Boys and Girls Club of Southwest Washington receives $1 million grant

The Cowlitz Indian Tribe donated more than $2 million to non-profit organizations, celebrating the grants during the annual holiday tree lighting ceremony last week at ilani.

“Each year, the Cowlitz Indian Tribe is honored to support not-for-profit organizations dedicated to lifting up and strengthening our communities, said Patty Kinswa-Gaiser, general council chair of the tribe. 

Nine organizations were recognized prior to the tree lighting by the Cowlitz Tribal Foundation.

• The Boys and Girls Club of Southwest Washington received $1 million to support an expansion of operations for 700 underserved youth daily.
• The Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue received $700,000 for the purchase of two ambulances, which will decrease the response time for emergency services in the growing community.
• The Vancouver Housing Authority received $500,000 to purchase a 30-unit permanent housing structure to house youths aging from foster care and/or experiencing homelessness.
• La Center School District received $100,000, the second such grant in the past 12 months, to support the educational needs of its students.
• Santa’s Posse, a partnership with the Clark County Sheriff’s Office and local business communities, received $30,000 to provide food and gifts for families in need during the holiday season. 
• The Lions Club of Ridgefield received $20,000 for general operating support, to continue the organization’s community outreach and support efforts.
• The Woodland Food Bank received $15,000 to meet increased food insecurity needs. 

Outside of Clark County, the Chai Rivers Recovery Cafe in Kalama received more than $80,000 to support community-based recovery treatment and support for those escaping addiction.

And the Bonney Lake Food Bank was awarded $75,000 to help provide access to food, with dignity, to those facing food insecurity.

“The Cowlitz Tribal Foundations grants show the giving spirit that this season reflects, and ilani is proud to host this annual event to celebrate the special joy of the holidays with these organizations that do so much for our community,” said Kara Fox-LaRose, the president and general manager of ilani.

“The Cowlitz Indian Tribe believes these grants, which we are so honored to be able to donate through the Cowlitz Tribal Foundation, help foster both families and communities,” said Timi Marie Russin, the foundation’s manager.