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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Christmas Fund 1996 Generous Gift Concocted By Folks At The Onion

Beverly Vorpahl Staff writer

People who work at The Onion are as sweet as the onions they place on the tasty hamburgers they serve.

As usual, employees and managers at the downtown and North Division restaurants combined efforts to support The Spokesman-Review Christmas Fund.

This year, they gave the incredible sum of $7,680.

“We know with Christmas so close, it would be easy for your fund to be lost in the shuffle,” wrote Larry M. Brown, owner. “However, with the ice storm and all, I assume the need to be greater than ever.

“The thought of those young people going without toys and food helps remind us to count our blessings and to reach out for the less fortunate.

“Thanks again to The Spokesman-Review for making all of this possible and for allowing all of the contributed funds to go directly to the needy.”

Also in Monday’s mail was a $76 check from E.A. Grindal, 1607 E. 13th. Giving $75 were Christy Heitstuman, 443 W. 26th; David Pearce, 1733 S. Southeast Blvd.; and an anonymous out-of-town donor, who celebrated Thanksgiving in Spokane and was moved to donate after reading about the fund.

Giving $60 were Chris Driskell, 1023 W. York; and Ann Shaw, 25 E. Regina, “in the name of all the power company workers and their families that missed having a real Thanksgiving. Hoping their Christmas is happier and that they are together.”

Contributions of $50 came from Shannon O’Brien, 4314 S. Miami, in memory of Jerry O’Brien; Sam, Ben, Dan, Kristy and Stella Pelle, 3705 S. Morrill, “in memory of Kit King (the late award-winning S-R photographer) who is greatly missed at Christmas and all year long.”

Also giving $50 were K.L. Marvin, Spokane; Kenneth Blanchard, 714 E. Garland; members of the Maverick Sams chapter of the International Good Sam Recreational Vehicle Club, Greenacres; and Cleo Fasules, 3405 W. Bruce, “in memory to my parents and a thank-you to all my relatives, friends and neighbors who were so kind and helpful during my father’s recent last illness.”

Juel Stears, 6533 N. Fotheringham, also gave $50, as did Dorothy Bolkan, 27 W. 39th, “in memory of my son, Peter Bolkan. The joy of giving surpasses all gifts received”; Earl and Evelyn Hylton, 5011 N. Normandie, “in memory of our parents: Junior Hylton and Sam and Mildred Oliveri;” Jean Rabe, 3804 S. Alder Drive, “to help bring Christmas joy to others in loving memory of my parents, Marie and Art Rabe;” and Joan Kvinsland, with Craig, Jeff and Eric, from Gig Harbor, “in loving memory of our parents and grandparents who taught us the joy of giving to others.”

Others giving $50 were Duane and Marnene Arkills, “for Jack and Jan Arkills;” Kay Sharp and Wayne Bass, 1034 S. Neyland, “because our mothers, Evelyn and Ida, taught us the joy of giving;” and Matthew and Brandon Pomrenke, 3427 S. Lincoln, in honor of their grandfather, Robert G. Pomrenke.

Barbara Siers, 6008 N. Lindeke, gave $50, as did Karen Ryan, 3411 E. 29th, in memory of Red Sander; the Odin Club, 7730 N. Panorama; Edwin Malmquist, 8722 N. Nine Mile Road; Philip and Charlotte Golden, 5234 W. Navaho; Duncan Thrasher, 103 W. 14th; Philip Evans, Spokane; and Mark, D’Anna, Andrew and Kevin McCall, 817 E. Brentwood, as “a thank you to all the friends, family and medical personnel that were there for us when Andrew and Mark were in an accident recently.” There were also five anonymous donors.

Fifth-and sixth-grade students in Logan Elementary’s APPLE class baked Christmas goodies at home, then sold them at school for the Christmas Fund. They sent a $41 money order with a letter signed by all the students.

“We read your column every day and graph the monies in,” wrote their teacher. “We hope to see you reach your $400,000.”

Rod Pipinich, 4118 W. Princeton, gave $40; Ray’s Auto Glass, 2503 E. Sprague, donated $35. Gifts of $30 came from Sandy Sue Garden Club, as a memorial for Eleanor Hughes, “our dear departed friend and charter member;” Elizabeth Behrendt, 5911 E. Woodlawn; Robert Rosman, 1819 E. Queen; and Michael and Gail Reid Gurian, 22 E. 30th, “in honor of the teachers and staff at Balboa Elementary School - particularly Montessori teacher Robin Knight.”

Giving $25 were Ruth Muhs, 211 E. Everett; Mrs. Herman Littman, 2928 W. Gardner; Robert and Jeanette Johnson, 11710 N. Madison; F.W. Gregor, 116 W. Longfellow; Boake and Barbara Carter, 7206 N. Hamilton; and the 1938 graduates of Rogers High School “to help a little on the fund.”

John and Doris Hodgson, 12102 S. Player Drive, gave $25, as did Mr. and Mrs. Bill Benge, 7052 N. G; Richard Atwater, 309 E. 17th; Clair and Shirley Foien, Cheney, “in memory of Auntie Sara Anderson, who died recently. We would like to challenge everyone in Cheney to match this gift.”

Also giving $25: Barbara Klante, 2921 W. Rosewood, in memory of her mother, Zella Cowden; Neal and Laura Haile, 6105 N. Smith; Gladys Peterson, 1618 E. Glass; Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Eymont, 5628 N. Rambo Road; Electa Stark, 13013 E. Mission; Betty and Sherm Blake, 3419 E. Montgomery.

Grandma “Les” Ayers, 5317 N. Elgin, sent a $25 donation “with treasured memories of Grandpa Bill, Grandpa Les, my son Jack and my grandson Brad, who all loved and enjoyed the real meaning of Christmas. There were also eight anonymous donations of $25.

“The Sweeper” of floors at Owens Library at Washington State University doubled the amount of money he swept up to give to the Christmas Fund, because the need is great this year.”Thanks for taking care of the poor and needy,” he wrote in sending his $20.44 donation.

Giving $20 were Mae Jones, 2628 E. 27th; Betty Schatz, 7007 N. Wiscomb; Audrey Dunton, 1100 N. Superior; Mr. and Mrs. Michael Bold, 303 W. Sierra Way, and the Shimeks of Marshall.

Darby VanGordon, 2808 S. Assembly, gave $15. Eight-year-old Andrew McCall, 817 E. Brentwood, gave $10 “for food and toys for families who need the money.” Ed Pierson and Viola Anderson, 7303 N. Crestline, each gave $10, along with Cleo Pierson, 7303 N. Crestline. Thomas and Teresa Shea, 1217 S. Virginia, and one anonymous donor, also gave $10.

, DataTimes