Christmas Fund 2000 Help For The Needy Is Just What Good Doctor Ordered Msc/Premera Blue Cross Gives $3,000 To Fund

A $3,000 gift to The Spokesman-Review Christmas Fund arrived for Wednesday’s count, providing an insurance policy that will surely help us meet our goal of $425,000.

Curtis Taylor, senior vice president and general manager of MSC/Premera Blue Cross, 3900 E. Sprague, wrote that the company “is pleased to continue its support of the annual Spokesman-Review Christmas Fund. We have contributed to the Christmas Fund since 1985, and are privileged to participate in this community-wide effort that helps many who are less fortunate.”

As always, we are extremely grateful for MSC’s continued support. It was a key factor in the success of the Christmas Fund a dozen years ago when I started writing this column, and it remains so today.

With that generous assistance, Wednesday’s total was $29,987.90, for a sum so far of $387,336.43. That means we have about $38,000 to raise by Saturday. Think we can do it? Surely we can. But it’s truly nail-biting time.

On Wednesday, our drive of good deeds helped 777 families with $29,685 food vouchers distributed, and 1,251 toys and that many books.

So far, 7,963 families have been served with $304,270 in food vouchers and 13,403 toys given out.

Other Wednesday contributions were:

The Haskins Co., general contractors, 3724 E. Front, made a gift of $2,000.

Rod’s Electric, Power City Electric and Spokane Electrical Services Co. contributed $1,512, proceeds from raffle tickets sold at its Christmas party. The company donates the raffle items to this annual event.

“All the money raised from the raffle goes to a worthy charity,” wrote Pat Jeffries, office manager. “This year we have chosen yours.”

We’re honored that you did.

Gifts of $1,000 came from Tom and T.A. Dorsey, 10921 E. Richard Lane; two anonymous donors, and the current and retired employees of the Spokane office of Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway. “It is our privilege to be able to share our blessings with other members of our community,” wrote John Gooding.

Employees of Allied Security, 425 W. Second, have a great time working there, according to a letter that accompanied their donation. “Each Friday this past year, the corporate employees made a small `Blue Jeans Day’ contribution, enabling us to enclose a check in the amount of $900 for the Christmas Fund.”

Collecting the money “this way is a lot of fun for the employees as well as providing funds to help others in our community. We are fortunate to work for Terry Hunt and Allied Security, an employer who believes in a commitment by the employees that allows us to be innovative in our efforts to show our support for the community in which we live,” read the letter signed by Dwayne Harney, Linda Blevins, Claudia Curtiss, Laurie Tabor, Diana Hibbs and Mike Foutz.

The Napa Spokane Distribution Center contributed $866.

Members of the Krazy 8s Square Dance Club, donated $550, from a square dance of the Krazy 8s and River City Steppers Square Dance Club. Callers and cuers donated their fees and a collection was taken at the Christmas potluck.

Gifts of $500 came from Proland, LLC, 10 N. Post; Bob and Esther Nelson, 10102 E. Fourth, “in gratitude for God’s blessings to our families”; and the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of Spokane, 408 N. Mullan, with this note from Dave Gregory, president: “With so many people struggling, we are thankful to have the opportunity and the vehicle in which to help.”

The Spokane Youth Sports Association, 2202 E. Sprague, also donated $500 with this letter from Larry Gants, board president: “As we continue our efforts to develop Andrew Rypien Field in the Hillyard area, we fully appreciate the needs of under-privileged children in our community.”

Other $500 gifts came from Matt Phillipson “in honor of the fine employees at Sweet Swiss (128 E. Short), Jo, Karlea and Bridget”; Dan Claflin, “in the loving memory of Vern and Clariece Claflin. They were the true spirit of Christmas and will surely be missed”; and Harold and Kasey Merkley, Liberty Lake, and Roberta and Gail Keeling, Otis Orchards, “in the name of Taylor Merkley, so that everyone knows the joy of Christmas.”

Neil Fitzgerald, broker, of Fitzgerald Realtors, 10623 E. Sprague, contributed $450, and wrote: “With so much to be thankful for this time of year, it’s a blessing to be able to spread some holiday cheer this season on behalf of Fitzgerald Realtors and extended family.”

DOW Investors “share in the spirit of the season by making a donation of $406 to this worthwhile program,” wrote Toby Wolf, treasurer.

Mark and Jessie Bekken, of Bekken Brokerage, 1606 E. 65th, gave $400 in “thanks to our loyal customers and friends for their support. So, in lieu of Christmas gifts, we chose to give to those truly in need.”

Members of the Washington State Patrol held their annual Christmas auction and once again donated half their proceeds to the Christmas Fund. Thanks for the $388 gift.

Gifts of $300 came from Ross Printing Co., 1611 E. Sprague; Malcolm and Marilyn Landis, 723 E. Ermina; Fred and Sharon Clark, Chattaroy; and Lovena Hansen, Spokane, in memory of Waldo P. Hansen, who died in October. “Husband, father and grandfather, he always donated to the Christmas Fund. We miss him very much.”

Those contributing $250 were Jeff and Kathy Amistoso of Ridgeview Investments Inc., 9505 N. Division; Jim and Beverly Johnson, 1005 W. Bellwood Drive; John Richardson, “in loving memory of Ann and Keith Richardson, from all the kids.”

There was an anonymous $240 donation.

Gifts of $200 came from Kevin Gilmore, 1325 W. Sherwood; Thor Radford Photography; Al and Kathy Whiteside, Cheney; Rose Nost; Bill and Sharon (lovingly called “Chick”) Davis, 2232 E. 45th; and Bob, Mary Lou, Lindsey and C.J. Haney, 4717 S. Magnolia, with, “Our family is very grateful that we are able to share a bit of our good fortune with those who are struggling this Christmas season. We are confident that you will once again reach your annual goal.”

Elwood and Dorothy Rochon Powers gave $200 as “a joy-giving memorial to both our families.” Dorothy Powers wrote: “In honor of the late Esther and A.L. Powers Sr. of Knoxville, Tenn., and C.G. Rochon and Edwin W. Rochon (her father and brother) of Anaconda, Mont.”

There were also two anonymous $200 gifts.

Employees of U.S. Bank’s Student Loan Center donated $160. James Connelly, 929 W. 32nd, contributed $150, as did Betty Bergen, Deer Lake, Wash., on behalf of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Lorraine Burghard, Moses Lake, who wrote: “in memory of my daughter, Vicki Burghard, killed by a drunken driver, so that her memory may live on through the happiness of a child.”

The Hargers, Spokane, also gave $150, as did two anonymous donors. A donation of $145.35 came from “The Single-Copy Team at The Spokesman-Review and all the people at the office who donated to `the Grinch.”’

Gifts of $130 came from the Deer Park Postal employees who wrote, “We deliver for you and to you. We hope this helps to meet your goal”; and the David and Joanne Brown family in memory of Geri Tollefsen, who died on Thanksgiving. “She was always giving to others and serving them.”

Burgess Joyner, Colbert, donated $125; and Catherine Rice and Brandon Travis, 6710 N. Sutherlin, $105.