Brent Dayton
Johnna Eisenmann
Bill Osborne
Alicia Veselits
I donated my giving card to The Jonah Project. The Jonah Project aims to end sex slavery in the Spokane, Washington area by rescuing, provide safe housing and access to resources for survivors. I hope that through my donation I can help in giving human trafficking survivors the chance to gain freedom and independence.Brian Fuhrmann
Shaun Brown
My card was given to Old Dog Haven.
They are a non kill dog shelter that only take in and care for sick old senior dogs and they also try to find homes for them.
It is a sad epidemic out there because people are abandoning all these old senior dogs because they are sick and need long term medical care which is costly so they are just abandoned and sometimes left for certain death. This shelter takes them in and they utilize donations for medical care and also work with multiple veterinarians to donate there specialties to care for these helpless creatures and try to make the end of their lives as happy and comfortable as they can so this is why for the second time i have chose this same non profit charity as my choice to donate to.
Paul Fauque
Lisa Boyum
Russell Young
She is undergoing chemotherapy at the Children’s Hospital in Colorado.
This donation will help with travel & medical costs.#TeamPaycee: Medical and Travel Fund (go fund me page)Thanks for this great program!!
Kelly Allison
One of my daughters childhood friends husband has cancer. At 22, newly married, going to school … cancer is a huge burden to carry with mounting expenses. I think it is an awesome thing that the foundation gives employees a chance to help young couple like this.
Friends and Family of Josh and Ashlyn,
It’s time to share some unfortunate news.
Josh was diagnosed with testicular cancer on April 19th, 2017, just 10 months into these high school sweethearts marriage. This came as a huge shock considering he was only 21 years old.. Nine days after his initial diagnosis, Josh went into surgery to remove the cancerous right testicle. Recovery was long over the summer due to a lowered and adjusting testosterone level, as well as trying to process what had happened.
On June 2nd, the day before his 22nd birthday, at his 6 week follow-up, he was deemed “cancer-free.” Hurray! Cancer was beat. The worst of it was over, they thought. He was told to continue monitoring with CT scans and blood work every 4 months. His first follow-up scan was scheduled for September.
In mid-September, they finally had an opportunity to go on a delayed honeymoon after his first scan. They were headed to Oregon and on the road about 1.5 hours before they got a call from his urologist with news that they had found 4 nodules in his right lung and to come in for more testing as soon as possible. They continued onto their honeymoon with questions and fear making it hard to fully enjoy.
When they got home, Josh went in for more testing and scans to determine if these nodules were cancerous. Fortunately, the tests came back negative for cancer! But they still weren’t out of the woods.
His 8 month follow up came in January 2018. His scan came back showing the cancer had spread to his retroperitoneal lymph nodes (lymph nodes in the back of the abdomen, near the aorta). After talking to his oncologist, it was decided to move forward with 4 rounds of EP chemotherapy.
Cancer is something you never plan for and never expect to happen to you. It is heartbreaking and just downright hard. With so many uncertainties and questions running through their minds, their days are long and difficult.
As Josh is still in school, Ashlyn is the main financial provider right now, and is unable to afford his treatment. He is also without health insurance, so that increases the financial burden, as well. Although he is a part of a bill-share program, they are reaching the maximum amount quickly. Bills are already piling up from last year’s tests and surgery, and with chemotherapy starting soon, the expenses are going to drown them in debt, leaving them with years paying it off. Up until this point, just in surveillance testing and surgery, they have been billed $70,554.53, but luckily between his bill-share and discounts, most of that has been covered.
Josh is scheduled to start his treatment in the beginning of March. It will include 4 rounds of EP chemotherapy, which will take 3.5 months. This is estimated to cost them $20,000. Along with the burden of this debt he will experience many side effects from the chemo. Some of them are hair loss, weakened immune system, likelihood of losing fertility, along with nausea, vomiting, and others. Josh and Ashlyn have always wanted a family of their own together, and after chemotherapy, the chances of fathering a child is at risk. They are sperm-banking in hopes to have a family someday.
Although this ordeal was and is unexpected and frightening, their faith in Christ has remained solid. These trials will only deepen their faith in our loving, compassionate, and healing God.
Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they begin this journey of beating cancer for the second time. Please also consider donating to help relieve some of the stress they are feeling and burden they carry. Dealing with cancer is stressful enough on its own without having to worry about money.
Thank you so much for your time and love! They will certainly appreciate your generosity. God Bless.
Mary Pheifer
After considering all of the wonderful non-profit organizations located locally here in Missoula, MT. I decided to gift my $500. giving card to Rita E. Pastore – Director of Development at Opportunity Resources Inc. located at 2821 S. Russell St. Missoula, MT 59801.
The Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation has long been a supporter of Special Olympics & I thought contributing to an organization that oversees & helps these special individuals with the day-to-day tasks of daily living useful lives was very appropriate!
I feel their mission statement says it all: Supporting Persons with Disabilities in Enhancing their Quality of Life
The goal is simple: to support our clients in attaining independence in housing, employment, and as many aspects of their daily lives as possible, while providing all of the support services required to achieve that goal.
Thank you so much for enabling me to help them with this worthwhile goal!!
Jackie Blom
I gave my “Pay-it-forward” card to a single Mom that spends time volunteering in our community. Although her resources are limited she tries to set a good example for her girls. Below is the thank you that she sent to me after receiving her gift.
Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation,
Your very generous gift yesterday was a huge blessing to myself and my girls. I want to thank you for the kind thoughts and words expressed on behalf of the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation. My life’s journey has been filled with many roads in all different directions, some detours taught me about those around me, some detours taught me about my inner self. Perhaps when I am at a stronger place in my life, I can share more of this journey. Living in the past is not who I am. All of my energy is given to raising my two girls to be strong, confident women. They are my first and last thought of each day I’m blessed to be on this crazy ride of life. Throughout all of my travels I have tried to pay it forward. Volunteering and giving of myself brings rewards that cannot be measured. “Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” Mark Twain
Thank you,
Bob York
Brian Palmer
Leo McCarthy
I would like to thank the Washington family and the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation for partnered again this year to sponsor the 10th annual Pay It Forward Charitable Giving Program for employees of the U.S.-based Washington Companies.
I was one of the lucky 250 randomly selected employees that receive a $500 Giving Card to use toward my charitable choice.
The charitable choice that I selected and donated the $500 giving card to is a newly hired Montana Resources employee that was injured in a snowboarding accident. The newly hired Montana Resources employee had not been working at Montana Resources long enough to be on the company’s insurance. The employee had broken bones in his upper and lower right leg. He also had to be life-flighted from Anaconda to Missoula. When arriving in Missoula he had undergone a 5-hour surgery and a two night stay at St. Patrick Hospital. The employee is still wheelchair bound at this time and unable to work. It is my belief that the newly hired employee will appreciate the $500 giving card and will put the $500 to help with a speedy recovery.
This is the third year I have been selected for the Pay It Forward Charitable Giving in the last 10 years. I have been a Montana Resources employee for 28 years and I am honored to be affiliated with the Pay It Forward Charitable Giving Program ?
Erik Berry
Chris Seymour
In Bozeman there is a significant amount of kids that don’t have access to meals on the weekends. HRDC, a non-profit in our community, provides a solution called Kid Pack. Each week they pack over 700 backpacks with food for kids to take home on Friday for the weekend. When I heard about this great program I felt compelled to ‘pay it forward’ to them. I stopped by the HRDC office in Bozeman and met with Kim who accepted the donation to be used specifically for Kids Pack. HRDC’s programming and support of those in needs is quite extensive and meets many of our community needs. It was difficult to narrow it down to the Kids Pack program as so many of their programs are worthy of the support. It was a very rewarding experience.Richard Buckley
I would first like to say thank you, to the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, for giving me the opportunity to help-out people in need in my community through the Pay It Forward Charitable Giving Program. Having been through a natural disaster myself, it makes one appreciate the generosity of others, in time of need.
Hurricane Andrew was a Category 5 Atlantic hurricane that struck the Bahamas and Florida in mid-August 1992, the most destructive hurricane to ever hit the state until Hurricane Irma surpassed it 25 years later.
I had the displeasure of riding out Hurricane Andrew and dealing with the after effects of that terrible storm. At the time, I was living in my parents’ home, out in the country. The electricity was the first to go as the storm hit. As the storm passed through our neighborhood the wind and rain intensified, to the point it sounded like a freight train, passing through the center of our house. 25 of our 50 four-story tall pine trees were brought down, crushing anything beneath them. Not being able to run our electric well pump, also meant, no running water. We were without electricity for over a month. You take a lot of common day to day things for granted, such as: bathing, washing your clothes, having air conditioning or just being able to cook a hot meal.
As rough as it was, we fared better than most in our neighborhood. A few of our neighbor lost their roofs and had everything inside, trenched in rain water. The majority of homes around us, were completely destroyed, resembled piles of rubble one would see in a war zone country.
I went to my local Walmart and Fred Myers stores, to maximize the items I wanted to donate. I purchased common household items, such as: blankets, pillows, bath towels, bar soap, laundry detergent, bleach, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, toilet paper, jeans, socks, underwear, dry packaged goods, and can food that have a long shelf life.
The items I donated may not be very exciting, but are always in need and appreciated at homeless shelters and foodbanks.
Jamey Van Doren
I once again was excited when my name was drawn for the card in the pay it forward program. I knew who the card was going to go to when I put my name in for it.
The person I gave the card to again this year is a single mom with two young kids. She still currently gets no child support to help raise her kids. She sometimes has to work long hours at work, just to make extra money to pay bills. She messaged me about a month ago asking if I knew anyone that was hiring for a part time job so she could earn more money. Can you imagine workiing a full time job a partime job just to pay your bills. Plus being the only parent raising your kids. Her house is currently going through a short sale and she will be moving in with her mom or sister as soon as she can.
She couldn’t believe I gave her that card again. She was so excited! The first thing she told me was that she will be able to pay her water bill this month and get a few gifts for her son’s birthday. Which was three days after I gave her the card.
My only request for her using the card was to take her kids out to dinner someplace. A special treat for her and her kids to sit down as a family and enjoy a nice meal together.
Again, thanks to the Dennis and Phyliss Washington Foundation for the pay it forward program. Their generosity allows me to help people I know and gives me the blessing of helping someone in need. Thanks for giving me that opportunity once again.
Edward Diaz
I want to start by saying THANKS, on August 20th 2017 I received a call from my best friend, he said that Felipe Zuluaga, my friend has die, while spending time with family in friends in my best friend house he suffered a heart attack, he was only 40 years old marry and with a beautiful 5 year old daughter. He was the best husband I knew, the best father I knew and the best friend I had. After his passing Claudia his wife was left with lots of debt and a modest job, this is why I am using $300 of this card so she can purchase basic needs, and the remaining I will donate it to St. Jude Hospital, I believe that what they do for kids with cancer is a blessing for families that could not afford treatment for their sick kids.
Once again Thank you for making a difference in people’s life’s. God Bless.
Brent Mueller
Jeffery Brown
I’m fortunate enough to have been a Pay It Forward recipient five times now. Every time I’ve received this incredibly generous honor, I’ve not hesitated in donating the entire sum to the USO. As an Air Force veteran, the USO stood by me in some really awful places without even flinching.
More than just shows for our troops, the USO provides the things you don’t even think of bringing on a forward deployment. Forgot your toothbrush? No problem. Need a calling card to call home when you arrive somewhere in the Middle East? They’ve got those, too. Need a place to rest in a busy airport while traveling? USO has that, too. It’s the smallest things that can mean the most to a deployed troop, and the USO runs entirely on donations of goods, services and money. Without “US”, there’s no USO.
Terry Gustin
We, the members of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, are deeply appreciative to be the recipients of one the Pay It Forward Giving Cards. This contribution is for our Church Mission we started forming in the Fall of 2017 called Rhett’s Closet. We received this Giving Card from Terry Gustin who works for Envirocon.
Rhett’s Closet collects clothing donations for kids from newborn through size 16 and then provide these cloths to families in need. Even though the church mission started in 2017, our story really started in 2012.
Rhett was one of our church members, who shared his heart with those he met and shared his love of Jesus with everyone he met. He was the kind of kid who showed how he cared for others through his actions. When he got to go out on Saturday mornings for donuts and chocolate milk, he always decided to save half to share with his sister. He made friends with someone on every playground he played on. He was always lending a helping hand at his preschool and could greet everyone who walked in the door by name. When someone was having a bad day, he would sit with them, talk and help them see the positive in their situation. This sweet boy, at the age of 5 passed and moved to heaven.
In the wake of his passing, much grieving and healing had to take place but there was always this feeling that more could be done to share with others the type of caring he showed to others on a daily basis. Then one of our church members had the idea to start Rhett’s Closet as our way to give back to others in a big way. We cleared out the space for Rhett’s Closet, installed shelves and rods. Then we started collecting donations.
While we have gotten many donations, there are some things that kids just wear out and are not abundant as donations. The focus of using this Giving Card was to stock the closet with pants and pajamas then fill in on the other great seasonal deals stores are offering now. We were able to pick up 141 items for the closet; which included primarily 31 pajamas, 60 pairs of pants and 23 packages of new underware.
Thank you again for helping us service our community in our mission. For more information about Rhett’s Closet, checkout out website: http://www.shepherdofthehills-rathdrum.org/rhetts-closet
Theresa Beckwith
Paul Richter
I would like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Washington for their generosity which over the many years I have worked for them just seems to grow and make a larger impact on so many people that it touches.
I gave my card to Messiah Lutheran Church in Missoula MT. Messiah contributes to many different programs that it is involved with in the community and some programs reaching around the world to help others. Some of the programs Messiah Lutheran is involved with are assisting with Habitat for Humanity, Missoula Food Bank and Lutheran World Relief.
Thanks again.
Paul Richter
Gregg Cooney
I gave my card to CASA of Missoula. CASA of Missoula provides independent, trained advocates for the best interests of children within the judicial system who are at substantial risk or have experienced abuse or neglect. They provide consistent, long-term advocacy until every child resides in a safe, permanent home. Charity Stubb, the Director of CASA of Missoula, sent me this note saying what they would use the gift car for.
“Hi Gregg,
Thanks again for donating your Pay It Forward gift card to CASA! We are so excited to put these funds to good use. In fact, here’s what we will be using them for:
We are currently training 16 individuals to become new CASA volunteers. We will use the $500 gift card to pay for their manuals ($27/manual) and the rest of the funds will be put toward the cost of background checks (approx. $35 per trainee). This donation from you and the Washington Foundation is extremely beneficial and will help us give a voice to every abused and neglected child in Missoula and Mineral County!”
Justin Thompson
Steve Schurman
Chad Hilmo
Lynda Hahn
First things first. Thank you so much Dennis and Phyllis for this program! It means so much to all of us to be able to give to the charities that we are passionate about.
There were two organizations that I chose this year. The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation is constantly testing for new medicines, cures, and offering programs with people affected by MS. This one was chosen since I, myself, have MS. After being diagnosed it was a very eye opening experience to how many people are affected by this disease. Especially people working within the Washington Companies.
Even though we struggle with little things everyday, there are children who have a much harder battle. So, the second half of the Pay-It-Forward was put towards Camp Make-A-Dream. Children need to have a break from their battles to just be a kid for a little while. This organization focuses on providing a happy experience to them.
Pete Steilman
Dan Peterson
My friend Andrea has been struggling with cancer for a few years and the doctors are still trying to get it under control. She has a new baby and the financial impact on her has been difficult. Here is her more complete story:
https://www.gofundme.com/andreafarquhar
Today, she recieved the gift and here is her response:
From Andrea
Omg! I got my mail after chemo and just passed out! I JUST opened your card and I’m beyond speechless! Thank you and your company so very much! That helps me out so much. Wow, thank you so much! you REALLY didn’t have to give me anything either, so thank you to you and your beautiful wife too, Dan! I can’t say thank you enough!!
It REALLY does. Not being able to work and being forced to live on $1000/ month is bs and crazy. Plus they only give me$90/ month in food stamps.. like really? Do they REALLY think people can survive on that?! I’m beyond thankful for your generous gift … I can’t tell you how much this helps me!
Please let them know how grateful I am that they ran such a sweet contest and that you won and gave it to me. You didn’t have to, and I’m just so grateful to all of you guys!
Thank you to the Washington Foundation in allowing me additional funds to help my friend.
Dan Peterson
Keith Moody
My wife Stacey works for the Idaho Youth Ranch. I knew if I received a card I was going to donate it to one of their programs called Hays House. Here are Stacey’s words about Hays House:
Thank you so much. Your $500 gift card from the Pay it Forward Employee Charitable Giving Program was given to a program of the Idaho Youth Ranch called Hays House. Hays House is Treasure Valleys only 24 hour emergency shelter and support for kids ages 9 to 18 in crisis, on the streets or on their own. Hays is a safe haven. Hays House is here, day or night with a safe, structured, nurturing environment for kids who are runaways, homeless or victims of abuse or neglect. Working with child protective services and local police, Hays provides not only a place to stay, but comfort and therapy for children taken out of their homes. Hays House offers education that includes GED instruction and testing; parent education classes; individual, group and family counseling; as well as referrals to other community resources and support. Hays also operates a 24/7 help line for kids in the Treasure Valley. Idaho Youth Ranch: Promising Futures, one kid at a time.
Thank you to the Washington family and the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation.
Keith Moody
Mike Ungaretti
Thank you for the Pay It Forward Giving Card! Our School was able to purchase two new Chromebooks. These are so beneficial to our technology goals. The kids are enjoying a typing, reading, and math program online. We also bought 4 new children’s dictionaries for our library. Thank you again for your generous gift!All of us at The Way Christian School say Thank You!Keisha Gilbert
Jay Raymond
Karen Frey
To Whom It May Concern,
Thank you for your continued support. Your donation was used to help Carol Viggia Frey. Carol was born with a severe bilateral cleft lip and palate. At the age of two months, Carol began flying from Ketchikan, Alaska to Seattle, Washington to work with a wonderful team of doctors at Seattle Children’s Hospital. She was fitted with a prosthetic mouthpiece that had to be realigned every two weeks until her first surgery at six months old.
Carol, in her eleven years, has already had six major surgeries, with the most current happening in June of 2018. Carol needs to have a second bone graft. Unfortunately, the first bone graft from 2015 was unsuccessful and did not latch to her gum line. She has been fitted with a new retainer and braces with the hope of realigning some teeth and hopefully this next bone graft will help close the gaps that still remain in her mouth.
This donation will be used to help cover some of medical and travel expenses from Carol’s June surgery. While our health insurance covers most of Carol’s medical expenses, there is still a large portion that we are responsible for. Additionally, our insurance unfortunately does not cover the monthly travel costs, such as airline tickets, hotel, and food for our stay in Seattle. This is always a costly expense, especially when traveling from Alaska.
Carol is an amazing young lady who is a very active fifth grader in school and after school sports. She is a leading figure in student council and is a fantastic point player on her basketball team. Carol is also involved with Point Higgins Elementary School Running Club and is on the Ketchikan Killer Whales swim team. In addition, Carol is a fabulous big sister! It has been a continuous financial struggle to find ways to get Carol to Seattle for her monthly appointments. Thankfully we have the support of family and friends who have helped us along the way. Now, for a fourth year, we are so blessed to have the support from members at the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation.
Thank you,
The Frey Family
Tyler Verlanic
I donated my Pay It Forward giving card to a very good friend from my home town of Anaconda. Jake, the recipient of the giving card, went in for a standard mole removal procedure. Everything went well and he went home that day. Later that month he received news that would change everything. Jake was diagnosed stage three Melanoma. Upon further surgery they found a cancer spot on his lung and one of his lymph nodes that needed to be removed, as well as the more around the moles on his head. After surgery he had a decision to make between a skin graph or plastic surgery that would restore his original head shape. Because of the massive dent he would have, he chose reconstructive surgery. The money I gave him will mainly go towards travel expenses. He has been getting injections every two weeks and will continue to do so for the next year and he also has to travel to Salt Lake City every four months for the next five years for treatment.Dena Hamry
I used the giving card to purchase items that were needed for our local animal shelter. I had my children, ages 10 and 6, come along to see what it means to give and help out someone in need. I called the shelter a couple days before and asked them what they were in need of. I made a list and my children and I went out to Walmart and purchased towels, cat litter, wet canned cat food, toys, treats, and small beds for the cats and dogs. We also purchased several blankets for the animals. On our first trip, we literally filled 2 carts heaping full – people were staring and making comments. One lady even went so far as to stop us to explain how that much cat litter would last a cat a lifetime. I had to explain to her and other in the store that we were shopping for the Shelter. It was rather fun!
When we got all the items into the back of my car my children had to squeeze into their seats, as there wasn’t much room left. Thankfully it is a short ride to our shelter.
We went into the shelter and all I told them was that I had a donation for them and I needed help unloading it. The employees were astonished to see so much stuff!
After we finished delivering all the items , my oldest told me that he felt “very good inside” helping the animals of our community.
Jeff Meyer
I donated the gift card to the Warriors and Quiet Waters Foundation. It is a foundation located in Bozeman committed to providing positive change in the lives of post 9/11 combat veterans. The Foundation uses the serenity of Montana for therapeutic experiences such as fly fishing. They have been doing this since 2007. Their is only one chapter in the country, this ensures a high quality of service to veterans.
Thank you Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation
Jeff Meyer
Rob Wiloth
It is with great pride and happiness that I was able to pay it forward to my father in law, Mel’s Custom Designs. My father in law Mel Realsecker lost his woodworking shop to a fire in November 2017. This shop was not only an income for the family but also Mel’s sanctuary, woodworking helped him get through cancer and he loves working with his hands. Paying it forward will help resupply his shop with tools and much needed equipment.Thank you
Rob Wiloth
Thor Loftsgaard
Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Washington for allowing the employees to give these gifts where we see the need. The $500 that I received was given to the local Ronald McDonald House in Billings. My family was a guest at the Ronald McDonald House 13 years ago, and I cannot imagine going through our situation without the support and care that they provide to families who have children that are battling for their lives.
A note from the Director:
On behalf of the Ronald McDonald House of Billings, we would like to thank you for your donation of a $500 gift card.
Here at the Ronald McDonald House we are privileged to offer a special oasis and a critical part of the healing process for ill children being treated at nearby hospitals. It is a unique blend of care, comfort, and support, making it possible for our guest families to cope with very traumatic and stressful situations involving medical treatment for their child.
This is the “house that love built” and we exist because you and others like you generously take the time and make the effort to share. Over the past thirty-two years, the Ronald McDonald House of Billings has served over 15,000 families from throughout Montana and beyond. Our guest families are so very appreciative of the House and those who make it possible.
We thank you for being a part of the Ronald McDonald House family.
Thank you again for your continued generosity and allowing us as employees to share these gifts.
Matthew Mozingo
I decided to give the Pay-It-Forward gift card to Clint and Tasha Stone of Conrad, MT. Clint, Tasha and their family have been caring for their son Allen’s medical needs since their son nearly drown in Delmoe Lake near Homestake Pass on July 22, 2016. Before his son’s accident I personally did not know Clint Stone besides meeting him a couple times at church functions. After Clint pulled his son out of the lake, I and a couple friends helped with CPR on Allen until the paramedics got there about 40 minutes later (due to the remote location). This affected me personally and I have since been praying for and closely following Clint and his family’s progress since.
After Allen’s accident, he spent another 5 months at the hospital and then has been able to go home after a court battle to allow his parents to provide their God given right to care for him. Allen has been in a coma since his accident and he remains on a ventilator but he shows signs of healing, such as breathing on his own occasionally, eye movements, and other small limb movements. The Stone family continues to do their very best in providing for Allen’s care while Clint works from home as dad, Tasha watches over Allen day and night as mom, and the rest of the children work together and are homeschooled. Allen’s near drowning accident has changed their whole life as they knew it before but they have become stronger together. As you can expect, they face serious financial burdens due to the cost of Allen’s care and many doctor’s and nurse’s visits. While they do all they can to pay the bills there is still a great need and they appreciate any help. For this reason, I decided to give them the Pay-It-Forward gift card. Allen’s mom, Tasha Stone says, “Thanks again and so much, this is such a HUGE help with his supplies! All of this (see picture) will last a few months so it helps out tremendously.”
Tracy Lane
My card was used to help out a non-profit and an individual.
The 4C’s is an organization that helps out with a lot of child care costs for low-income families. They also put on a bunch of parenting classes, have Christmas parties with Santa for the kids, and numerous other events. I offered to help them with the card I was given and they asked if I could get them some gas cards that they could hand out to families needing help getting to and from appointments. I thought that was great idea! It was a pay it forward from us and then they paid it forward to others. There was still 250.00 left after I purchased the gas cards. I was not sure yet what I was going to with the rest. My husband said “Don’t worry, it will come to you” Great advise by the way. It was about 3 days later when a lady that works at an establishment we frequent, was telling me about her son and his diagnosis. She was crying as he was struggling paying for prescriptions plus had a new baby on the way. I gave the card to her to give to her son. She cried and thanked me.
Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to be a part of paying it forward.
Christian Menjivar
John Dunning
Steven Smith
I gave the card to my daughters travel softball team to use towards new equipment, uniforms, practice facilities in the winter, or anything the coach felt they needed. The team will play tournaments in Washington, Idaho, Montana, and the ASA World Series in Park City,Utah.
Thanks for supporting our community!
Faron Stevens
I can’t thank you all enough for this! My husband broke his leg badly and with a snap of well … his leg, we were drowning in medical bills and out our main source of income. With this gift card we were able to purchase groceries when we had nothing left in the bank as well as pay our electric for two months! Took a huge weight off our shoulders to take some bills off our plate for a month or two!! What an amazing program and I have amazing family who think of me in our time of need!! I will do my very best to pay it forward!
Kayla Gehrke
Gustin Lombardi
Zanae Bates
I ended up splitting my card two ways. I gave $100.00 to Acadia to help purchase birthday/Easter presents for children that are there without family members. I gave the remaining money to a family friend that helped my family out in a time of need. My family was in Las Vegas during the Rt 91 country concert during the mass shooting. We ran from the festival about 7 miles down the strip to try to get safety every location we entered they had said their were more active shooters. We had called a family friend that was attending college in Vegas to come get us he took us to his apartment for the night, and then back to our hotel to pick up our belongings to get to airport. He needed new brakes and rotators on his car so hadn’t been driving it, but in our dire need he drove to pick us up. So I felt like I could help him out like he helped my family buy lessening his burden of cost at the shop he owed money to. Thank you for letting me have this opportunity to help him out and make his life a little easier.
Zanae Bates
Jason Howe
Kerrie Simmonds
First I want to say thank you so much for the opportunity to help those in need. I am blessed to work for a company that gives the way Modern Machinery does.
I donated my Pay It Forward card to a family friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer. She is a single person that works very hard with her own business as well as other part time jobs to make ends meet. After her diagnosis, she had to have a total mastectomy. She was not able to work for 6 weeks and even after that it was only light duty which made it hard for her to do her job and make money. Her insurance did not pay much and she had some outstanding bills that were going to be turned over to a collection agency. With the giving card, I was able to pay the largest one keeping it from going to collections. She is very, very grateful. She cried happy tears and said “Thank you” many times over.
Thank you again for giving me the opportunity to help her. I too am grateful.
Michael Estess
My wife and I have been rescuing animals since the 1990’s and feel very strongly about their protection and care. This seems to have rubbed off on our Granddaughter. She has her own business grooming and boarding. This past year she was appointed the head of the Webster Parish Humane Society. I passed it forward to the Humane Society.Rebecca Martel
Kevin Zard
Jason Zimmerman
Jason Zimmerman received one of the “pay it forward” grants and as his act of charity to our community, he presented his “pay it forward” grant to Corinthian Lodge #72 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons in Laurel Montana, for us to use towards our “Bikes for Books” reading program that we sponsor in the Laurel and Park City Schools each year.
The Schools run the program and Corinthian Lodge #72 donates the awards to be given out to the students who either read the most or show the greatest improvement in their reading ability. Corinthian Lodge #72 usually donates 4 bicycles along with safety helmets to Laurels 1st and 2nd grades and up to 20 Kindles to Laurels 3rd and 4th grades and Park City grades K thru 4.
The Corinthian Lodge #72 “Bikes for Books” program is run totally on donations collected throughout the year and this year was looking a little tight until Jason contacted me and asked if we could use this “Pay it forward” grant. It was accepted, of course, and with this grant, we were able to purchase all 4 of the bikes as well as the gift cards for the winning students to buy a safety helmet that fits them correctly. Because the cost of the bikes were so generously taken off our plate, we were able to provide the 20 Kindles to the other grades and schools as we were hoping.
When the bikes are awarded to the students at the end of the school year, I will personally make certain that the school and the students, know who helped make these awards possible this year. There are not any better words, so I will just say thank you! Thank you to the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation for starting this “pay it forward” program and thank you to Jason Zimmerman for thinking of us to pay it forward to.
Respectfully submitted,
Dan Koch Jr, Bikes for Books Chairman
Marc Seitz
I chose the Missoula Catholic School Program.
Growing up in Missoula, i am very aware of the good that comes from the Missoula Catholic School Programs. I have been involved with the program in many different ways throughout the years. I know this money will be put to good use whether it is used for tuition assistance, books for the libraries, or new equipment for the Loyola Sacred Heart football team.
Go Rams!
Thank you,
Marc Seitz
Ray Nyman
My son is a volunteer firefighter for Spokane County Fire District 3. From 2014 through 2017 he has participated in the Scott Firefighter Stairclimb to help raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The Stairclimb is limited to 2000 participants, who must climb to the top of Seattle’s Columbia Center, in full turnout or “bunker gear”, with SCBA masks on.
Normally I would donate in my son’s name, however, this year he was unable to participate due to a prior commitment.
So this year I used the Pay It Forward card as a direct donation to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society through the Scott Stairclimb Challenge.
Here is more about the event.
The Scott Firefighter Stairclimb is the world’s largest on-air stair climb competition. At 788 feet of vertical elevation, the Columbia Center in downtown Seattle stands as the second tallest building west of the Mississippi, and the tallest in Seattle. It takes 69 flights of stairs and 1,356 steps to reach the highly acclaimed observation deck overlooking the city. The money we raise through sponsorships, individual and department fundraising, and entry fees directly supports the mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. This consistently sold-out event is the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s annual fundraiser open solely to firefighters who must compete in full structural turnout gear while on-air. Completing the climb is a physical triumph in itself, but it is also symbolic of, yet pales in comparison to, the strenuous journey that blood cancer patients endure. As firefighters race to the top of the tower, they keep in mind that every step forward is representative of moving toward finding a cure for all those battling this terrible disease. In 2018, the event featured 2,000 firefighters from over 330 different departments and 8 countries. In 2017, this group of phenomenal climbers brought in a record $2.4 million for blood cancer research and patient services.
To date, LLS has invested over $1 billion to develop cancer therapies and advance the production and application of many drug treatments. Now in its 27th year, this event has raised over $15 million for LLS. We are continually astounded by the passion this community brings to this campaign, and are excited to aim for our 2018 fundraising goal of $2.65 million!
Mel Erhart
• Delivers water rations for drinking and showering
• Provides food for families living in extreme poverty
• Covers medical expenses like doctor’s visits and surgeries
• Offers life-saving vaccinations
• Donates supplies for schoolrooms and workshops
• Purchases equipment and furniture for Child Development Centers
• Supports counseling for children who’ve experienced traumatic events
Donations to Compassion’s Where Most Needed fund may also provide resources necessary to accomplish our mission – including personnel, materials, buildings, and equipment. Your tax-deductible donation is stewarded by Compassion to provide for children around the world in immediate need.
Dave Hash
Jason Herynk
DeliverFund is a registered 501c3 organization based in Bozeman whose team is composed of individuals from the US Special Operations and Intelligence communities. Collectively they have decades of experience understanding and dismantling illicit groups around the world. DeliverFund has redirected their training and expertise in counterterrorism to combat the prolific problem of human trafficking in the United States. DeliverFund partners with law enforcement to provide the additional data needed to do their jobs by outlining strategic intelligence opportunities increasing their success rate arresting traffickers and freeing victims.Kyle Viste
Anne Marvin
I decided to give this gift to the Humane Society of the United States. We are very fortunate in Missoula to have a lot of support for our local Human Society. I realize this isn’t always the case across the entire US. Here is a quote from the HSUS website. “Founded in 1954, the Humane Society of the United States fights the big fights to end suffering for all animals, not just dogs and cats. We work to stop large-scale cruelties such as animal fighting, puppy mills, factory farming and the wildlife trade. Along with our supporters and volunteers, we work to pass anti-cruelty laws, end the extreme confinement of farm animals in cages, stop cosmetics testing on animals, halt cruelty to wildlife and bring veterinary services to pets in underserved communities. Along with our affiliates, we care for more than 100,000 animals each year through our rescue teams, sanctuaries and wildlife centers. ”
Animals are not able to speak for themselves and I really do trust that the HSUS will use this money where it is most needed. Thanks for the opportunity to give and help animals all over the US.
Chris Johnson
Josh Buchheit
I gave the whole amount to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital. I’ve always been a big supporter of St. Jude’s due to their cause. They are one of the few charities where all the money goes towards research or care for the patients and family. I have know several families that have been a part of St. Jude’s due to their children having cancer. Even though some of the children didn’t beat the cancer that was affecting them some did and St. Jude’s helped their family during and after the care. With the increasing costs of medical care the proper treatment for diseases go undiagnosed or untreated. Due to the donations to St. Jude families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food so the family can focus on helping their child live.
Along with the donation that the Dennis & Phyllis Washington foundation allowed me to give St. Jude, I also matched the donation out of my own funds.
Children are precious, we need to protect them.
Tim Shields
Nina Lund
I gave the giving card to a Sales Representative of a retail store we frequent. Her active 20ish year old son became a paraplegic following a tragic dirt bike accident last summer. While he survived the accident, she was distraught this past winter for his mental well-being. We saw her recently and were informed that he is much better and at the time of the drawing we decided to give the donation to them. He has purchased an apparatus for his wheel chair which will allow him to be more mobile. We received beautiful thank you notes, Which I will share with the company. Pay It Forward is truly a wonderful, wonderful and spiritual gift. Thank you!Terry Posio
Brian Munis
Tom Kloker
John D’Antuono
Thank you Washington Foundation for your generosity with the Pay It Forward card. The recipient of your benevolence was bestowed to the Bitterroot Land Trust.
The Bitter Root Land Trust is an organization that works in partnership with landowners to conserve natural areas, agricultural lands, wildlife habitat, and scenic open space in and around the Bitterroot Valley for the benefit of today and future generations.
The Land Trust was very appreciative of the support in making their good work possible in protecting the Bitterroot Valley’s heritage for all to enjoy.
Kreg Cotton
I chose to give my card to the Aldersgate United Methodist Church ladies. They went to JoAnn fabric store here in Butte. They used a coupon and shopped the sales, and were able to buy $792.00 worth of fabric for only $384.75! The other $115 was used to buy the batting for the quilts. With these supplies they will be able to make and donate 35+ small quilts and blankets for kids that are sick or hurt at St. James.Peter Trunkle
I gave my card to my dad as he’s 91, and he used his card to give to Benifis Hospice Care in care of my Mom who was there for 6 months. He was a bit confused as how to use the card, and wrote a check to Hospice for $500.00. As I later found out, and explained more, he uses the card for medical expense now.
We as a family are overwhelmed for the care we gotten for my mom as she was there in Hospice. The money we received from the Washington Foundation was very greatfull and thoughtful. Something we will never forget.
Many Thanks for this Foundation!
Love Pete Trunkle and Family.
Cole Warnick
Suzan Krzyzanowski
I am blessed to have been selected to “Pay it Forward”. I knew I was very interested in giving to children, I just wasn’t sure where it could be most beneficial. I was sharing this with a co-worker, she came back to me with knowledge that the grade school her son and my granddaughter attend has a lot of bad debt with the school hot lunch program. This is where I decided to give.
I explained to the school that the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation has “The Pay It Forward Charitable Giving Program” and I had been selected to give a gift card to an organization of my choice and I chose them, specifically the school lunch program, to help clear some of the bad debt.
They were elated to be given such a gracious gift and even more elated when I told them the dollar amount. When I delivered the gift card the school secretary mentioned she had spoken to the lunch room employees and they too were over the top excited to receive this most generous gift.
These people could not thank me enough. My heart was warmed by the appreciation I received from the school.
I have since learned that school lunch programs bad debit all over Montana alone is enormous. It feels so good to help where and when we can.
Thank you Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation for this wonderful gift giving program.
Suzan
Lisa Gallagher
Steven Schmidt
The Pay It Forward gift from the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation was donated to the Clarehouse in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Clarehouse provides a loving home, quality end-of-life care and access to hospice services to people in need.
Recently, they took great care of a dying father, giving a wife, 3 sons and a daughter a place to gather and celebrate as well as grieve. The home is staffed with 100% volunteers, including the doctors and nurses. They take in anyone, and there is never any charge. It was was amazing to see the level of care and compassion given by the staff of volunteers under the most difficult conditions.
The Pay It Forward donation arrived at a critical time of need, and there were tears of joy and relief upon the receipt and opening of the letter. The donation will be used to restock the kitchen and toiletries for the next families to visit the home.
Tom Chapman
Our Girl Scout Daisy Troop 2004 used the money to renew our memberships for next year, we bought our patches/badges that we needed and we had a pizza party and apple tree planting party to celebrate. We thank MRL and Dennis Washington for donating the $500 to us, we appreciate the kind gesture so much.
THANK YOU,
Daisy Troop 2004
McKenna Wynne
Thank you so much for your generous gift, and including and empowering your employees to be part of such a great cause. Paying it forward…. That is what Amazing Grace Wedding Dress Rentals & the Emma & Evan Foundation is all about. My friend of 38 years, Sherri Howe started the Emma & Evan Foundation a couple years ago. I then joined her a year ago creating Amazing Grace Wedding Dress Rentals as my idea to help financially support the Emma & Evan Foundation which transforms donated wedding dresses into “Angel Gowns” aka infant burial gowns. E &E is now supporting 26 facilities thru out Montana to include hospitals, birthing centers & funeral homes. We are also supplying other hospitals in 5 other states. We are also offering Memory Boxes to grieving families thru out the U.S., free of charge.Amazing Grace Dresses offers beautiful designer gowns to Montana brides for $175.00 RENTAL fee. We participated in the wedding fair in January and then held our first annual fashion show on February 24th, 2018. It was our goal to get our name and mission out to the public, as we are very unique.We are so thankful that McKenna selected our non profit organization to give the Pay it Forward card to. It came at a perfect time! We used the card to help purchase hors d’oeuvres, for the fashion show, advertisement, supplies & decor for the show as well as our shop. We had a great turn out with over 100 people attending the event. It brought attention to KPAX news who came and interviewed us about who we are and what we are all about. This has helped us gain more rentals as well as volunteers 🙂 We have doubled the number of seamstresses since the fashion show which is super exciting. We are now able to transform the wedding gowns twice as fast and serve more families.
Justin Streck
Debby Belinak
Jody Verity
David Burnside
It is an honor to have an opportunity to give forward and be part of a corporation that allows their employees to do this.
I took the opportunity to donate some funds to Christ’s Kitchen. It is a non-profit organization that cooks and delivers meals to shelters. They were in need of funds for a transmission for their truck.
I also donated to American Cancer Society, ACCOIN, and the Union Gospel Mission.
Knute Hofsommer
I chose to split the money on the card between three different areas.
The first portion I donated to a friend of mine who has a son in the University of Iowa Childrens Hospital. They have a gofundme account to cover the extra expenses they have incurred while his son is in the Hospital. He is a railroader and has had to miss alot of work to be there for his child.
The second portion was donated to the National MS bike race in the name of a classmate from High School who had MS and took her own life last year.
The last portion went to help fund a portion of my cousins expense to go on a mission trip to South Carolina this summer. She will be learning and sharing her faith with the people there to help with alleviate poverty.
I hope these donations were as worthy to you as they are to me. Thank You for the opportunity to help others!
Sierra Harbison
On behalf of the Laurel Library, I would like to extend my sincerest thanks for the $500 donation to our town Library.
They are excited to share that they purchased a 3D printer with the funds.
This will be an exciting resource to a small town that otherwise would not have had the funds. With the exception of two libraries, 80 statewide participate in a state sharing program. No matter where you are located in Montana you can go to your local library and request any resource from: DVD’s, books, audio books, cassettes, new releases, older releases etc. that are in the State Sharing Program. Many of these libraries are on a budget and do not have extra funds to purchase one copy of an item, let alone multiples. This service has provided anyone, anywhere in Montana to breach the gap in their education by allowing them to have access to resources that often times they cannot financially afford nor have geographical access to.
The Laurel Library does not charge late fees and when an item gets damaged, lost, or stolen they replace from a limited budget or go without. Had they not received this generous donation it is possible they would have never been able to purchase one on their own accord.
Jason Frank
I gave my $500 gift card to my church, St. Paul’s Lutheran, in Park City, Montana. They used it toward $4,117.50 of improvement of the church’s sidewalks, including some 103 years old. The gift card turned out to be particularly helpful since the improvements included $350 more work and material than budgeted. The sidewalks were installed May 21-24 and are already being enjoyed by the members, especially since the old sidewalks were deeply pitted. They were a trip and fall hazard to everyone, specifically our elderly members. But not now! Our new sidewalks are great, in part because of the Pay It Forward gift card.Kari Paul
Cynthia Clark
I am a recently ordained deacon for the diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. I have one more year left of seminary to complete before I am ordained a priest.