Untitled Page

Alcoa supports ReUse Works with grant
Alcoa Intalco Works recently awarded ReUse Works a $5,000 grant through the Alcoa Foundation to help launch its “Jobs from the Waste Stream Project.” The grant provides seed funding for ReUse Works’ appliance recovery project, a job training enterprise that salvages, repairs and sells major home appliances.
During the grant period, ReUse Works will divert 200,000 pounds of appliances from the waste stream to be repaired, cleaned and sold to low-income families. The project will also provide more than 20,000 hours of on the job training for Bellingham Technical College students and worker trainees in the Community Jobs Program.
“By using waste as source material to provide a needed commodity for low income consumers, while providing job training, really is a win-win endeavor. It’s good for the environment and it’s a locally sustainable business.” said ReUse Works Executive Director Duane Jager. “We are grateful to the Alcoa Foundation for investing in this new concept.”
In addition to Alcoa’s award, ReUse Works has received start up funding from the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, Russell Family Foundation, Horizons Foundation, Harvest Foundation, Dudley Foundation, Whatcom Community Foundation, and Whatcom County Public Works.

Island County volunteers recognized by state
Two Beach Watchers contingents from Island County were recognized as top volunteer groups by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission.
The Washington State University Beach Watchers of Island County and the WSU Beach Watchers of Camano Island received awards from State Parks Director Rex Derr in a ceremony under the dome at the Capitol.
The Beach Watchers’ 250 volunteers in Island County educate the public at local parks.
Don Meehan, the Washington State University extension agent for Island County, said volunteers receive 100 hours of training in everything from “the tops of mountains to the depths of marine waters” so that they can teach the public about beach etiquette and inter-tidal life. The group has more than 450 volunteers in seven counties in north Puget Sound.

Moss Adams Foundation makes donation to WWU
The Moss Adams Foundation has matched employee and partner contributions for its second donation, this time for $43,000, for the Foundation’s newest endowment with Western Washington University (WWU). This new endowment will provide funds for facility summer research projects. The first Moss Adams Foundation endowment fund reached its goal of $100,000 and funds on-going accounting department initiatives at WWU.
“In three out of the past four years, Moss Adams has hired more WWU graduates than from any other college or university. We are committed to the university and the quality education they provide,” stated Foundation Chairman and WWU alumnus Russ Wilson.
The Moss Adams Foundation contributes to universities and non-profit organizations for the purpose of promoting the accounting profession, education, arts, social, health and youth services.

Womencare gala raises more than $50,000
Whatcom County area businesses and individuals came together in February to raise more than $52,000 to support Womencare Shelter’s 24-hour emergency domestic violence shelter services.
Event organizer Amy Zender said, “It was very heartwarming to see so many people having a great time to raise funds for a serious cause, domestic violence. Everyone was touched by the courage of our guest speaker and the generosity just poured forth. We thank the over 300 area businesses who so generously donated to our live and silent auction to show their show of support for Whatcom County’s only domestic violence shelter.”
Event sponsors were Bay City Financial, Bellingham Golf and Country Club, Community Food Co-op, Favinger Plumbing, First American Title, Homequest, Les Schwab Tire, St. Joseph Hospital, Wal-Mart, Windermere Real Estate, Vine Designs and Copy Source.

Grant presented to Habitat for Humanity-Whatcom County
Carl Angell, an Allstate agent in Bellingham, received the Agency Hands in the Community award for his commitment to volunteering in the community. With this award comes a $500 grant from The Allstate Foundation for the Habitat for Humanity-Whatcom County where Angell volunteers.
Through the “Agency Hands in the Community” grant program, Allstate agents and financial specialists are recognized for outstanding commitment to community service with a $500 donation to the charitable organization where they volunteer. To qualify for the grant, agents must show evidence of volunteer work that has had a positive impact on the local community.

Haggen customers donate $50,371 to MS Society
Shoppers at Haggen Food & Pharmacy stores bought thousands of sneakers March 1-14 to help those afflicted by multiple sclerosis, who often have difficulty running.
Customers purchased paper sneakers, available at checkout lines for a donation of $1 apiece, at Haggen and TOP Food & Drug stores in the Pacific Northwest. The Barkley Village store in Bellingham led all Haggen locations with $3,406 in donations.
Haggen, Inc. is forwarding the total donations of $50,371 to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, which provides support for those living with MS and raises research funds to find a cause and cure for the disease.
“We were amazed by the generosity of our customers, especially since this is the first year we’ve participated in the MS Sneakers program,” Haggen spokesperson Becky Skaggs said. “Many of our crew members and customers know someone battling MS and wanted to show their support.”

WECU donates equipment to local companies
Whatcom Educational Credit Union recently donated gently used equipment to the following non-profit organizations: A fax-machine to Max Higbee Center; a copier to Scientology Mission of Bellingham; and computers to the Sound Essence, Evergreen Aids Foundation, Mt. Baker BEST, Computers for Kids in Need, and Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center.
As a member of Sustainable Connections, WECU believes in directly recycling equipment through our connections to local non-profits. With nine branches in Whatcom county and more than 40,000 members, WECU is Whatcom County’s largest member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative, now serving all residents of Whatcom County.

TRIO program receives donation from Fidalgo Networking
For the second year in a row, the TRIO Student Support Services Program at Skagit Valley College has received a donation of one year of Internet service from Fidalgo Networking and David S. Fisher, chief executive administrator. The gift, valued at more than $3,000, is being used to enhance laptop computers that TRIO students can borrow, providing them with important computer access and Internet connectivity.
“TRIO provides the doors of opportunity for students who may be the first in their family to pursue higher education,” said Kim Requa, director of SVC’s TRIO program. “Many of our students lack access to computers and the Internet outside of the college environment. By providing this critical access, their opportunities for success are greatly enhanced.”
The TRIO Program at SVC is a federal program that provides comprehensive academic and counseling support to first generation and low-income students and students with disabilities to help them excel in college, graduate and transfer to a four-year university.

Home Show recycles 140 pounds of bottles, cans
Visitors to the Home and Garden Show in Lynden in March recycled 140 pounds of plastic bottles and aluminum cans. Vendors at the site recycled nearly 30 cubic yards of cardboard, too.
The bottle and can collection was part of a new “Event Recycling” program coordinated by RE Sources, with funding from the Whatcom County Solid Waste Division.
“We exceeded our goal for collecting recyclable containers at the show this year, thanks to the help of volunteers,” says RE Sources Special Projects Coordinator Lisa Friend. Recycling at last year’s Home and Garden show netted 60 pounds of containers; this year’s goal was 120 pounds.
The collected aluminum and plastic will be recycled into new aluminum cans, plastic carpet and polyester fleece garments.

WSO to donate piccolo
The Whatcom Symphony Orchestra (WSO) will be giving a scholarship piccolo to a Whatcom County student. The instrument was donated by the Buchanan family in memory of Beverly Buchanan, the symphony’s piccolo player for 13 years. Buchanan passed away last spring after a brief illness.
The giveaway will launch a new instrument loan program sponsored by the WSO. This program will loan quality instruments to local, talented, young musicians. The program will focus on instruments that are difficult to rent or expensive to purchase. Whatcom County students under the age of 25 are eligible.
Money for the program was raised by WSO musicians last fall. The city of Bellingham recently matched the funds with a grant. The symphony will be able to start the program with a piccolo, oboe, French horn and violin. Each year a chamber concert will be held to continue to raise money to purchase new instruments and maintain current ones.

Alcoa supports ReUse Works with grant Alcoa Intalco Works recently awarded ReUse Works a $5,000 grant through the Alcoa Foundation to help launch its “Jobs from the Waste Stream Project.” The grant provides seed funding for ReUse Works’ appliance recovery project, a job training enterprise that salvages, repairs and sells major home appliances. During the grant period, ReUse Works will divert 200,000 pounds of appliances from the waste stream to be repaired, cleaned and sold to low-income families. The project will also provide more than 20,000 hours of on the job training for Bellingham Technical College students and worker trainees in the Community Jobs Program. “By using waste as source material to provide a needed commodity for low income consumers, while providing job training, really is a win-win endeavor. It’s good for the environment and it’s a locally sustainable business.” said ReUse Works Executive Director Duane Jager. “We are grateful to the Alcoa Foundation for investing in this new concept.” In addition to Alcoa’s award, ReUse Works has received start up funding from the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, Russell Family Foundation, Horizons Foundation, Harvest Foundation, Dudley Foundation, Whatcom Community Foundation, and Whatcom County Public Works. Island County volunteers recognized by state Two Beach Watchers contingents from Island County were recognized as top volunteer groups by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. The Washington State University Beach Watchers of Island County and the WSU Beach Watchers of Camano Island received awards from State Parks Director Rex Derr in a ceremony under the dome at the Capitol. The Beach Watchers’ 250 volunteers in Island County educate the public at local parks. Don Meehan, the Washington State University extension agent for Island County, said volunteers receive 100 hours of training in everything from “the tops of mountains to the depths of marine waters” so that they can teach the public about beach etiquette and inter-tidal life. The group has more than 450 volunteers in seven counties in north Puget Sound. Moss Adams Foundation makes donation to WWU The Moss Adams Foundation has matched employee and partner contributions for its second donation, this time for $43,000, for the Foundation’s newest endowment with Western Washington University (WWU). This new endowment will provide funds for facility summer research projects. The first Moss Adams Foundation endowment fund reached its goal of $100,000 and funds on-going accounting department initiatives at WWU. “In three out of the past four years, Moss Adams has hired more WWU graduates than from any other college or university. We are committed to the university and the quality education they provide,” stated Foundation Chairman and WWU alumnus Russ Wilson. The Moss Adams Foundation contributes to universities and non-profit organizations for the purpose of promoting the accounting profession, education, arts, social, health and youth services. Womencare gala raises more than $50,000 Whatcom County area businesses and individuals came together in February to raise more than $52,000 to support Womencare Shelter’s 24-hour emergency domestic violence shelter services. Event organizer Amy Zender said, “It was very heartwarming to see so many people having a great time to raise funds for a serious cause, domestic violence. Everyone was touched by the courage of our guest speaker and the generosity just poured forth. We thank the over 300 area businesses who so generously donated to our live and silent auction to show their show of support for Whatcom County’s only domestic violence shelter.” Event sponsors were Bay City Financial, Bellingham Golf and Country Club, Community Food Co-op, Favinger Plumbing, First American Title, Homequest, Les Schwab Tire, St. Joseph Hospital, Wal-Mart, Windermere Real Estate, Vine Designs and Copy Source. Grant presented to Habitat for Humanity-Whatcom County Carl Angell, an Allstate agent in Bellingham, received the Agency Hands in the Community award for his commitment to volunteering in the community. With this award comes a $500 grant from The Allstate Foundation for the Habitat for Humanity-Whatcom County where Angell volunteers. Through the “Agency Hands in the Community” grant program, Allstate agents and financial specialists are recognized for outstanding commitment to community service with a $500 donation to the charitable organization where they volunteer. To qualify for the grant, agents must show evidence of volunteer work that has had a positive impact on the local community. Haggen customers donate $50,371 to MS Society Shoppers at Haggen Food & Pharmacy stores bought thousands of sneakers March 1-14 to help those afflicted by multiple sclerosis, who often have difficulty running. Customers purchased paper sneakers, available at checkout lines for a donation of $1 apiece, at Haggen and TOP Food & Drug stores in the Pacific Northwest. The Barkley Village store in Bellingham led all Haggen locations with $3,406 in donations. Haggen, Inc. is forwarding the total donations of $50,371 to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, which provides support for those living with MS and raises research funds to find a cause and cure for the disease. “We were amazed by the generosity of our customers, especially since this is the first year we’ve participated in the MS Sneakers program,” Haggen spokesperson Becky Skaggs said. “Many of our crew members and customers know someone battling MS and wanted to show their support.” WECU donates equipment to local companies Whatcom Educational Credit Union recently donated gently used equipment to the following non-profit organizations: A fax-machine to Max Higbee Center; a copier to Scientology Mission of Bellingham; and computers to the Sound Essence, Evergreen Aids Foundation, Mt. Baker BEST, Computers for Kids in Need, and Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center. As a member of Sustainable Connections, WECU believes in directly recycling equipment through our connections to local non-profits. With nine branches in Whatcom county and more than 40,000 members, WECU is Whatcom County’s largest member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative, now serving all residents of Whatcom County. TRIO program receives donation from Fidalgo Networking For the second year in a row, the TRIO Student Support Services Program at Skagit Valley College has received a donation of one year of Internet service from Fidalgo Networking and David S. Fisher, chief executive administrator. The gift, valued at more than $3,000, is being used to enhance laptop computers that TRIO students can borrow, providing them with important computer access and Internet connectivity. “TRIO provides the doors of opportunity for students who may be the first in their family to pursue higher education,” said Kim Requa, director of SVC’s TRIO program. “Many of our students lack access to computers and the Internet outside of the college environment. By providing this critical access, their opportunities for success are greatly enhanced.” The TRIO Program at SVC is a federal program that provides comprehensive academic and counseling support to first generation and low-income students and students with disabilities to help them excel in college, graduate and transfer to a four-year university. Home Show recycles 140 pounds of bottles, cans Visitors to the Home and Garden Show in Lynden in March recycled 140 pounds of plastic bottles and aluminum cans. Vendors at the site recycled nearly 30 cubic yards of cardboard, too. The bottle and can collection was part of a new “Event Recycling” program coordinated by RE Sources, with funding from the Whatcom County Solid Waste Division. “We exceeded our goal for collecting recyclable containers at the show this year, thanks to the help of volunteers,” says RE Sources Special Projects Coordinator Lisa Friend. Recycling at last year’s Home and Garden show netted 60 pounds of containers; this year’s goal was 120 pounds. The collected aluminum and plastic will be recycled into new aluminum cans, plastic carpet and polyester fleece garments. WSO to donate piccolo The Whatcom Symphony Orchestra (WSO) will be giving a scholarship piccolo to a Whatcom County student. The instrument was donated by the Buchanan family in memory of Beverly Buchanan, the symphony’s piccolo player for 13 years. Buchanan passed away last spring after a brief illness. The giveaway will launch a new instrument loan program sponsored by the WSO. This program will loan quality instruments to local, talented, young musicians. The program will focus on instruments that are difficult to rent or expensive to purchase. Whatcom County students under the age of 25 are eligible. Money for the program was raised by WSO musicians last fall. The city of Bellingham recently matched the funds with a grant. The symphony will be able to start the program with a piccolo, oboe, French horn and violin. Each year a chamber concert will be held to continue to raise money to purchase new instruments and maintain current ones.
Back to Content Page