Some Children Don’t Have Time To Wait For Wishes To Come True
From For the record (Tuesday, March 12, 1996): Robert D. Fukai was elected chairman of the board of directors of United Way of Spokane County. His title was incorrect in a Sunday IN Life story.
Make-A-Wish correction: From Nonprofit notes column, Sunday, March 17, 1996: The telephone number for Make-A-Wish listed in last week’s article was incorrect. The correct number is 458-2618.
Think back.
The wishbone from Thanksgiving dinner was dry and ready. You knew, with a clear sense of purpose, exactly what to wish for. Your dad counted, “1-2-3-pull!” You pulled hard, hoping that would make the difference. It did, because there was the big part of the wishbone in your hand.
Now it was only a matter of time until your wish came true.
And you had the time to pursue your dreams.
Some Inland Northwest kids living with life-threatening illnesses do not have that time.
That’s why Make-A-Wish Foundation of Washington expanded its statewide services by opening an office in Spokane.
Judy Rogers, director of community relations and development, will lead a full-time effort to bring together children and families in need with people who want to help and provide wishes for kids limited only by their imagination.
The local Make-A-Wish office is in the Paulsen Building, 421 W. Riverside, Suite 504.
For more information or to add your name to a volunteer list, call 456-2618.
Children’s Museum of Spokane
Several Spokane citizens who believe children, parents and educators would benefit from an indoor, interactive play and learning environment are meeting now to ensure that Children’s Museum of Spokane becomes a reality in 1997.
The museum will have hands-on exhibits focusing on arts, history, world cultures, literature and music. It will be geared toward children from birth through 10 years old, although it specifically targets children from 4 to 8 years old.
The Children’s Museum of Spokane, incorporated in May 1995 as a nonprofit organization, is searching for a 5,000- to 10,000-square-foot site, preferably downtown.
Founding memberships for individuals and families are now available for $25 and $35, respectively. A founding member will receive:
Free admission for one year.
A personalized ceramic tile installed in the museum.
Reciprocal visits to other Northwest children’s museums.
Subscription to a quarterly newsletter.
A 10 percent discount on museum store merchandise.
Four guest passes.
Pre-registration for events.
A Children’s Museum bumper sticker.
A fixed annual membership fee for the first five years.
To become a founding member, send a check to Children’s Museum of Spokane, P.O. Box 461, Spokane, WA, 99201, along with your name, address and telephone number.
For information on how to be involved in the planning, contact Mary Brandt, 624-0435.
Tea and togs
The annual Poor Clare nuns gala tea and fashion show will be at 11 a.m., March 24, at the Red Lion Hotel, downtown.
Affordable fashions, which can be made at home, will be modeled by their creators following a craft and baked goods sale.
Proceeds go toward the Poor Clare nuns’ living expenses and ongoing building fund.
Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and children. Seating is limited. For more information or to purchase tickets, call Dorothea Collins, 328-2104.
SNAP volunteers needed
The Eastern Washington Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is looking for volunteers to help improve the quality of life for residents of nursing homes, boarding homes and adult family homes.
Volunteers visit residents at least four hours each week and provide information about community services, laws, regulations and policies. Ombudsmen also mediate and attempt to resolve concerns and complaints.
The program serves 38 nursing homes, 42 boarding homes and 263 adult family homes in Spokane, Whitman, Stevens, Ferry and Pend Oreille counties.
A three-day certification training course teaches volunteers about residents’ rights, fact finding, communication skills, the aging process, mediation with facility staff and reporting.
The next training will be March 18, 20 and 22.
For more information, call 456-7133 or (8OO) 66O-7133.
Happy Birthday, VOA
Volunteers of America celebrated its 100th anniversary of service across the United States on Friday.
Local celebration of 100 years of service to the Spokane community will occur in September with acknowledgment of the many volunteers who help assist families and young people in need.
Young adult support group
The YWCA Alternatives to Domestic Violence Program has a support group for young adults who are victims of or witnesses to abuse and violence.
Group members discuss dysfunctional family systems, abusive patterns, change process, human developmental needs and communication.
The free sessions are from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays. No registration is required.
For more information, call 326-1190, ext. 139.
United Way officers
Robert D. Fukai was elected general campaign chairman for the Board of Directors of United Way of Spokane County.
Other officers and members announced at the annual meeting last month were:
Anthony Bonanzino, general campaign chairman; Kathleen Greco, vice chairwoman for marketing and communication; Harry Sladich, vice chairman for administration; Richard Solberg, vice chairman for membership services; Jean Stevens, vice chairwoman for human care planning; Wallace Williams, vice chairman for community services; and William Zuppe, vice chairman resource development.
Newly elected members of the United Way board are Glenys Hill, J. Jay Lewis, Lorenzo P. Rios, Bernadine Spalla, Kathy Bixler, Marcy Drummond and Gary J. Garrett.
Also elected were Kristianne Blake, chairwoman-elect for 1997, and Anne Marie Axworthy, 1997 general campaign chairwoman.