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5.01.08 | Pay It Forward
The 2008 'Pay It Forward' program put the role of philanthropist in the hands of the employees. Awarding a total of $55,000 to 220 randomly selected employees for donation to charities of their choosing. Employees from Modern Machinery, Envirocon, Montana Resources, Montana Rail Link, Washington Corporations, and Coast Engine and Equipment had placed their names in a drawing in early February to receive one of 220, $250 'Giving Cards.' The 'Pay It Forward' program was inspired by the Catherine Ryan Hyde novel and later movie of the same name.
While this grassroots philanthropy effort is now completed, the momentum is strong. "It is our hope that this program will spark other acts of kindness as the year goes on," said Mike Halligan, Executive Director of the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation.
Employees who received the 'Giving Cards' were encouraged to write about how they used their cards on a special web page created for the program. You are invited to read how your fellow employees used this opportunity and see the ripple effect in action.
Please read select stories from the Pay It Forward Program below, or click here to see all the stories submitted by employees of the Washington Companies.
CEECO
"I have chosen to donate to the cancer fund that is set up at the Eagles in Auburn, WA. I am a member of the ladies auxiliary and am amazed by all the volunteering these ladies do to raise money for so many worthy causes. I chose the cancer charity as I have lost many family members to this disease. I hope to help the ladies raise even more by donating my time at the many events that are held throughout the year. Thank you Dennis and Phyllis Washington for giving me the opportunity to help."
Polly Rasar
Branch: Tacoma, WA
Cause: Cancer Fund
Envirocon
"I chose to donate my gift card to the Disabled American Veterans. The DAV provides a multitude of services for the many disabled women and men that have served our country. As someone who has donated to the DAV many times in the past I am thankful to The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation for allowing me to increase my contribution this year/"
Jeff Johnson
Branch: Portland, OR
Cause: Disabled American Veterans
Montana Rail Link
"Richard started this fund 13 or so years ago for MRL employee's children for college. I'm impressed that it is funded by candy and pop machines at MRL yard office in Laurel. Richard continues this fund inspite of personal hardship. This is a testament of what one person can do for their community."
Mark Frickel
Branch: Laurel, MT
Cause: Troy Stutterheim Memorial Scholarship Fund
Modern Machinery
"My giving card went to Lowell & Tami of Missoula who are United States Missionaries that are working to spread the Word of God thru today's youth. All of their finances are raised and are spent on travel, supplies, etc to help them reach youth all over the U.S.They rely on this money to be able to carry out their ministry. Lowell travels to different schools and churches conducting events and speeches for youth (Power Team, etc)."
April LaRocque
Branch: Missoula, MT
Cause: U.S. Missions - Lowell and Tami Hochhalter
Montana Resources
"Thank you so much for allowing us to be a part of the Pay It Forward movement. After visiting with an advocate of Safe Space we decided that our money could have some comfort for little children that are caught in crisis. The families that go to Safe Space often come with just the clothes on their back. We thought we could get pajamas and cocoa for the children. Cuddly pajamas and hot chocolate won't solve bigger issues but they are comforting to someone who is experiencing stressful times. We called Herbergers and asked if they could help us. They were able to give us a deeper discount so that we were able to purchase more than 70 pairs of soft, clean,fun, new pajamas. We got packages of hot cocoa mix and packed them up with the pjs and sent them to Safe Space. Thank you for allowing us to be one rock making many ripples. It is a very powerful experience to help others in desperate need."
Tim Little
Branch: Butte, MT
Cause: Safe Space
Washington Corporations
"My card went to the St. Ignatius Library to help buy new books for the school and public library. There is a lot of power in being able to read and it's never too late to teach someone how. It's kind of wonderful to see an adult read a book for the first time."
Steve Day
Branch: Missoula, MT
Cause: Mission School Library
