Pay it Forward Stories 2019

I have chosen to "pay it forward" to a special young woman. She is a vibrant, talented 28 year old. Like many folks we know, she has 2 jobs. Since neither position is full time, she has limited health care benefits and limited medical leave available to her.

In 2018, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, requiring surgery and extensive treatment. She has continued on with her life and work bravely - her amazing smile makes it seem ok. She has steadfastly told us she's going to be fine and we needn't worry.

Recently she received news that her cancer has recurred and her treatment plan will be complex. Though her life has become more difficult lately, her spirit is unwavering.

I'm grateful to be able to help her a little on her journey. Thank you for the opportunity.

The foundation that I chose to give my donation to was, Working Dogs for Conservation. This amazing nonprofit organization does so many wonderful things for communities around our country, as well as overseas. They provide second chances to dogs that most people would deem hopeless or out of control. The dogs are then trained as detection dogs, in which they protect endangered species, prevent poaching and preserve at-risk environments. If the dog is unable to perform then W.D.F.C will find them a new loving home, which is how I found my best friend Titan!

It is important what this foundation does on so many levels. Not only does it save the lives of so many dogs, but they help protect the lives of many other creatures as well as preserving our beautiful lands. I am so thankful for the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation for providing me the chance to donate to such an incredible cause.

If anyone is curious about this organization, interested in adopting, or knows of a dog that could help I encourage you to checkout their website.
https://www.rescues2therescue.org/

I donate my card to the Ramsey Keller Memorial. This foundation pays for infant funerals up to a year old.

Giving it to a 33 year old mother of 2 who is battling with cancer

Jase Leister was born in January 2018 and was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called Apert Syndrome. It occurs once in every 80,000-100,000 births, ten in a million! Apert Syndrome causes a multitude of different issues but the main ones are premature fusion of the skull, fusion of the hands and feet, and underdeveloped midfacial bones (causing breathing and eating difficulties). In Jase it has also caused several heart abnormalities. He faces many, many complicated and risky surgeries in his future and has already had 5 in his short life, including 2 open heart surgeries, two nasal surgeries, and one cranial reconstruction. Despite all his obstacles and hardships Jase is a happy, bright baby boy who enjoys life and strives to overcome anything in his way.

Jase's family travels far and often to major children's hospitals to get him the care he needs as local care doesn't have the capabilities to perform the lifesaving surgeries he requires. The Leisters love for their sweet boy and his sisters (Ellie 4yrs old, Scarlett 2 yrs old) is endless but money unfortunately is not. They appreciate any and all help. Your love, prayers, and support get them through some of their hardest times and they are forever grateful! Follow Jase's journey and all of the ups and downs at ...

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1876049412419081/?ref=bookmarks

I donated my card to the Heritage Museum in Libby, MT to be used to help raise funds for a matching grant from the Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development, for the restoration of the J. Neils Lumber Company logging locomotive #4 that the museum is restoring to operational condition. The 'Four Spot' is a significant piece of history for north-west Montana, hauling logs from the forest to the mill in the Libby area from 1909 to 1946; timber that was milled and used to build and develop the north-west United States during two World Wars. In addition to being a historical and engineering artifact, it is also important for new generations of Montanans to experience the mechanical wonder that is a "Shay" locomotive, and inspire these youth to help volunteer during the restoration and operation of the locomotive, and put them on a path to a career in metal working, welding, or machining.

I donated $150 to an organization here in Spokane called Love 11. After losing their son in an accident Memorial Day weekend 2016, Micah Love's parents started the Love 11 organization because of their son's love for year-round sports. They award grants and scholarship commitments to youth sports organizations, schools and local programs in our community. They offer a chance for low-income and underprivileged kids, schools and neighborhoods to play sports regardless of social, cultural, or economic background.
I donated $350 to American Childhood Cancer Organization Inland Northwest, which is near and dear to my heart. My niece, Marleigh, was diagnosed with AML leukemia in 2012 and after 14 months, after just turning 5 years old, passed away. ACCOIN provided support from diagnosis and still do today. For families who are given the childhood cancer diagnosis, their lives are instantly changed and are sent into a whirlwind of hospital stays, tests, procedures, medications, etc. The families often go from a 2 income household to 1 (or 1 to 0) and finances take a hit. ACCOIN helps the families by giving them a new patient stay bag at diagnosis, including basic toiletries, toys and activities for the kids, gas and grocery cards. They offer emergency financial assistance for household bills, support with finances during holidays, they also host family support nights, day camp, support lunches, etc. They also provide emotional support for survivors, siblings, and bereaved parents. I could never repay ACCOIN for how they have helped my family and I am happy to donate to them! (pictured: my niece Marleigh Elise)

Brand new grandkid it will help out with food and diapers clothes and other baby needs

JR Vezain a MT rodeo Bareback rider was paralyzed Sept. 2018. New baby due May 2019.

We are giving the pay it foward card to Eyer family, their daughter Teslyn has been diagnosed with AML( Acute Myeloid Leukemia). We all know cancer comes at a great cost not just including medical expenses but the Eyer family has had to temporarily relocate from Missoula to Kalispell for Teslyn’s treatment which can last anywhere from 4-6 months.

I gave my Pay it Forward card to a friend who was just recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He was diagnosed in early February. His family has two young boys and both parents work to support the family. I used this card to help them with medical costs and normal routine household while he is going through chemo. Ben has helped out the Montana community by installing skateboard parts in rural areas of Montana to help kids stay out of trouble. He is such a vibrant personality to be around, and I am thankful that I was able to help him and his family during this difficult time! Thank you!

I gave my giving card to my girlfriend for school expenses. My girlfriend drives back and forth from Butte, MT to Dillon, MT 3 days a week. This giving card will help with gas and book expenses.

This year I donated my "Pay it Forward" gift card to Mended Little Hearts of Montana during their 5th annual Valentines Day Heart Bash fundraiser. Mended Little Hearts of Montana celebrates, and supports, little ones who are coping with the challenges of congenital heart disease.

In November of 2018, my 6 year old son Triston was diagnosed with pre-excitation with an accessory pathway in his heart. A birth defect we were unaware that he had. This can cause his heart to go into arrhythmia. Luckily, he hasn’t had any symptoms, and with further testing, he doesn’t need any intervention done at this time.

Congenital heart defects are the most common birth defects in the United States. This has made our family more aware of how many little ones Mended Little Hearts supports in our community, many whom we know personally.

Thank you Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation for this program and your generosity!

I gave my card to the Clinton community center to buy targets for the youth archery program that I'm helping them start.

I gave the card to a single mother who has had some troubles with medical bills and so on a few years ago her youngest daughter went through a fight with cancer and a son who is battling diabetes she has had some issues with medical problems as well and still manages to take care of her kids but this is going to her to help out with food bills and clothes and ext. for her and her family .

I would first, like to thank Dennis and Phyllis Washington and the Foundation. It is quite an honor to work for a company that share so much of their time and money on so many charitable causes that many people never hear about. This program is one of them. This year I am giving my card to a couple that are friends with my son. Here is my story.
My son moved to Wyoming some time ago with the promise of a job once he got there. After getting to Wyoming, he soon found out that the job would not be available until after the first of the year. Now he is stuck in a town, with very little money, no job and no place to live. He has worked there in the past, so he did know a couple people there. The couple I am talking about, took him into their home and treated him like family. They were already having a hard time, because the father has had 2 heart attacks in the past 6 months and has a wife and 3 small children he is already worrying about, since he is unable to go back to work, himself. It didn't stop them from taking in my son, so he could have a place to stay, food on the table and a warm bed to sleep in at nights. Because of the kindness of these people, my son now has a good job at a mine there, and I would like to "Pay it Forward" to these people that did the same for my son. Thank you again for being the caring people you are, that makes it easier to be the kind of people, we all need to be. Again, Thank you.

The High Altitude Skating oval has become a true source of winter recreation in Butte. Numerous families, young kids, teenagers and out-of-town folks are using it. The rink has a great feel being abutted against the East ridge. The overall ambience has been greatly enhanced by installment of a sound system but we needed some additional speakers to complete the run around the oval . This $500 was used for that.

Council On Aging
The purpose of the Council on Aging is to advise the Board of Commissioners on all needs and interests of senior citizens over the age of 60 residing in Custer County. The goal is to help our senior citizens stay healthy and happy and able to live in their own homes as long as they want to. We manage several programs ourselves, and have information on many others that may be helpful to seniors.

Services we provide directly include Home Delivered Meals (also known as Meals on Wheels); Congregate Meals, Senior Commodities, Transportation Assistance, Health Promotion programs, and home visits by Skilled Nurses, Personal Care Assistants, and Homemakers.

I chose to contribute my giving card to Warriors & Quiet Waters Foundation. This organization takes Post-9/11 combat veterans who are dedicated to making a positive change in their life and provides therapeutic programs and experiences all based on the sport of fly fishing at the Quiet Waters Ranch near Bozeman, MT. Different programs provide fishing instruction, meals, therapy, goal planning, and general guidance to combat veterans and their spouses that have been affected with a mental or physical disability resulting from their time spent overseas. Their Mission: "Through the experience of fly-fishing in Montana, WQW is a catalyst for positive changes in the lives of post-9/11 combat veterans."
As an avid fly-fishermen, I understand both the healing nature of the sport and the ability it has to focus and reset the mind, especially in times of chaos. Having military family members return from several tours overseas, I understand the responsibility we all have to ensure every member is taken care of when they get home and given the tools required to lead a full and rewarding life going forward. Using fly-fishing as a tool to help heal the mind and body, establish future goals, and provide a means of relaxation and comfort is a tremendous gift they are providing to very deserving people.
Since 2007, WQW has provided over 705 Fishing Experiences to combat veterans and spouses/caregivers from across the nation.

I couldn’t think of a better recipient than Erin and Misty Peterson. Jordan, their daughter, recently required a back surgery that would need to be performed in Salt Lake City. While the surgery was a success, further tests showed her liver was not functioning as it should. It was recommended that she either be placed on dialysis or receive a liver transplant. The family returned to Laurel with some heavy decisions to weigh. They plan to return to Salt Lake in March for a return visit for tests and possibly dialysis. The Pay it Forward card can hopefully ease the financial burden they are about to encounter. Thank you for the opportunity help those in need through the Pay it Forward Program.

Thank you Dpwfoundation for this pay it forward card this year I have decided to help 2 families that have been down on there luck .My wife has taken the time to get grocerie list from them and we have purchased food to make there lifes a little better thank you again they truly appreciate it.

I gave the gift card to a single family whos had alot of struggles over last few months with medical problems and a single income when i gave the card to them and explained what it was and where it came from she burst into tears and thanked me it made me feel very satisfied that i work for a great company who can do this for a family in need Thank you

I gave the card to a young family who's son has had medical issues and then they just found out that the mother has breast cancer. I told them the card could be used for any medical bills, groceries, fuel, housing and even to take the family out for a much needed distraction. They were very thankful and I'm thankful for being able to help them out and to be apart of a company that helps as the Washington Companies does. 🙂

I gifted the money to the Seattle Union Gospel Missions. They delegated the money to go towards maintenance on their "love vans" These vans go out 7 nights a week throughout the Seattle are. They give out food, clothing and hygiene products to people in need. As well as offering immediate pick up of Men/Women & Children that want or need of the streets.

I will be donating my card to a 33 year old mother of 2 that is fighting a battle with cancer. I thank the Foundation for there generosity. Family's having to go through these battles are hard enough let alone having to struggle with finances at the same time. One day at a time. Thanks Much