Publisher Michael Lewis launches Tribune Readers Care Fund

Calvin Bratt
Editor, The Lynden Tribune.

WHATCOM -- The Lynden Tribune is creating a Tribune Readers Care Fund in partnership with the Whatcom Community Foundation.

The recipient organizations this first year will be Project Hope and New Way Ministries, said Tribune publisher Michael Lewis.

The program will continue each November and December.  

“Creating a holiday giving fund is something that I have wanted to do for quite some time,” said Tribune publisher Lewis. “Many other community newspapers have successful programs and our vehicle (the Tribune) allows us the opportunity to do the same.”

Through the end of the year, 100 percent of donations to the new fund will be split evenly between the two charitable organizations, which both operate out of the New Hope Center, 205 South B.C. Ave., Lynden. (See accompanying story.)

The 10-year-old Whatcom Community Foundation is a vehicle that allows individuals, businesses, organizations and private foundations to channel gifts to help nonprofit causes in Whatcom County.

Calene LeBeau, foundation chief executive officer, said she is very excited about the Tribune commitment, as it fits ideally with the WCF mission of "strengthening communities."

The foundation can help people fulfill philanthropic interests in various ways, and LeBeau said she is eager to get that message out into the county beyond Bellingham.

Last year, the foundation gave out over $300,000 in grants from its funds to organizations including the Everson Lions Club Foundation, the Nooksack Valley School District's Multicultural Teacher Project, Sumas Youth and Community Services, Whatcom Dream and the Whatcom Literacy Council.

The foundation becomes the coordinator, saving people the trouble of going through legal and tax-exemption hassles of managing assets, LeBeau said.

Lewis said he chose Project Hope and New Way because they fill a sometimes hidden need helping people who are struggling.

“These are wonderful local organizations that fill a vital role in our communities, “ Lewis said. "If, through the efforts of our Readers Care Fund, it affords them the opportunity to help just one more family it will be a success," Lewis said.

Donations of any amount will be appreciated, he said.

The Tribune and WCF together will cover the administrative costs of setting up the fund.

In the future, other organization may be chosen as beneficiaries of the Tribune Readers Care Fund, based on the suggestions of readers, Lewis said. The focus will be on north Whatcom County, the Tribune's primary circulation area.

“It is not our intent to interfere with other holiday fund-raising efforts, rather to supplement and help in the community where we can,” Lewis said.

From the November 8, 2006 issue of The Lynden Tribune. Reprinted by permission.