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.

How SR 530 Mudslide donations were distributed

On the five month anniversary of the SR 530 Mudslide, United Way of Snohomish County and Cascade Valley Hospital Foundation have released a detailed report on how disaster recovery donations have been distributed.

Of the $4.54 million received by United Way and Cascade Valley Hospital Foundation, just over half - $2.3 million - has already been distributed. Most of it has been given to, or has been set aside to go to, families and individuals impacted by the mudslide.

The balance has helped first responders, addressed economic development needs, supported youth programs and paid for disaster case managers who are working directly with families directly impacted by the mudslide to help them rebuild their lives.

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