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As the executive director of Spokane Valley Meals on Wheels, Pam Almeida is accustomed to the task of delivering food and encouragement to homebound residents.
Last week, Almeida and other representatives from local nonprofit agencies received their own gift of cheer.
On Dec. 18, the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce sponsored its annual fund-raising event called the “Breakfast of Sharing” at the Mirabeau Park Hotel. A total of 18 charitable causes were sponsored by area businesses who put up $100 for an informational booth and donated a minimum of another $100 as a holiday donation.
Pam Almeida speaking for Valley Meals on Wheels
Photo by: Gary Roberto
Over a dozen other social service agencies – from the March of Dimes to Habitat for Humanity – were included on a list of beneficiaries.
“I think all of these nonprofit groups should have a chance to tell their story,” said Eldonna Gossett, executive director of the Valley Chamber. “They’re an important part of our community.”
For Almeida, the event came at a time when Meals on Wheels is looking at a shortfall of over $20,000 as part of an in-house fund-raising goal of $50,000.
“We raised $48,000 last year and we’re at around $29,000 right now,” Almeida said. “I was counting on close to $50,000 for this year. It basically means our reserve is gone.”
Almeida said the breakfast provides an opportunity to generate awareness about the mission of the agency among businesses who may not be aware of the impact it makes in the community. MOW volunteers deliver food to seniors and disabled residents along 23 route throughout the Greater Spokane Valley area, providing close to 6,000 meals a month.
“There are so many wonderful stories at the breakfast,” Almeida said. “I think it’s inspirational to hear about what these organizations are doing.”
Gossett and her husband volunteered to deliver meals this Thanksgiving. She said the experience provided a chance to see the continuing benefit of the program.
“We wanted to give back,” she said. “I think you sense the value of what they’re doing, but until you go to the door and see how happy people are to receive a holiday meal and have that visit, you don’t know just how heartwarming it is.”
Other sponsored agencies this year included Cancer Patient Care, Second Harvest of the Inland Northwest, the American Heart Association, Special Olympics, Anna Odgen Hall, the American Cancer Society, Spokane Neighborhood Action Programs, Candlelighters of the Inland Northwest and Spokane Valley Partners.
Inland Power and Light has been part of the Breakfast of Sharing for the past eight years. Dan Villalobos of Inland said the company strives to help nonprofit efforts throughout the year by donating to Meals on Wheels, Second Harvest and the weatherization and energy conservation programs at SNAP.
“You know that you’re making a difference in people’s lives,” he said.
Ken Briggs, executive director of SVP, has served on the chamber board of directors and remains actively involved in the organization. Briggs said the breakfast is one example of the community rallying to support worthwhile causes.
Ken Briggs speaking for Spokane Valley Partners (SVP)
Photo by: Gary Roberto
“From our point of view, we need the goodwill of individuals, churches and businesses,” he said. “If we’re going to be here, we have to find people willing to support us.”
Like Meals on Wheels, SVP is facing budget hurdles of its own. The agency has announced it will not renew the contracts of both Program Director Connie Nelson and Developmental Director Don Kaufman. Briggs said SVP will continue to operate essential services like the food bank, clothing bank and emergency assistance but may have to scale back or contract out seasonal programs like the Christmas gift distribution.
Briggs pointed to the example of the city of Spokane which underwrites a good portion of the operating budgets for four community centers within municipal boundaries.
“(Spokane) understands that they have the responsibility to watch out for less-advantaged residents,” he said.
Gossett acknowledged that 2009 has been a turbulent year for both businesses and nonprofit groups but expressed hope that “next year will be better for everybody.”
As for the importance of for-profit entities looking out for their nonprofit neighbors, Gossett said it’s a matter of treating local residents “not as numbers but as people.”
“I think oftentimes individuals and businesses want to help but they don’t know how or where to look,” she said. “This is just one way we can help. We do this because it’s the right thing to do.”
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By
Craig Howard
