Monday, September 22, 2014

Closing the Fund, Updated Analysis

With more than $1 million available to help families and individuals continue the rebuilding and recovery process over the next two years, we are closing the United Way Disaster Recovery Fund for Mudslide Relief.

We are working with North Counties’ Family Services, the Arlington Family Resource Project and the Salvation Army to ensure that highly regarded and effective Disaster Case Managers will be in a position to provide support to the people directly impacted by the mudslide.

Over 12,000 individuals, nearly 100 corporate and foundation partners and 120 fundraisers and benefits have made it possible for us to be a long-term presence in these communities. Thank you for your generosity.

We have also updated our analysis of how the donations were distributed.

Click here for the updated analysis.

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Memorial Playground Dedicated in Memory of Hunter and Wyatt Ruthven



In a touching ceremony this morning, Karen and Tom Psonka dedicated a memorial playground at Northwest Children's School in memory of Hunter and Wyatt Ruthven, two of the younger victims of the SR 530 Mudslide.



A significant portion of the funds for the playground came from money that was donated to United Way's Disaster Recovery Fund. Although the swing set was part of the original playground, the bench and centerpiece of the playground featuring a slide and fort are new.


In her remarks, Karen (second from right) specifically mentioned how much she appreciated working with Christie Connors of the Arlington Family Resource Project on this and a scholarship for her daughter Katie at the University of Washington. Here she is pictured with her husband Tom, Christie and Dennis G. Smith, president and CEO of United Way of Snohomish County.





Hunter was 6 and Wyatt was 4. Hunter and already graduated from Northwest Children's School but Wyatt was enrolled there when the slide hit. The slide also claimed his mother Katie, her husband Shane and Shane's parents.