Montana Rail Link
“At the age of 27, Kelly Hatcher lost his life in a snowmobiling accident in late January 2012. In honor of his life, members from Montana Rail Link donated a gift card through the Pay it Forward Program. The money donated was used to help Lewis and Clark Search and Rescue (LCSAR) add accessories and lettering to their new snowmobile trailer that was previously donated by Kevin Leonard of Helena. This trailer will be used to haul snowmobiles when responding to future emergencies in Montana. LCSAR appreciates the support and the whole “Pay it Forward” concept.”
Lewis & Clark Search & Rescue
Branch: Missoula, MT
Cause: Emergency Response
Modern Machinery
“My sister Stephanee Rowbury lost her fight with breast cancer on December 27, 2011 at the age of 44. During her battle with cancer she had made the comment about how she hated to see children battling with cancer. The pay it forward donations was made to St. Lukes pediatric oncology research in honor of Stephanee Rowbury in hopes to find a cure for cancer especially for children so that they can live a long and prosperous life.”
Ryan Rowbury
Branch: Missoula, MT
Cause: St. Lukes Pediatric Oncology Research
Montana Rail Link
“Thank you to all of the people that made this generous gift possible: Julie Cowan, Kathy Mahoney, and Ginger Reimann. Your donation was used to help Carol Viggia Frey. Carol was born with a severe bilateral clift 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 short five years, has already had three major surgeries, with the most current happening over Christmas. This past December, Carol needed to have the muscles in her throat realigned, as well as, some reconstruction on her palate. It was an incredibly painful surgery and Carol was limited to a no chew diet for over a month. In two years when she is ready to enter first grade. she will have two more surgeries to replace the hard, bone part of her palate. In addition to visits to Seattle Children’s Hospital every summer for checkups, Carol has been meeting with a speech pathologist since she was two. Even though Carol has gaps in the roof of her mouth, it has been important for her to learn tongue placement and how to make phonetic sounds. This donation was used to help cover some of medical and travel expenses from Carol’s Christmas surgery. While our health insurance covers most of Carol’s medical expenses, there is still a large portion that we are responsible for. Our insurance unfortunately does not cover travel costs, such as airline and ferry tickets, hotel and food for our stay in Seattle. This is always a costly expense, especially when traveling from Alaska. It has been a continuous financial struggle to find ways to get Carol to Seattle for her appointments. Thankfully we have the support of family and friends who have helped up along the way. Now, for the second year, we are so blessed to have the support from members at the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation. Thank You Carol, Marisa, and Chadwick Frey”
Karen Frey
Branch: Missoula, MT
Cause: Carol Viggia Frey
Envirocon
“My husband works for Envirocon, and he and I are big animal rescue advocates that support several pet rescues in the southern California area. Thanks to the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, we donated our “Pay It Forward” card to Hope for Paws, a non-profit animal rescue organization based in Los Angeles, California. The founders, Eldad Hagar & his wife, Audrey, rescue dogs and other animals who are suffering on the streets and in the shelters, and they foster these animals in their home until permanent, loving families are found. Eldad spends literally HOURS out driving to not-so-great areas to help coax animals to safety that may have been living in junkyards, freeway ramps, among trash, you name it, and he will not give up or leave the scene until he gets them to safety. Visit & scroll down the home page of his website http://www.hopeforpaws.org/ to see one of his most famous videos of saving “Edie” the day she was to be euthanized in the shelter for being deemed “aggressive”. My personal favorite video is the rescue of “Fiona” who was living among trash in a freezing cold alley before being rescued by Eldad & Audrey (watch video to the end to see Fiona get a shave & bath). In addition, Eldad goes to his birthplace country (Israel) at least once a year and assists with feeding and spaying/neutering of literally hundreds of cats that helplessly roam the streets because no one will take care of them. Eldad & Audrey are saints of the highest level!”
Richard Allen
Branch: Missoula, MT
Cause: Hope for Paws
Montana Rail Link
“I donated my gift card to the Rimrock Humane Society. They are a non kill organization that rescues animals. They are a non profit organization that uses foster families to care for the animals. They help pay for the food for the animals as well as any veterinary services. They also have started an animal food bank to help needy families who can’t afford pet food. I felt they were very deserving and that they could put the $500 to good use. If you would like more information or would like to help their cause, they can be found on Facebook.”
Gabriel Hill
Branch: Missoula, MT
Cause: Rimrock Humane Society
Montana Rail Link
“I gave my card to Loaves and Fishes in Livingston. It’s a nonprofit org. that feeds people that need a meal. They only receive donations no gov. money. Marty Clair is the founder and heads the operation. Last year they served over 13 thousand meals!!! She said many thanks it will be used wisely and will go a long ways to feed people.”
Steven Howes
Branch: Missoula, MT
Cause: Loaves and Fishes
Montana Resources
“I had chose a single mother of two that is having financial hard times! She has packed up and moved her family from Great Falls back to Butte to get away from a abusive realtionship with the childrens father. She has not alot to start out with so this was very well appreciated.”
Hal Bates
Branch: Missoula, MT
Cause: A single mother
Modern Machinery
“Initially I had plans to give my card to a Missoula group that helps young kids. Then it was suggested by Sarah Peterson, who works for us, that we should consider pooling our cards for a family in the Bitterroot. The Jenkins family had recenty lost their Dad – Dave Jenkins – to cancer. This left Val Jenkins with medical bills and 4 kids to raise. A lot of tough things can happen in life and lots of organizations need help but this story really tugged at my heart. In a small way I hope this helps….”
Bill Crandall
Branch: Missoula, MT
Cause: A family in need
Envirocon
“I donated my card to a local, battered woman whose young children were recently burned in a house fire started by their father. The woman filed for a divorce in January and the father could not accept being without his children. The 18 month old son suffered smoke inhalation and is out of the hospital but the 5 year old daughter was burned over 50% of her face and back. She is still hospitalized and will currently undergo several surgeries. The donation will be used to help rebuild a new life for her and the children. They greatly appreciated the help from the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation. Thank you for allowing me to help a family in need!”
Maureen Manzi
Branch: Missoula, MT
Cause: A family in need
Envirocon
“I chose to donate my giving card to the Children’s Cancer Association located in Portland, Oregon. CCA offers award-winning programs and resources to seriously ill children (from bith to 18), their families and the medical professionals who care for them. CCA is there with compassion and innovation creating moments of respite and hope, in the hospital and at home. CCA offers many resources and programs that bring hope, possibility and a little magic to some of the most difficult days familites will ever face.”
Christina Chapman
Branch: Missoula, MT
Cause: Children’s Cancer Association
Montana Rail Link
“First I would like to say I am very greatful for being selected as a recipient for the Giving Card. I have put in for it in the past and this was the first time I was selected and the timing is a true blessing. I have chosen not to use their names just to give them privacy. We live across the street from a young couple in their 20’s that moved in a couple years ago. They had their first child just over a year ago and are proud parents of little baby boy Joshua. Not knowing them real well, other than she is a school teacher and he is in Law Enforcement, my wife and I took over some food and a card to help with some easy meals, I noted in the card that I was looking forward to hiring Joshua to mow my lawn and shovel my walks. Some months later we were told by another neighbor that baby Joshua was taken to Denver and was sent home, that he was born with only part of a brain and was terminal. They were told he would live for only one to three years old. The next time we saw them out front of their house my wife and I went over to see if they needed anything and they stated that they were fine for now. She said that she took little Joshua in for his 6 month check up thinking all was fine, that he may have been a bit behind in some areas but seemed to be a happy baby and by 5PM that night they were on a plane for Denver. She said the doctors said after all the testing was done there was nothing they could do. She went on to say that they were blessed to have him and will just enjoy each day that they will have with their little man. When we went home we felt so bad, because there really is nothing anyone can do. So when I was told I was chosen for the card I went home and told my wife, we wondered what would be the best way to past it on. I was downstairs thinking, my wife was upstairs thinking. It really is a big responsibility, $500 can make a real differance in someone’s life. Then we both, at the same time came up with… Baby Joshua… who is now a year old. We were really excited and knew that was the right thing to do. My wife got on the phone right away to our daughters one in Billings, the other in Seattle and they were also excited thinking that was the perfect place to Pay It Forward. We were going to go right over but their truck was gone. We kept looking out our front window watching for the truck to get home, an hour and a half later it was home. We both grabbed our coats and went across the street, kind of nervous since we really do not know them very well. When he came to the door I started to explain why we were there and he invited us in and shut the door, it was very cold out. He knew I worked for MRL and I explained the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation Pay It Forward Program and that we want to give them the $500 card. He called his wife out who was changing baby Joshua and getting him ready for bed, out to the livingroom, she and Josh came out and he told her what we had given them. He could not believe it, he said you guys have no idea, they have to purchase a special stroller and a special car seat for Josh and they are very expensive and this will really help them, that it has been really tough. Josha is very small, however his head is larger and mis shapen and needs a lot of support. While we were there he was really smiling and would turn his head when he would hear his dad talk, they believe he can still see and hear. They were so greatful that for no reason, someone would just give them $500, and at a time when it is truely needed. So thank you for being so generous and allowing me the chance to Pay If Forward, you really have made a differance in so many lives.”
Timothy Steffans
Branch: Missoula, MT
Cause: Baby Joshua
Envirocon
“My wife and I donated the Pay it Forward card to our local public schools. The deep budget cuts over the past 5 years have had a significant negative impact on several Enrichment Programs, where a few have already been cut. Our donation will be used to purchase much needed sheet music, art supplies, books and even anti-bullying programs to better prepare children for the future. A sincere “Thank you” from my family and the schools for the generosity of the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation!”
Jack Maserejian
Branch: Missoula, MT
Cause: Local Public Schools
Montana Rail Link
“I gave my card to Missoula’s Challenge. As you may recall, there was a very serious accident on December 26, 2009 and two young girls were killed by an individual driving under the influence as well as texting on his cell phone. One of the girls was Taylor Cearley, daughter of our fellow employee and locomotive engineer, Jim Cearley. Jim has been a positive force and a leader in the creation of Missoula’s Challenge, an organization honoring the lives of his daughter Taylor and her friend Ashley Patenaude. The Challenge is for Missoula’s youth to abstain from alcohol until age 21 and illegal drugs forever – kids are eligible for a $1,000 college scholarship if (1) you are under 21, do not drink alcohol, (2) never take illegal drugs, (3) never drink and drive and (4) never ride with anyone who has been drinking. Jim and I both serve on Missoula’s Challenge board of directors. To learn more, please visit www.missoulaschallenge.org”
Tom Walsh
Branch: Missoula, MT
Cause: Missoula’s Challenge
Washington Services Group
“In 2009, I volunteered as Linda King’s first intern and graphic designer for Fix the Hurt. Starting in 2007, Fix the Hurt, was a direct result of Lisa’s (daughter of John and Linda King) murder in September 2001. Lisa had been a victim of domestic violence that began with dating violence. Linda and John have worked hard to create educational training programs to create awareness of prevention in domestic and dating violence. They have been creative in their approach by offering plays and musicals to tell a story. Linda has developed numerous programs for schools, corporations, civic organizations, and prison systems. She is extremely involved in her local community and presently serves as a volunteer for the City of Mesa Neighborhood Outreach Department, Victims Assistance Program for Mesa Police Department, East Valley Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team, Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence, East Valley Fresh Start, Domestic Violence Collaborative, SHARE, and Gilbert CAN. Her optimism through harsh times has truly inspired me and that is why I choose to donate my card to Fix the Hurt.”
Drew Mihelish
Branch: Missoula, MT
Cause: Fix the Hurt
Envirocon
“We gave the pay it forward card to a family that recently lost their father in an auto accident. The family was very appreciative of the gift card and said it would be put to good use for food and clothing for the children in this most difficult time of need.”
Michael Kiggins
Branch: Missoula, MT
Cause: A family in need
Montana Rail Link
“Troy Stutterheim Scholarship I donated to the scholarship because of the cost of college. This foundation is for students of MRL employee’s children most of who receive little or no assistance. Our children need higher education its our future.”
Mark A. Frickel
Branch: Missoula, MT
Cause: Troy Stutterheim Scholarship
Montana Rail Link
“I have donated the gift card to Yellowstone Bowmen archery club to help facilitate the loss they inquired after a fire two years ago. They are a non profit archery club located between Laure and Park City in which there are several MRL employees as members. Thank You very much Richard Dubell , carman Laurel MT.”
Richard Dubell
Branch: Missoula, MT
Cause: Yellowstone Bowmen archery club
Montana Rail Link
“I chose to give my Pay it Forward gift card to the Montana Chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. I do not think you can over estimate the importance of providing a child, who is dealing with a life-threatening medical condition, with some form of positive experience and distraction.”
Richard Dubell
Branch: Missoula, MT
Cause: Make-A-Wish Foundation
Montana Rail Link
“Story written by card recipient: “I actually am the person that received the pay it forward debit card from Dave Hash. My husband and I lost our 4th child and only daughter in November of 2011. She was a full term “healthy” baby born with a chest full of fluid that eventually flooded her body including the sac around her heart. To say we are devastated would be an understatement. Out of our pain came the idea to start a foundation in her name. The Ramsey Keller Memorial pays for funerals of babies under 1 year of age. (Infant loss is 1 year and under) After dealing with the emotional stress of losing a baby, the last thing you want to do is think of is finances. It is our hope to contract with local funeral homes and foot the bill for the heartbroken families that have had to do the unthinkable.. bury a child. Your $500.00 donation is going to change lives of people in Montana. THANK YOU!! Our website is www.kisses2heaven.com for more info. We can’t thank Dave Hash or you enough for helping get our foundation up and running. God bless you!”
Dave Hash
Branch: Missoula, MT
Cause: Ramsey Keller Memorial
Montana Rail Link
“I donated my giving card to Animeals. They are a local Missoula non profit adoption and animal shelter. They were very appreciative of the gift card and said it would be put to good use for pet food and supplies for the animals.”
Steve Camper
Branch: Missoula, MT
Cause: Animeals
Montana Resources
“We gave our Pay It Forward cards to “Albert’s Angel Fund” in Butte – a non profit organization which gives adoptable animals a chance at a happy and healthy life by providing them with life-saving, life-changing medical care. The Fund was started in 2006 when a 5-month-old Golden Retriever puppy was hit by a car. No one came forward to claim him after he was taken to the local animal shelter and he was scheduled to be euthanized. Instead, Albert’s Angel Fund was created, and money was raised, to cover the cost of veterinary expenses. He is now healthy…minus one leg…and living happily with his adopted family. Another animal saved by this fund was Bernise, found tied to a tree at a local campground. She was an adult Alaskan Malamute, and weighed only 46 lbs when found. She had bad teeth, matted fur, and was severely dehydrated. She has since made a full recovery, had surgery to spay her and remove a mammary tumor, and now weighs 103 lbs and is living in her new home. Albert’s Angel Fund has saved so many animals, and we want to thank the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation for the wonderful program which allows us to “Pay It Forward” – THANK YOU!!!”
Pat O’Neill & Mary Brandl
Branch: Butte, MT
Cause: Albert’s Angel Fund
Montana Rail Link
“Donated to The Newlife Foursquare Church Faith Kidz program. Faith Kidz is a youth ministry program, and the members of the Faith Kidz team are a busy bunch. They bus the kids in, write and perform skits that entertain and teach, design and build sets and costumes, and bus the kids home. And I’m sure they do a lot more too.”
Douglas Schwindt
Branch: Butte, MT
Cause: Newlife Foursquare Church Faith Kidz