ARLINGTON Arlington Library Branch Manager Kathy Bullene was one of several local and regional organization members to express their gratitude toward the Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians.
We really appreciate their support for us and, by extension, the community as a whole, said Bullene, who noted that library staff members are still deciding how best to use the $2,000 they received from the Tribe.
As part of the gaming compact between the Tribe and the state of Washington, the Tribe has not only contributed impact monies to community services, but also donated to several non-tribal non-profit and charitable organizations in Washington state.
Ed Goodridge Jr., executive director of the Tribe, described their focus as more locally oriented.
National foundations are certainly eligible, but we like to stick to North Snohomish County, Goodridge said. We also try to concentrate on non-tribal charities. We dont give anything to ourselves, even though thats allowed, and we even limit the amounts we give to other tribes, to those who dont have casinos of their own.
Goodridge characterized seniors, children, health care and education as among their chief concerns for charities, and noted that donations to local branches of county, state or national organizations are often specifically earmarked for the surrounding community.
Weve switched from doing this once a year to twice a year, said Goodridge, since the previous set of donations were dispensed near the start of the year. If you dont get any money from us in January, dont toss out your application, because as long as its not for a specific event whose eligibility date has passed, you could still get it in July.
The support of the Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians for community-based mentoring programs will help to provide 10 quality matches for at-risk boys this year, to help them make better choices in life, said Ann Anderst, executive director of fellow beneficiary organization Big Brothers Big Sisters of Snohomish County.
George Boulton, treasurer of the Arlington Dollars for Scholars Foundation, was likewise pleased to be able to benefit graduating Arlington School District seniors through the Tribes contribution. He went on to promise the Tribe they would be updated on the process as the seniors moved on to colleges and universities.
As on previous occasions, Goodridge actively solicited applications from non-profit groups in the Arlington, Marysville, Darrington, Stanwood, Lake Stevens and Granite Falls areas.
Its a really fun process, Goodridge said. It feels good to call people up and hear them flip out or cry when you tell them theyll be getting thousands of dollars. I shouldnt have to be soliciting them to apply, though.
Goodridge encouraged those with questions to contact the Tribe by phone at 360-652-7362, ext. 284, or to submit their donation requests by October of this year, for review in January, to the following address:
Alvina Wolf, P.O. Box 277, Arlington, WA 98223
The Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians is contributing a total of $181,132.66 to the following organizations.
The Michael J. Fox Foundation: $2,832.66, for continued Parkinsons research.
Families for Kids: $2,000, for general operating expenses.
Spirit of Hope Foundation: $4,300, for continued efforts concerning Muscular Dystrophy.
Sarvey Wildlife Center: $5,000, in support of their fundraising golf tournament.
American Red Cross: $20,000, for general operating expenses.
1st Washington Battalion: $2,000, for youth education and development programs.
Camano Senior and Community Center: $5,000, for general operating expenses.
Everett Polio Group: $1,000, for continued support.
Lyric Light Opera of the Northwest: $3,000, for community arts programs.
Summit Assistant Dogs: $2,500, for general operating expenses.
Sno-Isle Genealogical Society: $5,000, for continued research.
Boy Scouts of America, Tyee District: $3,000, for youth programs.
Annual Northwest Native Youth Leadership: $5,000, for youth program and development.
Native American Spiritual Group: $1,000, for general operating expenses.
Native American Sisterhood: $1,000, for general operating expenses.
Pacific Northwest Research Institute: $5,000, for continued diabetes research.
Arlington Dollars for Scholars Foundation: $25,000, for 11 scholarships for Arlington students.
Stanwood Community and Senior Center: $12,000, for general operating expenses.
Campfire USA: $10,000, for youth education and development programs.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Snohomish County: $10,000, for support of their youth mentoring program.
Western Coalition of Alaska Natives: $1,000, for potlatch event.
Center for Battered Women: $20,000, for general operating expenses.
Summer Jubilee: $2,000, for youth school supplies and festival expenses.
Arlington Library: $2,000, for general operating expenses.
USA Canoe/Kayak Team: $1,000, for general operating expenses.
NOAH: $8,000, for general operating expenses.
Chief Seattle Club: $5,000, for homeless assistance program.
WA Chip District 8: $12,500, for youth identification program.
North County Fire/EMS District 14: $5,000, for new equipment.