Christmas Fund 1996 Sons Continue Giving Tradition

Gordon W. Rowand supported The Spokesman-Review Christmas Fund for many years. When he died a while back, he requested any memorials made to him should be directed to the fund.

That year, gift after gift arrived daily in memory of the owner of the Rowand Machinery Co. He was obviously well-loved and respected to generate such a response from friends and business associates.

And, that same year, his sons made a sizable contribution to the Christmas Fund in his name, a tradition they continue to uphold.

This year, Gordon H. and David C. Rowand contributed $2,500, which will allow a great number of people to enjoy a much happier Christmas than they would have otherwise. Scores of families will be able to watch their children open a gift from Santa and sit down to a real holiday meal, partly paid for by a Christmas Fund food voucher - thanks to the Rowands.

“In the tradition of our father, Gordon W. Rowand, we are pleased again to have the opportunity to contribute to the Christmas Fund,” the sons wrote.

“Christmas time is a welcome break from the pressure of everyday living - an especially good time to count our blessings.

“May all our hearts be filled with the spirit of Christmas and may we, as a community, enjoy a bountiful, happy New Year.”

Their generous gift helped boost Thursday’s total to $18,012.91, for a total to date of $140,839.29. That total is so exciting! We are a tad ahead of where we were on this date a year ago, and if the momentum continues, we will meet the $400,000 goal without collapsing in fear of failure as Dec. 25 draws near.

But it can only happen if individuals and leaders of companies and corporations continue to demonstrate their good will by giving a little breathing space to our needy neighbors who find life a constant struggle.

All things are not equal, as any of the hundreds of people could report who stand in line waiting for a bit of Christmas cheer in the shape of toys for their children and a food voucher to help pay for Christmas groceries.

A single, low-income woman called the newspaper a few days ago to learn if she might qualify for help. She was new to town and lived alone, looking for work. Because she is a family of one, she was told a $10 food voucher would be all she could receive. “That’s wonderful,” she responded. “A $10 voucher will help me so much.”

Think how devastating her life must be if a $10 voucher could make her so grateful.

Others who added to Thursday’s total include the Kramers, 1224 W. Riverside, who donated $2,000. Another $2,000 contribution came from the Mabel and Norman Mikalson Family Foundation of Woodland Park, Colo.

An anonymous donation of $1,500 was received.

A gift of $1,000 came from Don Moulton, Gerry Cook and Grant Haaker of Stratos Pictures, 8003 W. Sunset Highway, who wrote, “It’s sometimes hard to find the right words to describe Christmas, either good or bad. But simply look into the eyes of a small child when they see a Christmas tree or Santa, and remember, it’s about them; it’s about family; it’s about caring and love, and hopefully, happiness.”

Their small company, they wrote, is challenged every day in a competitive industry, “but it pales in comparison to a family challenged to keep Christmas alive for themselves and their children without food or gifts or hope.

“Now it’s our turn to challenge all businesses, large or small, to dig deep and give whatever they can spare and a little more.”

They closed with thanks for the vehicle to help others. To that, we say, “Thank you.”

May-Davis Inc., Bonds and Insurance, Parkwater Station, Spokane, also gave $1,000. One anonymous donor gave $400.

Gifts of $250 came from Barbara Allen, 2801 E. Foxwood Drive; and Margaret K. Tombari, 2720 E. Sinto, in memory of William Tombari Sr., “who always remembered the less fortunate.” There was one anonymous donation of $250.

Giving $200 were Mary Lee Tollett, Thornton, in memory of her husband Cliff and sister Wilma Selleck; and Patrick and Kathleen Kelley, Colbert. Donations of $150 came from Marvin Walters, 6428 N. Fotheringham, and an anonymous donor. An anonymous gift of $140 was received.

Solomon and Louise Hill, 11708 E. Skyview, gave $120; and John Chasse, 4916 N. Sipple Road, gave $100, with Lisa Chasse donating $10.

Gifts of $100 came from Chris and Karen Tollackson, 8710 N. Country Homes; Hazel Haynes, 4047 S. Helena; Harriot Hagedorn, 23 W. 36th; Robert Tesch, 2016 W. Gordon; Bernice Kennedy, 117 W. 14th; John Fowler, 3107 W. 16th; Anita Stallinga and Elsie Oberg, 2312 S. Forest Estates Drive, each gave $50.

W.A. Engstrom, Medical Lake, gave $100, as did Mrs. C.J. Bartleson, 2215 S. Forest Estates Drive; Norm and Ann English, 626 W. Holmberg Lane; Ken and Joann Dunlap, 3821 S. Gandy, in memory of Grandpa Joe; Robert Goldsworthy, 1224 W. Riverside; and Dr. Richard Ahlquist Jr., 2210 S. Southeast Blvd.

Other gifts of $100 came from Vivian Owens, 13018 E. Wellesley; Lorraine McNew, 1311 S. Westcliff Place; Mr. and Mrs. Roy Forsberg, 3316 W. Bismark; Landau Assoc., 10 N. Post, “in memory of our friend and colleague, Linda Cauffiel Slater”; William and Lottie Moldovan, 3033 W. Eloika; Dorothy Buder, 3231 W. Boone; Mr. and Mrs. Chet Jahns, Rockford; Larry and Geri Comstock, Colbert; John P. Evans, 4029 S. Easy Lane; and B.J. Nelson, 537 E. Regina Road.

The Spokane Area Retired Educators Foundation gave “on behalf of our civic concerns in the community”; and Todd and Wendy Howson, 6110 W. Shawnee, each gave $50.

, DataTimes