programs were discussed in our home. Then one night the Nightly News ran a story that touched our hearts about how many animals were being abandoned by their owners and the overcrowding in the shelters was emptying the stockpiles of food for the needy. Being dog owners and animal lovers we decided to use our gift card to see if we could help. The generosity of The Foundation inspired us so much we decided to match the gift card with our own donation, as we had just received our profit sharing. So, I went charging off to see how much of a help we could be. I was able to gather over 150 lbs. of cat and kitten food and just under 700 lbs. of dog and puppy food. With my truck full I first headed to Animeals at 1700 Rankin St. and unloaded 40% of what I had collected. The women there helped me unload and were very grateful. I was shocked to see their supplies were almost exhausted, and was told that because of these trying economical times, and so many asking for help, they could defiantly use the help. Next, I drove to the Humane Society of Western Montana on Highway 93 South, where with the help of a kind young woman I unloaded the remaining food into their supply room. I can not explain the wonderful, heart warming sense of well being I had, knowing I had helped out where it was so desperately needed. From the shut-in who couldn't afford food for her dogs, the family that was unemployed and without their home but still had their pets, to the man who feeds a feral cat colony with the donations , we had truly helped. I could never imagine the pain I would go through having to give up my dogs or worse watching them starve. Thank you again for allowing me this opportunity and opening my eyes to the suffering of others while handing me a way to do something truly good.
Richard L Hofmeier
Branch: Missoula, MT
Cause: Animeals and Humane Society of Western Montana
Greetings from Trinity Lutheran School, we would like to thank you for the gift we received through Larry Minch. It is going to help us cover the cost of having a teacher aid in the classroom. A gift like this can last a whole year of school. Your kindness is greatly appreciated. In Christ, Richard Thomas.
Larry Minch
Branch: Laurel, MT
Cause: Trinity Lutheran School
I was awarded a Pay it Forward gift card in February. I gave my card to a 9 year old boy named Skyyler Barron. Skyyler is a student in my wife's 4th grade class at Hawthorne Elementary here in Missoula. Skyy was diagnosed with neuroblastoma cancer at a very young age. He had chemo, a bone morrow transplant, radiation and than retinoic acid for another 6 months. He went into remission for more than 2 years but bone marrow confirmed the neuroblastoma was back in 2006. Tests in Dec 2008 showed that the neuroblastoma had spread from head to toe in Skyyler's 9 year old body. The gift card was used to help with Skyyler's medical and traveling expenses.
Bill Riordan
Branch: Missoula, MT
Cause: Sick Student
Thank you for allowing me the privilege of participating in the Pay it Forward program. I gave this a lot of thought and decided to contribute the money to Eagle Mount. This is a special program for handicapped people both young and old. It provides opportunities for these people to enjoy life and recreation. Eagle Mount has been in our area since 1989. They do help with handicaps accomplish things once thought to be inaccessible to them. The one legged teenager skiing with friends over the weekend or the handicapped youth learning to ride a horse just like the other kids in school; all made possible by Eagle Mount and the volunteers in this program.
Eugene Tuka
Branch: Billings, MT
Cause: Eagle Mount
I am writing this email to let you know how your kind gift has helped our organization. My name is Marya Pennington, and I am the Wyldlife Director here in Billings, Montana. Wyldlife is the middle school part of Young Life, a Christian youth outreach ministry. I know the Washington's have intimate knowledge about Young Life, as they have donated to the high school camp out in Oregon, and have recently given to the construction of the new middle school camp being built there. My friend, Dana Meyer, who incidentally has worked for Montana Rail Link here in Billings for almost 30 years is now on long term disability, recently received a $250.00 gift card from the Washington Foundation to donate to the charity of his choice. For the last few years, Dana has been a devoted volunteer for the Wyldlife ministry, building relationships with kids for Christ, coming to weekly clubs with an energy and love for middle schoolers that is hard to find in most adults. When Dana received the gift card, he instantly knew just what to do with it. He wanted it spent on sending some underprivileged kids to camp who otherwise could not have afforded to go. So that is what we are doing. The gift card has provided the deposit for two boys here on the south side of Billings to go to camp. They are now in the process of selling raffle tickets to earn the rest of the money that they need. Thank you for partnering with us to bring kids who would never have had the opportunity otherwise to experience a Young Life camping experience.
Dana Meyer
Branch: Billings, MT
Cause: Wyldlife
Thank you for the $250 support for Teacher's Aides at Trinity Lutheran School in Billings, Montana. These employees are not salaried and largely dependent on a fundraising 'Brunchfest' held annually in March. The money donated was actually doubled by a matching grant from Thrivent in conjunction with the Brunchfest event. Effectively, it allowed the K-8 School which has existed for over 50 years to meet its annual goal for these important staffing Aides there.
Larry Minch
Branch: Billings, MT
Cause: Trinity Lutheran School in Billings
Our Pay It forward cards could not have come at a better time. After having open heart surgery last year, a long time MRL employee has suffered through numerous and painful complications and he has since retired. Area doctors have had difficulty diagnosing and treating his debilitating ailments. With all local medical resources having been unsuccessful, the employee turned to the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix. After reviewing his history, the staff of the Mayo Clinic (who only accept patients they feel confident they can help) had recently accepted his case. Although this was good news, it came with a price tag as the trip to Arizona is not covered by insurance. Several MRL employees decided to donate our Pay It Forward cards to help the employee and his wife defray their travel expenses. As word spread, a few other MRL employees (who had not received Pay It Forward cards) generously donated cash. In total, $3,050 was donated, and the employee and his family were most grateful. The family recently sent a note of thanks that ended with a promise: 'When the time and opportunity comes, we will 'pay it forward' to help someone in the same way.' There is no doubt that these loving and giving people will do just that. Our sincere thanks goes to Mr. and Mrs. Washington for providing us with an opportunity to help one of our own.
Nicole Adams, Toni Barrett, Erin Best, Casey Calkins, Greg Dibble, Edith Dibble, Jacquie Duhame, Kim
Branch: Missoula, MT
Cause: Retired MRL employee
As recipients in this years pay it forward campaign we donated to the Special K Ranch in Columbus, MT. The Special K Ranch is a working ranch for developmentally disabled adults. The ranch gives the residents a home and work that would otherwise be difficult to obtain elsewhere. The ranch has numerous commercial greenhouses as well as many animals. They produce many of the bedding plants, vegetables and trees for nurseries and home improvement stores in the area. We appreciate the opportunity to participate again this year and look forward to it again.
Paul and Jenny Slater
Branch: Columbus, MT
Cause: Special K Ranch
I was one of the lucky people to get a Pay it Forward card. I just wanted to let you know what I did with the card. In 2006 my husband, SFC Matt Kemp was invited to do a fly fishing trip down the Smith river with a group called Healing Waters. Healing Waters takes our wounded vets from Iraq and Afghanistan on float trips at no cost to them. My husband was one of the lucky ones to go, unlucky due to his injuries though. They fly out vets from Walter Reed Medical center that have not been injured for very long and take them on a five day float and fly fishing trip. Mike Geary, the owner of Lewis and Clark Expeditions is in charge of the Smith river float. He donates all of his equipment and float trips for these men. He also employees several guides through out the year that donate their time for the trip. The trip includes one on one fly fishing instruction and 5 star meals. Mike calls around to different shops and has fly rods donated so that our soldiers leave with one of their own. It takes many people to make these trips happen. Many of the soldiers that come out to Montana have fresh wounds, amputees, and brain injuries that they received while serving our country. I believe it is a huge sacrifice that they have made for our country, it is only fitting that in return they are able to enjoy themselves during their rehab. As well as the gift card I donated another 250 dollars of my own money. It is not much but it helps pay for these trips and gives me great satisfaction knowing that my money will go to a soldier that needs to just get out and enjoy life again
Debbie Kemp
Branch: Helena, MT
Cause: Healing Waters
Kent and I both received Pay It Forward cards this year and are deeply appreciative. Kent donated to the Dog Rescue Fund in Yellowstone County to aid in the care of the English Shepherds confiscated from a local puppy mill/dog hoarding situation. Many of the dogs seized were in poor condition, pregnant, and not used to people. My card was send to the Audubon Conservation Education Center in Billings, which is a 27 acre reclaimed gravel pit along the Yellowstone River. Volunteers and area students are restoring the natural habitat for use by school programs and community workshops to learn about the river ecosystem, and just give more kids the chance to explore nature. Thanks again!
Kent and Kathy Siegrist
Branch: Billings,MT and Yellowstone
Cause: the Dog Rescue Fund in Yellowstone County and Audubon Conservation Education Center in Billings
I decided to use my Pay it Forward card to help 2 non-profit organizations in my community of Joliet. I used half the money to buy supplies and snacks for St. John's Catholic Church's K-6 youth ministry program for their weekly group meetings. The amount of supplies that were purchased will last them through May. The kids were very thankful for the 'great treats'. The second part of my donation went to Carbon County Food bank in Jolliet to help stock their shelves. They were very thankful for this donation. Thanks again for the opportunity to help people in our community. This is a great program!
Jill Nowak
Branch: Jolliet, MT
Cause: St. John's Catholic Church and Carbon County Food bank
Thanks from the Loyola Sacred Heart Historical Research Class to the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation and Mary Schwenk for the $250 gift card. The funds were used to purchase supplies for a service learning preservation project to help put a new roof on St. Michael's Church located on the Fort Missoula grounds.
Mary Schwenk
Branch: Missoula, MT
Cause: Loyola Sacred Heart Historical Research Class
Thank you for letting me make a difference in the community, on your behalf. When I presented this card to the volunteer at Community Hope, she said she could buy the cheese they had needed!
Gary Harding
Branch: Laruel, MT
Cause: Community Hope of Laurel
Montana Resources
I just wanted to thank you for the opportunity to use the Pay it forward Gift card for a great person that I know that has recently had a hard time. The card is for a great girl I know that is pregnant. She is going to be a single mom that doesn't have a whole lot of money. She is in need of all the basics for the baby so I purchased her a crib and mattress with the gift card to lessen the stress she is under. Thank you again for this great gift for my friend, she is truly very thankful for the help!!! This is a great program that makes everyone involved feel very good about being able to help others out.
Zanae Bates
Branch: Butte, MT
Cause: Single Mom
I just wanted to share my story of how I paid it forward. I received a pay it forward giving card and my wife and I went to CVS pharmacy here in Butte and donated the card to some of the many people they get that cannot afford their prescriptions. The pharmacists were so thrilled and delighted that we were doing such a deed and could not thank us enough. It made my wife Nicole and my day that we were able to give such a great gift to someone in need. We would also like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Washington for having this wonderful program to help so many in need especially in our economic situation today. Thank you again for this and for helping us to help others.
Gary L. Swoboda Jr.
Branch: Butte, MT
Cause: CVS Pharmacy
I Thank-You for have given the chance to help the charitable cause of my choice. I choose a Humane Society called Pintler Pets, which has a no-kill policy and is operated by 100% volunteers and on 100% donations. I presented the Gift Card to them during a fundraiser they were having where my wife and I matched the funds. They were very touched and trilled to be given $500 at such a time as this. They are struggling just to feed and house these wonderful pets. They thanked my wife and me and asked me to thank the Washington Foundation for this generous donation.
Luther Bellon
Branch: Butte, MT
Cause: Pintler Pets
Hi, this is Mike Duhame, I wanted to let everyone know what I did with my pay it forward. I purchased chew ropes and some little balls for the cats and dogs at the Chelsea Bailey animal shelter. I had checked into buying food, and thought that the toys would be more useful, since they will purchase food over toys. I am really glad the Foundation does things like this for the community.
Mike Duhame
Branch: Butte, MT
Cause: Chelsea Bailey Animal Shelter
In regards to the pay it forward card that I received at work, I would like you to know that this went to a very deserving young couple just starting out and lost their baby. This will help off set the numerous medical bills that they have. I thank you for the gift as it was appreciated, but I wanted to Pay it forward as well.
Don McLean
Branch: Butte, MT
Cause: A couple in need
I received a $250.00 card to donate to an organization or person of my choice. I chose to give my card to Danielle Vega Biers. I thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to help someone out who truly needed the help. Let me tell you a little about Danielle. Danielle is a 39 yr old mother of two children an daughter Ashley and son Michael. In early October of 2008 she was diagnosed with fast, progressive MS. Her condition has worsened over the past few months. Her sight is failing and she needs a cane to walk as she gets a deep muscle shot weekly. This has taken such a toll on her. Danielle raises her children alone and had just finished her college education. She is now unable to work and finances have been something she can't keep up with. I attended a benefit given for her in December and at that time my heart went out to her and the trials she has been given. God bless this courageous woman and thank you so much for the gift you allowed me to present to her.
Dennis Bolton
Branch: Butte, MT
Cause: A friend in need
Thank you for allowing me to participate again in this wonderful program. After careful consideration we knew we wanted to help children and mothers in need. We did some research and discovered New Hope. The program not only offers support to young pregnant women but it offers education so that young mothers can become familiar with the development of their baby, labor and delivery and caring for a newborn. When the new moms attend classes they are rewarded with Mommy and Me dollars that they can use in the mom and baby boutique. The organization was very grateful with the gift card. We were taken on a tour of the facility. We know good things will come with this investment. It is just one little ripple but we hope it will make a difference in a sea of need. Any thing we can do to help the welfare of children touches the future of all.
Tim Little
Branch: Butte, MT
Cause: New Hope
Washington Corporations
I gifted my Pay it Forward giving card to the Court Appointed Special Advocates program of Missoula (CASA). CASA volunteers represent children in District Court who are victims of abuse and/or neglect and usually caught in the judicial system. Each unpaid volunteer undergoes extensive training, participates in in-court observation, and is then appointed by a District Court Judge to serve as his or her eyes and ears. My $250 will be used to purchas e silver lapels for 1 year volunteers and gold lapels for 5-year volunteers something the CASA program had been intending on doing for some time now.
Monica Koemans
Branch: Missoula, MT
Cause: Court Appointed Special Advocates program of Missoula
I presented the Pay it Forward card I was fortunate enough to receive to the American Legion in Stevensville. I have lost a couple of close family members in the last year and the volunteers of the American Legion took the time and effort to make sure these veterans of WWII were honorably put to rest. They are also the main sponsor for the Lone Rock Cub Scout Pack and Boy Scout Troop. Providing honorable goodbyes to our Veterans and acting as role models to the next generation.
Brian Casman
Branch: Missoula, MT
Cause: American Legion Stevensville Fort Owen Post #94
I gave my Pay it Forward card to Watson Children's Shelter. Our funds helped buy 14 pairs of children's shoes, a baby play mat and mirror and baby toys for a 9 month old in the shelter. These wonderful things will help further the 9 month olds development. Fran Albrecht is so please and thanks Washington Corporation for their generosity and she considers us Angels. It is so wonderful for me to have this opportunity through Washington Corporations to give Watson Children Shelter this gift. I do feel like an Angel. It makes me feel so good. I have spent a day at the Shelter in the past and it is so rewarding to help them in this sort of way.
Beverly Kenfield
Branch: Missoula, MT
Cause: Watson Children's Shelter
I chose to donate my entire amount to The Children's Museum in Missoula which is part of the Families First organization. I love what they do for the kids and wanted to support their ever-growing and changing activities. In particular, they have specifically chosen to use this money directly to support a brand new activity they are currently setting up in conjunction with the Montana Crime Lab and we have also been asked to participate so we will also be involving our own kids to help them.
Sannon Solberg
Branch: Missoula, MT
Cause: The Children's Museum