Press Release
October 2, 2014
For More Information Contact:
Dave Pinkernell, President, 360-823-8325
Richard Reiter, Campaign Chair, 360-834-7807
Camas-Washougal Community Chest
Launches 2014/2015 Fundraising Campaign
The Camas-Washougal Community Chest launched its fundraising drive Wednesday, October 1, with a goal of raising $75,000 for the 2014/2015 campaign. The money raised is used to fund grants to local non-profit organizations that run youth programs, address natural resource conservation or otherwise serve Camas and Washougal residents in need. Since 1946 the Community Chest has been all about local people helping local people.
The CWCC just wrapped up a successful 2013/2014 campaign which saw it fund 17 grants for a total of $82,954. Programs and projects funded in 2013/2014 included support of the local food bank run by Inter-Faith Treasure House, support of the family support programs run by the East County Family Resource Center in Washougal, tree plantings and invasive plant removal in the Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Camas and Washougal Principal’s checkbook to help students in need and scholarships to students studying abroad.
Other grants purchased new computers for the Meals on Wheels dining program at the Washougal Community Center, provided funding for low income residents to receive basic dental care and support for swimming lessons at the Camas swimming pool.
Finally, a special community challenge grant provided partial funding to enable the Inter-Faith Treasure House to purchase a second van to support their pick-up and delivery services.
Based on feedback from some of the 2013/2014 grant recipients, donations to the Community Chest had the following impact in the local area:
- 4,900 meals served at the Lost and Found Café
- 14,500 food boxes filled at the InterFaith Treasure House
- 1,165 people helped at the East County Family Resource Center in Washougal
- 750 students practicing stewardship at our local wildlife refuge
- 60 swimming scholarships by Camas Parks and Recreation
Major support for the 2013/2014 fundraising campaign came from Georgia Pacific employees and the Georgia Pacific Foundation. Other major donors in 2013/2014 included HP employees and the HP Corporation, Camas School District employees, Pendleton Woolen Mill employees, Waste Connections and Exterior Wood, Inc.
To reach its $75,000 goal for the 2014/2015 campaign, the CWCC needs donations from individuals and businesses in Camas and Washougal. More information and donation forms can be found on the CWCC’s website at: www.CamasWashougalCommunityChest.org. Individuals and businesses can also donate by participating in Fred Meyer’s Community Rewards program and Amazon’s Smile program. Details and electronic links to the two community support programs can be found at the Website listed above.
The CWCC is a registered 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization for federal charitable tax deduction purposes. Says CWCC President Dave Pinkernell, “the needs in the local community have never been greater and we hope families and businesses can help the Community Chest support local non-profit organizations that are providing much needed community services”.
Local non-profit organizations planning to apply for a grant can download the 2015 application form from CWCC’s website after October 15, 2014. Applications for 2015 grants are due by no later than December 15, 2014. Applicants will be informed during March 2015 as to whether or not their project or program is funded and at what level. Grant payments are made quarterly beginning with initial payments in March 2015.
To be eligible for a grant, applicants must provide services in Camas and/or Washougal, be a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization and provide service in one or more of the following areas; education, youth activities, aid to people with special needs, natural resource conservation, health and welfare programs and crisis and emergency services.
Background Material – 2013/2014 Grant Program Summary
Total number of grants awarded – 17 grants to 14 organizations
Total value of grants awarded – $82,954
Estimated number of individuals served by grants – more than 15,000
Community Programs/Projects Funded in 2013/2014
Inter-Faith Treasure House (2 Grants)
One grant provides funding for emergency and daily food needs, emergency rent and utility assistance, school supplies, weekly dinner programs, outreach activities.
A second community challenge grant enabled the IFTH to purchase a second van to facilitate picking up donations and delivering supplies.
Children’s Home Society, East County Family Resource Center
Operating funds to support the Family Center Coordinator staff position. Distribute emergency food, student backpacks and coordinate support services for families in need.
Friends of Camas Community Center (2 grants)
One grant provides funding for Camtown Youth Festival arts and crafts supplies.
A second grant provides funding for 60 swimming lesson sponsorships.
Camas Children’s Fund
To help Camas school principals provide for basic student needs to give these students equal opportunities at school.
Camas Sister City
Activities, supplies and materials related to school and city exchanges between Camas/Washougal, Poland, and Japan.
Janus Youth Programs
Funding for facility beds for CW residents to use Janus facility in Vancouver. Serves CW runaway homeless youths at risk for abuse and neglect. Re-introduces kids to safe housing.
Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership
Outdoor applied learning program for youth, including habitat enhancement projects adjacent to Gibbons Creek in the Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge.
Community Pregnancy Clinic of Camas-Washougal
To assist with certifying two nurses to perform obstetric ultrasounds.
Meals on Wheels (2 grants)
One grant provides funding for food and food service supplies for the Camas and Washougal Meals on Wheels program. This grant also aids people with special needs.
The second grant provides funding for four computers to enable internet access for seniors and for use by Meals on Wheels staff.
Friends and Foundation of the Camas Library
To support the library’s summer reading program for kids and teens.
Friends of the Columbia River Gorge
Help fund the Vic Clausen Youth Outdoor education program for sixth graders in Jemtegaard and Canyon Creek Middle schools in Washougal School District.
Lifeline Connections
Provide gas vouchers or bus passes to enable Camas and Washougal residents to obtain substance abuse treatment services in Vancouver.
New Day Community Dental Clinic
To enable low-income residents from Camas and Washougal to receive basic dental care.
REACH Community Development (formerly known as ACE)
REACH and Affordable Community Environments (ACE) are partnering to expand ACE’s resident services program to support families’ and individual success in ACE housing and improve their economic stability.