Yakima Valley Community Foundation - Latest News

YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL IS FORMED

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:39:00 GMT

Members of the 2008 - 2009 Youth Advisory Council are:

A. C. Davis: East Valley:

Rachel Davis Isabel Zarate

Mia Walsh

Eisenhower: La Salle:

Megan Kinney Jessica Serrano

Jordan Lehrman Matt Smith

Riverside Christian: West Valley:

Dimitri Kupanoff Reina Almon

Amy Van Beek Nathan Thompson

Here's how the work of the YAC will unfold in 2008:

Mrs. Jewett has arranged for a testamentary gift to YVCF that will provide $50,000 a year (in perpetuity). At Helen's request, a special grant cycle will be led by the Youth Advisory Council. Mentored by YVCF staff and members of the Grants & Program Committee, YAC members will review Letters of Request, score the applications, participate in site visits and make funding recommendations to the Board of Directors.

Because Helen looks forward to working with YAC members, "to see how this is going to work,", she contributed funds to implement the program now. The cutoff date for submission of Letters of Request for the Helen N. Jewett grant cycle was August 15. 2008 grant recipients will be announced at a Grant Awards Luncheon on November 12 at Yakima's Clarion Hotel.

To access grant application guidelines, please use the navigation bar (Grants) in this Web site or call the Foundation office at (509) 457-7616.

HELEN JEWETT CREATES ENDOWMENT FOR PHILANTHROPY

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 11:40:00 GMT

Distinguished philanthropist Helen Jewett has established an endowment at the Yakima Valley Community Foundation to carry out a twofold purpose.

The first goal is to help young people learn about their neighbors in need. A second aim is to provide a permanent source of income that allows youth to help alleviate those needs.

"Awareness is the first step," says Jewett. "I think it is important for citizens of every age to become aware of their community's needs. To learn more about want and suffering - and to discover how each one of us can help."

Thanks to Helen, a Youth Advisory Council comprised of area high school students is mentored each year by YVCF staff in reviewing and scoring grant applications, making site visits to nonprofit agencies and recommending recipients of grants totaling $50,000. These grants will be awarded each year in Helen's name - in perpetuity.

Says Helen, "It is my hope that this program will guide students toward a lifelong path of caring and sharing."

A total of 31 applications were submitted for the 2008 Helen N. Jewett Endowment grant cycle, which closed on August 15. Grant recipients will be announced at a special Grant Awards Luncheon set for November 12 at Yakima/s Clarion Hotel.

2007 GRANTS AWARDED

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 15:27:00 GMT

Yakima Valley Community Foundation awarded $325,000 in grants to 16 regional nonprofit organizations at the annual Grant Awards Luncheon held on National Philanthropy Day, November 14, 2007.

2007 grant recipients include:

Circle of Success $15,250

Funds to address the goal of providing early literacy programs for childen aged 0 -5. The innovative "Let's Read" program is changing the paradigm of school readiness, helping at-risk children to win the challenge of being academically prepared for school.

City of Grandview $15,000

This grant will help replace the limited and outdated playground equipment at Westside Park, the most popular "family-gathering" spot in the city.

EPIC $30,000

Support for the new Nonprofit Distribution Center. Through a partnership with World Vision, EPIC has made available a wide range of organizaitonal supplies at free or reduced cost for regional nonprofits.

For A Better Tomorrow $5,000

Funding for "Rod's House"...a project to rally educators, business leaders, civic clubs, service agencies and faith communities to develop a resource center that will give Yakima's homeless youth somewhere to turn for help.

Heritage University $40,000

An award to acquire equipment for the Clinical Laboratory Sciences program.

Kittitas Valley Community Hospital $3,250

These dollars are earmarked for a WebEx system that will enhance training for a new medical record system with funding made possible by the Lorene M. Petrie Trust.

NAMI $21,000

The National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) received funding to develop a Crisis Intervention Training program for Yakima Valley law enforcement officers to better-prepare first-line responders to recognize and differentiate between symptoms of mental illness and criminal activity.

Nuestra Casa $18,000

Funding to help educate Lower Yakima Valley immigrants (particularly Spanish-speaking women) about untreated mental health matters and to assist in making mental health services more accessible.

Provident Horizon Group $40,000

A grant to develop an Adult Day Health program for people with disabilities. This program will provide convenient access on a daily basis to a myriad of therapies and services for some of the community's most under-served population.

Special Olympics - Washington $2,500

This grant supports special Olympians who participate on Yakima County's cycling team by acquiring new bicycles and tricycles, as well as some new uniforms and team supplies.

The Capitol Theatre $35,000

Support for the "Capitol Kids in the Classroom" program, through which thousands of Yakima County kids have access to live theatrical events. Now, the Washington state Core Arts Education Curriculum requirements will be met through a host of fun and interactive events.

Wapato Wrestling Club $8,000

This grant will expand the wrestling program to include other organized sports for 8 - 12 year-old lower valley youngsters, including baseball and Grid Kid football.

Warehouse Theatre Company $5,000

Grant funding for a new sound system to capitalize on technologies that provide sound for the hard-of-hearing, and for standardized amplification throughout the auditorium for musicals - as well as comedies and dramas!

YVCC Nursing Program $36,000

Funding to purchase a computerized simulation mannequin that enables students to more effectively practice in a realistic clinical setting.

Yakima Valley Museum $25,000

Funds for a feasibility study to explore issues that would extend the museum's mission to include a satellite "downtown site", providing ease of access for tourists and closer proximity to other arts destinations.

Yakima Family YMCA $26,000

Financial assistance to purchase specialty equipment for heatlhy, kid-friendly activities of "Midnight Madness," a new program designed to give high school students a safe and enjoyable place to go on Friday nights.

Another highlight of the awards luncheon was the announcement that the YVCF board of directors made the decision to contribute back to Yakima Specialties the entirely of a promissory note in the amount of $436,000.

In his acceptance remarks, Yakima Specialties Executive Director Patrick McCarthy acknowledged the Sisters of Providence for their leadership in helping YS put disabled adults to work via the Medical Laundry program. "All of us are deeply grateful to the Sisters and to the Community Foundation board", he said. "Your continued support has greatly strengthened our organization."

A PHILANTHROPIST AT 22

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 10:47:00 GMT

Where is it written that you have to be a certain age before you start giving back to your community? Is there a time of life when "The Lightbulb of Charity" gets turned on, magically trasforming one into a "Philanthropist?"

Jesse McDaniel Licht doesn't see it that way.

Jesse views the concept of giving in the same manner other generous people do; share whatever you have at the age you happen to be. It is a concept that rarely emanates from the mind. Mostly, it happens in your heart.

At 22, Jesse had just graduated from college, and accepted his first professional position at a firm in Seattle. To sweeten the deal, his new employer offered him a signing bonus, which, considering the expense of moving from California to Washington (first and last months' rent, damage deposit, utility fees, etc.) would make the move more manageable.

So what did Jesse do first? The usual. He asked his dad about some ways he could enrich the lives of others through a charitable gift.

On the advice of his father, he contacted YVCF board member Marvin Sundquist, whose family has a long and lustrous record of giving to the community. Marvin shared the two things: his knowledge of how the Yakima Valley Community Foundation works, and, more importantly, the merit of putting the values learned at home into practice. He suggested that Jesse give John Colgan, YVCF President, a call.

On Memorial Day weekend, Jesse went to the foundation office. In less time than it takes to open a bank account, he created the McDaniel-Licht Fund, which, he explained, honors "both sides of my family." His contribution of $2,500 shaped an (Evolving) Donor Advised Fund, which means Jesse has two years to contribute the additional $2,500 necessary for a named fund within the foundation.

Why did he select Yakima Valley Community Foundation?

Said Jesse, "I want to give back to the community that supported me when I was growing up. This foundation allows me to be involved in decision making, and will help me stay connected to Yakima throughout my whole life."

Thank you, Jesse, for your example of charity, and for choosing Yakima Valley Community Foundation as your partner in mapping a charitable pathway.

NEW FUNDS CREATED

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 10:47:00 GMT

The Yakima Valley is home to generous people!

And...Yakima Valley Community Foundation has recently been blessed by a number of bighearted donors who have responded to the foundation's query: "What's Your Dream?" Generosity such as theirs mightily propels the YVCF mission to improve the quality of life in this region of the world.

Four of these contributions are highlighted in the 2005 Annual Report, which is featured in this Web site. Use the navigation bars above to see how Yakima County communinites will enjoy a brighter tomorrow because of the following "Champions of Philanthropy:"

Doug & Darlene Picatti, who established an Unrestricted Fund that will enable the foundation to respond to ever-changing needs...forever;

The daughters of Earl & Barbara Powell (Terry Powell, Leslie Paddock & Billie Wookcock) who set up a Field of Interest Fund to honor their parents;

Dennis & Karen Green, who chose a Designated Fund to support their favorite charity, Young Life;

Alan Dillman, Vice-President of Baker Boyer Bank, who settled on a corportate Donor Advised Fund to assist in the bank's charitable outreach.

Others who have joined the roster of "Champions" include Bill & Sally Douglas and LeMaster & Daniels(Unrestricted Funds), as well as Greg & Jan Luring and Jesse McDaniel Licht, who established Donor Advised Funds because of the flexibility they provide. Marvin & Pat Sundquist have established a Nonprofit Endowment Fund for Camp Ghormley.

Yakima Valley Community Foundation invites you to explore the ways you can transform your dream for this valley into a reality. For more information, please contact YVCF President, John Colgan, at 457-7616.

UNITED WAY FOUNDATION CREATES TWO NEW FUNDS

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 10:47:00 GMT

The United Way Foundation has established two new endowment funds at Yakima Valley Community Foundation. The first fund is the United Way Foundation Endowment for Operating Expenses. As the name indicates, earnings are earmarked to support operations of the United Way of Yakima County.

"This $25,000 intial contribution is a tremendous first step in the process of building a fully-sustaining endowment," said John Colgan, YVCF President. "In time, it is hoped that this fund will grow large enough to sustain the entire operations of United Way."

"That is the long-term goal," adds United Way Foundation Chair Chuck Bohoskey. "What a great day it will be when United Way is able to say that each and every dollar contributed to the annual drive goes directly to charitable programs throughout the county."

The second fund is the United Way Foundation Endowment for the Annual Campaign. Earned income from this fund is targeted to support the organization's annual drive.

Lance Stephens, United Way President, views the two endowments as vitally important to the advancement of the United Way mission. "There are a great number of donors who have contributed to United Way throughout their lifetimes. These two funds now provide the vehicle for them to include United Way in their estate planning, to ensure that the good works continue in perpetuity."

Colgan pointed out the fact that individuals may make a gift in any amount to the new funds. "I encourage prospective donors to consult with their financial advisors to explore estate planning opportunities that will support the United Way mission."

NEW MEMBERS JOIN BOARD FOR 2007

Tue, 21 Nov 2006 10:28:00 GMT

Yakima Valley Community Foundation has been strengthened by the addition of four members to the Board of Directors. Joining the board on January 1, 2007 for their first 3-year term of office are Richard Esparza, Gina Gamboa, Paul Larson and Elizabeth McGree.

Esparza, a resident of Grandview, is Principal of Granger High School.

Gamboa, a member of the Sunnyside community, is a realtor with RE/MAX First Advantage, Inc.

Larson,a Yakima resident, is Managing Member of the Larson & Perkins law firm.

McGree, who is also from Yakima, is Vice President of JEM Development Company.

Welcoming the new members, YVCF board Chair Terry Abeyta commended them for their tremendous contributions to the community in other civic leadership roles, and thanked them for their willingness to serve in this new capacity. "These new members bring valued skills and talents to our organization in many diverse areas, including community relations and social conscience. We are very pleased that they have joined the Yakima Valley Community Foundation team."