GRAYS HARBOR COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

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STORIES

We learn and share the things which are most important in our lives by hearing and telling stories.  Each of us has at least one story which changed our mind, shaped our heart, or stirred us to action.

This is a wonderful fact about our lives.  It is a gift to be treasured, a gift that would be mourned if it were ever lost.

The stories we aim to tell here are stories about what it means to give.  The heart of philanthropy, we are sure, is best communicated not in terms of numbers, dollars and the bottom line, but in terms of lives changed, hearts opened and communities transformed. 

GIFTS GIVEN

No community foundation would exist were it not for the generosity of its supporters.  We tell here just a few of dozens of donors' stories.

  • Marian J. Weatherwax created designated funds for five community non-profits in her estate in 20077.  These endowment funds will provide a significant level of support on an annual basis, in perpetuity.     {Read her story}

  • Don and Vera McCaw created a donor-advised fund in 1996 to provide permanent support, year after year, to their favorite local organizations, including Aberdeen United Methodist Church and Grays Harbor College Foundation.  Today, years after the McCaws' deaths, their fund keeps quietly giving.    {Read their story}

  • Lyle Lancaster left his entire estate to the Grays Harbor Community Foundation with a clear goal:  to create a scholarship program for gifted students from Grays Harbor and Pacific counties.    {Read his story}

  • Dr. Robert Mandich was the Valedictorian of his class at Hoquiam High School in 1954.  He received a scholarship to go to college.  He attended the University of Washington and went on to Dental school and a successful career.  On his retirement a few years ago, he decided to give back by creating a four-year scholarship for a top student at Hoquiam.

GIFTS RECEIVED

No community foundation would have reason to exist were it not for the hard work of the local charities and nonprofit organizations who help build our communities.  We tell here a few of our grant recipients' stories.

  • Children whose parents are involved in the Grays Harbor County court system often have no place to go, no local relatives to stay with.  When this is the case they are placed in the Children's Advocacy Center in Montesano.  The center had no playground, so the children were unable to play outside. Thanks partly to a grant from the Community Foundation, the center now has a large, safe, playground with age appropriate equipment for virtually all of the up to 70 children that may be resident or day-stay.       {Read the story}

  • Harbor After School provides a safe place for local middle school students to learn and play after school is over, thanks in part to our support.    {Read their story}

A CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS

We are ourselves a small nonprofit organization without the ability to finish (let alone begin) all of what we'd like to do.  This story page is but one example.  If you would like to volunteer in helping us to compile and compose stories related to our past donors and / or grant recipients, please contact us. 

 

We could also use the help of local photographers and artists interested in helping us improve this website and our other publications.

 

 

An introduction to community foundations

A history of community foundations

What is the Grays Harbor Community Foundation?

Mission

Stories

Grants

Scholarships

Board and staff

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact us

Ways You Can Give:

 

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Grays Harbor Community Foundation is a tax-exempt public charity dedicated to serving the broad needs of Grays Harbor County in Washington State.  We are a member of the Council on Foundations; we have committed ourselves to the National Standards for U.S. community foundations; we are audited annually; and we consider ourselves accountable to the public upon whom we depend for support.

We thank Darrell Westmoreland, Kevin Hong, Ellen Pickell, and the Polson Museum for providing the photographs used in this website.  We'd like to showcase the work of more local photographers and artists on this website and in our publications.  Please contact us if you'd like to help. 

Mail:        707 J Street  |  P.O. Box 615  |  Hoquiam, WA  98550
Email:      info@gh-cf.org
Phone:     360.532.1600
Fax:         360.532.8111
Last modified: 09/26/08