Christmas Fund passes goal

Thanks to the generosity of the Inland Northwest community, the Christmas Fund will be able to cover the bills for making Christmas merrier for nearly 10,000 needy families.

Teck Cominco American Inc. boosted the Christmas Fund past its goal of $485,000 with a second generous donation this year of $10,000. “Teck Cominco American Inc., read of the difficulty that The Spokesman-Review is having in collecting funds for this year’s Christmas Fund. Therefore, we would like to increase our gift in the form of another contribution of $10,000. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you again for allowing us to help those in need during this holiday season,” wrote David Godlewski, Teck Cominco American vice president for environmental and public affairs.

Other generous contributions played big roles in helping the Christmas Fund reach $500,201.71.

The employees and retirees of Jensen Distribution Services donated $7,318 to those in need in the community. “We wish for everyone a very Merry Christmas and the happiest of New Years,” wrote Jensen CEO Michael S. Jensen.

Longtime donors Huppin’s Hi-Fi, Photo and Video/OneCall.com delivered $7,250 to the newspaper. “This is the 10th year the owners and employees of Huppin’s Hi-Fi, Photo and Video/OneCall.com have come together to help those in need in our community through The Spokesman-Review Christmas Fund. Thank you to the newspaper for providing this opportunity to create this wonderful tradition in our company,” wrote Huppin’s president, Murray Huppin.

Today marks the conclusion of the Christmas Fund effort for the year. While the Christmas Fund goal was $485,000, the Christmas Bureau expenditures for food vouchers, toys and Christmas candy ran $499,697. Donations reported today are those that arrived prior to the close of business on Friday. All donations that arrive before the account is closed on Dec. 28 will be reported in the newspaper on Dec. 31.

Following are additional donors and their donations:

Seven2 owners and employees, of Spokane, donated $3,000. “It is the least we can do to help out our community. Thank you for letting us be a part of your amazing effort,” wrote owners Tyler Lafferty and Nick Murto.

Cerium Networks, of Spokane, donated $2,500. “We appreciate the efforts of the volunteers who work tirelessly to help brighten the holidays for many in our community, wrote Cerium Networks president Roger Junkermier.

McClintock & Turk, Inc., of Spokane, brought $2,500 to the newspaper.

The employees of Pathology Associates Medical Laboratories (PAML) and the lab sent $2,366.50 and a note: “The employees at PAML did our annual fund-raising event for your Christmas Fund. On Dec. 18-20, employees were allowed to dress down in casual attire as long as they made a donation to the Christmas Fund. As in past years, the company agreed to match any donations raised by the employees. When all was done, we had collected and matched to a total of $2,351.50. We hope this contribution will play a part in assisting those in need this holiday season,” wrote Andrea Boures, of PAML Human Resources.

The women at the Pine Lodge Correction Center for Women in Medical Lake sent $2,000 and a note: “We – the grandmothers, mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives incarcerated by the state of Washington – would find it a privilege to help with a $2,000 donation. Please accept this donation as our way of giving back to our communities and also helping those less fortunate this holiday season.”

An anonymous donor, of Spokane, gave $2,000.

DIVCON, Inc., of Spokane, and its employees, donated $1,170. “DIVCON, Inc., and several of our employees want to say Merry Christmas to Spokane. Each of our employees can donate to the charity of their choice, and DIVCON matches their individual donations. Please accept the donation from DIVCON and the following employees: Donald Hagreen, Chris Johnson, Jerry Johnson, John Miller, Shaun Salazar, Christian Schimandle, Dustin Smith and Angela Steele. As a Spokane general contractor, we appreciate your support of local families,” wrote Susan Miller, secretary/treasurer.

Colvico, Inc., of Spokane, donated $1,000, as did Pearson Packaging Systems, also of Spokane.

Gary and Donna Trowbridge, of Spokane, sent $1,000 and a note: “In loving memory of our mothers, Luella Pringle and Louise Trowbridge, who loved Christmas and made it such a special time in our family. God bless all who made this Christmas so successful each year.”

The employees at an anonymous company donated $835.

Michael Flannery and Dean Lynch, of Spokane, donated $650 in memory of Gordon Lynch, Frances E. Flannery and Noah O. Flannery.

The employees of Triumph, of Spokane, donated $638.63.

Anonymous donors, of Spokane, gave $625.

The staff and management of Ag Enterprise Supply, Inc., in Cheney and Wilbur, Wash., sent $500 and a note: “We would like to dedicate this donation as a gesture of thanks to all of our customers that have given us so many years of success. It only seems right that as we make our livings from the agricultural community, we pass the rewards of our harvest on to others in need,” they wrote.

Helen and Bob Shanewise, of Spokane, donated $500, as did Evergreen Cosmetic, of Spokane Valley; Richard and Carol Hendershot; Ted and Winnie Allen; and Matt Phillipson, all of Spokane.

The staff of Victor Lumber Co., of Spokane, donated $500 on behalf of the company’s loyal customers.

BPS Supply Co., Inc., of Spokane, donated $500 on behalf of the employees, “to a wonderful fund and to thank all the volunteers.”

The attorneys and staff of Winston & Cashatt lawyers, of Spokane, donated $500, as did an anonymous donor, of Spokane.

The Comes family, of Spokane, sent $400 and a note: “Every child deserves to experience the magic of Christmas morning. Every parent deserves to see that magic light up their child’s face. Merry Christmas to the families of Spokane,” they wrote.

The Inland Northwest Community Foundation, on behalf of Richard and Connie Stacey, sent $400.

The Laborers’ Local No. 238, of Spokane, donated $350.

Claude and Mable Mitson, of Spokane, donated $300, as did Karen and William Mahar, also of Spokane.

Frank Stanek, of Cheney, donated $300 in memory of Frank and Helen Stanek, and Fred and Lucille Hecket.

An anonymous donor, of Spokane, gave $300.

Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Moore, of Spokane, donated $250, as did Mary and George Doran, also of Spokane.

Elizabeth Cavanaugh, of Spokane, donated $250 in memory of her husband, Charles, and daughter, Colleen.

An anonymous donor, of Spokane, gave $250 in honor of the dedicated pre-kindergarten through fifth-grade teachers, para-educators, and support staff at Trent Elementary School in the East Valley School District.

Caldwell Concrete, of Veradale, donated $200.

The American-Italian Club, of Spokane, sent $200 and a note: “We officers and members of the American-Italian club are thankful for our heritage and the opportunities we have had living and working in this community. The enclosed check of $200 is one of the ways we are saying thanks. It gives us comfort to know we are helping those less fortunate. The work you and your volunteers do to deliver much-needed food and toys to needy families is appreciated.”

Frank and Noreen Groh, of Odessa, Wash., donated $200 in memory of Frank and Pauline Groh and C.H. and Lydia Scrupps. An anonymous donor, of Spokane, gave $200 in memory of their parents.

Betty Carroll and family, of Spokane, donated $200 in memory of their family members who are no longer with them. “Each of them always gave to worthy causes,” she wrote.

The staff of the law offices of Douglas, Eden, Phillips, DeRuyter & Stanyer, of Spokane, sent $150 and a note: “This year as the staff of Douglas, Eden, Phillips, DeRuyter & Stanyer pondered what to give the attorneys for Christmas, we were struck with how very blessed we all are. None of the families associated with this firm are wanting for anything that we truly need. Most of us are living with an abundance. It occurred to us that we should aspire to be a blessing to others, especially at this time of year. For that reason, we are choosing to honor our bosses with a gift to the Christmas Fund this year, which is a cause near and dear to their hearts. They have been donating to this fund since the firm’s inception in 1990, and we are glad to join them for this worthwhile tradition,” wrote Suzanne Bretting, Anita Anderson, Sandi Pendleton, Robbie Beyer, Janette Smith and Carla Fischer.

Neil Fitzgerald and Fitzgerald Realtors, of Spokane, donated $155.

The employees of the Sportsman Café, of Spokane, sent $150, “the 15th year the employees have pooled their money and contributed to this fund,” they wrote.

An anonymous donor, of Spokane, gave $150.

The students and owners of Sylvan Learning Centers in Spokane sent $145.20 and a note: “As in years past, students who attend the Sylvan Learning Centers in Spokane have opened up their checkbooks to give to families in our area. This annual event allows them the opportunity to give back to the community in donating portions of their Sylvan tokens to the fund. Ray and Maggie Crawford, the owners match their donations.”

The Bishop’s Guild of the Cathedral of St. John, of Spokane, donated $126.

Stan Burris, of Spokane, donated $100, as did Alma Pearson, Peggy Cunningham, Emily Wilsey, the Covenant Women’s Ministries of First Covenant Church, John and Laurel Dormaier, Ruth Lambert, Jim Haines, Pete and Ruth Clarke, and seven anonymous donors, all of Spokane.

The Meditation Center of Spokane sent $100, as did Phillip Jones and Christina Marino, Dwight Aden, Les Hunt, Daniel and Gail Oehl, and the St. Andrews Guild of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, all of Spokane.

Delbert Spear, of Medical Lake, donated $100, as did Bob and Dorothy Yohe, of Spirit Lake, Idaho; and Beverly Harvey, of Spokane Valley.

Darla and Bob Kidd, of Athol, Idaho, donated $100 in honor of their mother, Maxine F. Malone and in memory of their father, Richard B. Malone.

Fred Christ, of Spokane, gave $100 in memory of Margie Keefe. Ron and Dora England, of Nine Mile Falls, donated $100 in memory of Ron’s mom Novella England and Dora’s son, Steve LeMay. John and Elizabeth Mertens, of Spokane Valley, gave $100 in lieu of family gifts.

Michelle, Chris, Tiffany, Jessica, Ted and MaKaya, of Veradale, donated $100 in memory of their Grandpa PT.

T.J. and Sue Stewart, of Liberty Lake, sent $75. In lieu of gifts, the staff at the Thomas M. Patrick CPA, P.S., office donated $75.

Wil and Edna Karjalahti, of Spokane, donated $50, as did John and Margee Webster, Stephen and Frances Menzel, Christopher and Karen Sherfey, Debra Dahl, Jay and Janette Rudd, John and Jacquelin Richardson, Nichole and Matt Pfeifer, Barbara Williams, Melvin and Gloria McCuddin, Ken and Linda Leyde, William and Catherine Rafferty, Mike Prager, and eight anonymous donors, all of Spokane. An anonymous donor, of Veradale, gave $50.

Peggy, Joe, Ashley, Kyle and Justin King, of Spangle, Wash., sent $50 in memory of Papa Eberly and in honor of their grandmother, Peggy Eberly.

Robert and Susan Anselmo, of Spokane, donated $50 in memory of their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph M. Anselmo, and Mr. and Mrs. Walter N. Speltz.

Barbara Olson, of Spokane, gave $50 in memory of John and Liz Little.

Norma Macarthur, of Poulsbo, Wash., donated $50 in memory of the Mellick family.

James Hitter, of Liberty Lake, gave $50 in memory of his good friend and fellow Kiwanian Bob Alexander. Bruce Backus and family, of Liberty Lake, donated $50 in memory of James E. Clark, Les Backus, Dusty Dutt, Don Barnhouse and Scott Gardner. An anonymous donor, of Cheney, gave $50 in memory of Frances Risdon.

Donald and Julie Peck, of Medical Lake, donated $50.

Allison Powell donated $48.25 through PayPal, as did Paul Downs.

Bill and Virginia Ramshaw, of Nine Mile Falls, donated $40 in honor of their daughter, Amanda. “Our 14-year-old daughter loves Christmas. She has become aware there are people less fortunate than herself,” they wrote. “This year she asked that we give her fewer gifts and instead use the money to help someone else have a brighter Christmas.”

An anonymous donor, of Spokane, sent $40 and a note: “Dear Christmas elves: My sisters and I don’t exchange gifts anymore. Instead we give to various Christmas funds. I read in yesterday’s paper that you really need a lot of donations to meet your goal. It’s not much, but it will get you closer.”

The Wild Women Investment Club, of Spokane, donated $33.50.

Donna Kuest, of Spokane, donated $30. Yvonne Yim, of Spokane Valley, donated $30 in memory of Uncle Leo, who passed away recently.

Donald Bolling donated $25.92 through PayPal.

Ted and Louise Otto, of Cheney, donated $25, as did two anonymous donors, both from Spokane. Doris Matsch, of Spokane, sent $25 in honor of Dorothy Powers, who started this fund many years ago.

Ralph Walter, of Spokane, gave $25 in memory of Carol Walter.

An anonymous donor, of Spokane, sent $20.07.

Gary and Cheryl Allen, of Spokane, donated $20, as did Kenneth and Jill Severns, Peggy Dickmann and Theresea Steeber, AIS Inc., Express Personnel Services, and an anonymous donor, all of Spokane; and an anonymous donor, of Greenacres.

Marilyn Gray, of Clarkston, Wash., donated $10.