Donors give Christmas Fund a big boost

The Christmas Bureau closed for the season on Wednesday, after providing the fixings of Christmas for nearly 32,000 needy people. Now the bills must be paid and that’s where the Christmas Fund comes in. The goal is $485,000, which is the amount needed to pay for the toys and food vouchers.

A generous donation of $10,000 from Ron and Georgia Lee Puryear, of Spokane, boosted the daily tally to $49,752 and the Christmas Fund to $388,325.44.

“This gift is in loving memory of our son, Brian, who is at home with Jesus,” wrote the Puryears. “Brian’s great desire was to help underprivileged children so our family counts it a blessing to give to the Christmas Fund in Brian’s name.”

Many other generous donors joined the Puryears in giving the Christmas Fund a boost.

Metals Fabrication Company, Inc., of Spokane, donated $5,000. “Each year we are able to support the Christmas Fund due to the efforts of our employees. We are proud to contribute again this year,” wrote company president Todd E. Weaver. “Thank you for assisting those in our community who need the help most.”

Kent and Linda Hull, of Colbert, also donated $5,000.

The Fernwell Building and its tenants donated $3,905. “Every single one of us realizes that we are incredibly fortunate. We also realize that it is our responsibility to share our fortune with others. So, with that in mind, we have promised the Fernwell Building tenants that we will match whatever donation they make to the Christmas Fund,” said a note. Following are the donors: The Fernwell Building, the Fernwell Executive Suites, the Law Offices of Robyn Pugsley, Robyn Pugsley, T. Shine Architectural Design, Tour Factory, Home Debut Inc., Media Joe, Dennis and Debbie Clark, the Callen Law Office, the Law Offices of Mary Caroll Knox, Rick and Sue Matthews, David and Cathy Gay, L.E. and Ebba Ostrom, the Boswell Law Firm and three anonymous donors.

A To Z Rentals and Sales, Inc., of Spokane, donated $2,500 to thank its customers for A To Z’s success during its first year back as a locally owned and operated business.

An anonymous donor, of Spokane, gave $1,500.

Kathy Bixler, a Realtor with Tomlinson Black South, gave $1,000, “in the name of all my current and former clients who have been so loyal to me through the years,” she wrote. “I also want to thank the Spokesman and the many local volunteers for the great job they do to make Christmas special for so many families in need. I have certainly learned through the years that Spokane is a very caring, giving community.”

Insulation Specialists, Inc., of Spokane Valley, donated $1,000.

Preston Gates Ellis LLP, of Spokane, sent $1,000 and a note: “For the past several years our firm’s gift to our clients and friends has been a donation to a human service organization in their name. Many report that knowing that someone’s life may have been made brighter has given them more pleasure and satisfaction than a tangible memento of the season. We have long admired the work of the Spokesman-Review fund in providing food and gifts to members of our community during the holiday season,” wrote managing partner Michael Ormsby.

Carmela Conroy, the Acting Counsul General in Naha, Japan, donated $500, as did Ted and Winnie Allen, and Bill and Mabel McInerney, all of Spokane; and Dennie Walker, of Usk, Wash.

Dave Petersen, D.D.S., of Spokane, and staff, donated $500. “Please accept this gift in honor of our many patients whom we treasure throughout the year. And thank you for providing this opportunity to help so many Spokane-area families enjoy a happy, healthy, holiday season,” wrote Petersen.

Nancy Evans and Greg MacDonald, of Spokane, donated $500, as did Tipke Manufacturing, of Spokane.

Julie Weller donated $485.20 through PayPal, as did Jackie Randall.

Susan Boyd and Linda Ashlock, of Liberty Lake, donated $400, as did an anonymous donor, of Spokane.

Pat J. Sheehan, of Spokane, gave $400 in lieu of gifts to eight grandchildren, Britt and Kristin VanHees, Sean Patrick Velter, Ashley Dawn Velter, Kaelin, Jarrett and Talia Crews and Hattie Schafhausen.

An anonymous donor, of Spokane, gave $350 in memory of a dear mother and wonderful husband.

The Spokane Alumnae Chapter of Alpha Iota Sorority donated $303.

Employees of Branom Instrument Company, of Spokane, gave $300 in lieu of a Christmas gift exchange, of which $100 was donated in memory of Russell Timothy Holliday.

Rob Sargent, of Rob Sargent Masonry of Spokane, gave $300, as did an anonymous donor, of Spokane, in memory of William Mahar. Linda Schauble-Ruff and Gregory Ruff, of Spokane, donated $300 in memory of Jacqueline Leaffer and Harold Kaufman, Sr.

Jere Mansfield, of Spokane, sent $267 and a note: My donation is given in honor of my extraordinary employer, the Washington Province of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. These remarkable religious women embody the spirit of Christmas every day of the year and have served this community for over 117 years through their ministry of education. My $267 gift represents the 150 Sisters of the Holy Names plus their 117 years of ministry in Spokane.”

Arnold Cohen and Colleen Carey, of Spokane, donated $250, as did the Spokane suburban North Lions Club members and supporters, Harold and Marcia Mielke, of Liberty Lake; and Colleen and Gregory Stevens, of Spokane, in honor of Delores Stevens.

Two anonymous donors, of Spokane, each gave $249 “for our parents, for they taught us both to respect life, respect each other and take care of those less fortunate. We are somewhat fortunate and pledge to help those who need a hand in this holiday season.”

The Chevron Retirees Association, of Spokane, donated $218.33.

Scott McGann, Debbie and Linda, of the Payne Financial Group, gave $200. “In lieu of buying gifts for our valued clients, we want to share this financial contribution with the residents of Spokane who are most in need this Christmas season,” wrote McGann.

William and Nancy Henry, of Spokane, donated $200 in memory of their parents, Bo and Mary Henry and Robert and Marian Heglar. Mike and Lorri Reilly, of Liberty Lake, donated $200 in memory of Hilda Schmidt.

Janet and Keith Walker, of Spokane, gave $200, as did Bruce and Dianne Parsons, Sam and Janet Whitcomb, Shirley and Lyle Moore, and an anonymous donor, all of Spokane.

Steve and Sigrid Sanwick, of Spokane, donated $200 in memory of their parents.

Dorothy Tombari, of Spokane, donated $200, as did Beverly Harvey, of Spokane, “with great thankfulness for every day of my life and the many blessings I have received.”

An anonymous donor, of Loon Lake, Wash., gave $200, “in honor of the blessings of my life – family, friends, home and being an American.”

Russ and Lisa Akerhielm, of Spokane, donated $200 in memory of Kathleen Rotchford, “who lovingly demonstrated the true Christmas spirit, year-round.”

Sylvia and Rich Stillwell, of Madison, Conn., gave $150 in lieu of gifts for the Lentz family.

Sharon and Bill Davis, of Spokane, sent $150, as did Clausen Marketing, with offices in Spokane and Portland.

Neil Fitzgerald and family gave $150, “in memory of the fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price for freedom. God bless and peace to all.”

Tricia and Dale Piper, and a group of friends, made a $150 contribution in loving memory of their good friend, son, brother and uncle, Jared Ball.

Charles and Virginia Brondos, of Spokane, sent $125.

Diane and Ty Wick, of Mead, gave $100, as did Mark and Janice Lee, Stephen Scott, Kathy and Randy Maurer, Norm and Judy Schmeer, Adrienne Goodwin, Larry and Tammy Reid, and Alan and Yvonne Edmunds, all of Spokane.

Bob and Dorothy Yohe, of Spirit Lake, Idaho, donated $100, as did John and Donna Leaming, Davy Adamson, Oliver and Christy Smith, Burt and Shirley Pendleton, Edith Fogelquist, James and Melissa Tipke, Alma Pearson, and Dana and Mary Besecker, all of Spokane.

Timothy and Camille Schmidt, of Valleyford, Wash., gave $100, as did Alfred and Carol Stopp, of Spokane; Jeff and Theresa Utesch, of Veradale; Rod and Anne Hartman, of Coulee Dam; and Charles and Janet Watkins, of Newport, Wash.

Lola Houx Lile, of Spokane, gave $100 in memory of Robert and Ellen Houx. Lucille Woods, of Spokane, sent $100, as did Joseph and Charri Doeleman, Debbie, Keith Tanner and Ben Comes; and two anonymous donors, all of Spokane.

The Inspiration Quartet – Dick Townsend, Bob Billings, Dick Solberg and Don Tipke – donated $100.

George and Pamela Young, of Mead, donated $100 in memory of Daniel and Adelaine Young. Mr. and Mrs. William Stewart, of Spokane, donated $100 in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Olson. An anonymous donor, of Spokane, gave $100 in the names of Lisa Portrey and Garth Mason.

Donna Jean Sather, of Spokane, gave $100 in memory of loved ones.

The employees of the Sportsman Café, of Spokane, donated $100. They have been doing this every Christmas for 14 years. “They are happy to contribute in any way they can and I am proud of them,” wrote Sportsman Café owner Geneva Nash Ward.

The Dye Family Trust gave $100 in memory of Clarence Colby.

Marilyn Carpenter donated $96.80 through PayPal.

An anonymous donor, of Spokane, sent $80.

Adrian and Wanda Nichols, of Spokane, donated $75, as did Dick and Delores Solbert, of Greenacres; and Douglas and Alvina Howe, and an anonymous donor, both of Spokane.

Jacci and Fred Aronow, of Liberty Lake, gave $70 – $10 each for their grandchildren: Jaycob, Casey and Andrew Enzler; Shelby Martensen; and Keegan, Emily and Jessica Aronow. An anonymous donor sent $70 in memory of her deceased family.

Clyde and Mary Bemis, of Spokane, sent $60.

Six-year-old Hailey Poutiatine, of Spokane, sent $60 and a note: “Dear Christmas Fund: I raised this money by singing for my family so that other families will have a special Christmas.”

James Bellis donated $53.10 through PayPal.

Mike and Debbie Dahl, of Spokane Valley, sent $50, as did Lester and Theresa Kile, Rick and Jennifer Gerety, Edward Kelly, Marty and Paula Barth, Monica and Eddy Nagashima, and Patt Earley and Ken Yuhasz, all of Spokane.

John Hartung, of Spokane Valley, donated $50, as did R.H. and Teresa Hagelin, of Spokane Valley; Wesley and Sherry Westermann, of Otis Orchards; Michael and Kristin Nester, of Cheney; seven anonymous donors, all of Spokane; and an anonymous donor, of Cheney.

Clinton and Carol Allen, of Veradale, sent $50 in honor of the winter 2005 graduates of the Washington State University Intercollegiate College of Nursing.

Marla Johnson gave $48.25 through PayPal.

Patricia and Clinton Degenhart, of Spokane, donated $30, as did Cherie Foss, of Spokane, in memory of her dad, George Poston, Jr.

The YMCA Sixth-Grade Bulldogs Basketball Team sent $28.

Wayne and Nancy Wright, of Spokane, donated $25, as did Margaret Swanson, Phil Schumaker, Patrick and Judith Ryan; and Judith and William Anderson, all of Spokane; the Zion Lutheran Church Women, of Fairfield, Wash.; and Irene Leikauf, of Nine Mile Falls.

An anonymous donor, of Spokane, sent $25 in memory of her husband, Larry, and in honor of her grandchildren, Anthony and Ashley.

Jill Beth, of Spokane Valley, donated $25, as did Jeanette and David Fatur, of Veradale; Lorraine and Daniel Lucas, of Spokane Valley; and Ann Carey and Patty Rabel, of Spokane, in memory of Ken Rabel.

Divcon, Inc., and Express Personnel Services, of Spokane, donated $20.05; Express Personnel Services donated an additional $20.05.

James and Jean Supinger, of Medical Lake, sent $20, as did June and Randall Lawson, of Spokane; Anastazia Volkenand, of Hayden, Idaho; and Dr. D.W. and Vanessa Constable, of Spokane, in memory of their parents.

Ken Sanman, of Spokane, donated $20 in honor of his son Bryce Sanman, who is joining the Army on Jan. 3. “My son is joining because he wants to make a difference in our world, so he is putting college on hold,” wrote Sanman.