The 2017 Humboldt Area Foundation yearbook features stories of great work taking place in the community thanks to dedicated grantees, generous donors and inspired community members.
2. Pledge of
Respect
his is our collective home and nation.We respect and celebrate
our differences. Our community is made stronger and richer by its
diversity with the contributions made by people of different faiths,
races, ethnicities, sexual orientation and political beliefs.
When we say the Pledge of Allegiance, and say the words “with liberty and
justice for all” we will act on them.We honor our nation’s fundamental
values by clearly rejecting expressions of hatred, bigotry and group
supremacy, which run counter to the American ideal that all people are
created equal.We stand together to reject racism in all its forms.We do not
engage in hurting or hateful language.
We engage in conversations to increase understanding and acceptance,
starting at home with our families and friends, in our places of worship,
social clubs, businesses, at social gatherings and on the street.
We support a safe environment for all.We work to create a community
in which violence is unacceptable and where people of all ages, races,
genders, abilities and lifestyles can fully participate and feel safe.We come
together with the goal of safety and inclusion for all members of our
community.We believe good neighbors come in all colors and diversities
and we welcome and celebrate them.
• •
PHOTO BY: CKC IMAGES
T
Humboldt Area Foundation
Board of Directors
3. Contents
2 Meet Our Board
4 Why Opportunity Funds?
6 Opportunity Funds
10 Equity Alliance of the
North Coast
13 Libby Maynard –
NorCAN Nonprofit Leader
of the Year
20 Cascadia Leadership
Program
21 True North Organizing
Network
22 How to Give
How to Receive
24 Planned Giving
26 In Memory
In Honor
28 Legacy Society
30 New Funds
36 Current Funds
110 Del Norte & Curry Counties
– Our Regional Affiliate
Wild Rivers Community
Foundation
122 Southern Humboldt Funds
128 Union Labor Health
Foundation
130 Trinity County –
Our Regional Affiliate
Trinity Trust
134 Scholarships
139 Native Cultures Fund
140 Grants
148 Donors
156 Thank You,Volunteers
158 Financial Report
160 Staff
Inside
Back
Cover
Thank You, Sponsors
DESIGN
Carson Park Design
COVER PHOTO
CKC Images
PHOTOS
Kellie Jo Brown (HSU), CKC Images,Andrew Goff, Ross Huber,
Mid Klamath Watershed Council,Terrence McNally, Jose
Quezada, Steve Richards, Jeffrey Schwartz Photography,
Tina Taylor,Allef Vinicius (Unsplash), Mark Weller,
Catherine Wilkes Photography
72
18
4
122 | 1
4. Meet
Our Board
Patrick Cleary
Executive Director
FORMER BOARD MEMBERS
Don Albright, Jim Anderson, Jorge Babot, Mary Ann Bansen, Gary Blatnick, Casey Crabill,W. Dean Cunningham,
Thanos (Art) Dalianes, Ellen Durfee, Neal Ewald, Jack C. Feigal, Marjorie Fitzpatrick, Franny Givins, Monica Hadley,
James A. Hamby, Kevin Hartwick,William Z. Hegy, Nancy Hilfiker, Esther Smith Holmes, Fred L. Johnson,William J. Kay,
Simona Keat, Helen L’Annunziata, Eve McClaran, Sam B. Merryman, Jr., Clifford B. Mitchell, Ken Nakamura, Jeanne J. Nash,
Edward L. Nilsen, Eugenia Redmond, Marc Rowley, Jon Sapper, Jack H. Selvage, Mary Ann Spencer, M. Dale Stanhope,
Lane Strope,Terry Supahan, Marilee Hadley Taylor, John W.Thompson,Amos Tripp,Willis J.Tyson, Edythe (Edy) Vaissade,
Dolores Vellutini, Mid Westfall
The key to the success of any organization is a
strong board of directors.
Humboldt Area Foundation's board is comprised of twelve committed
community leaders with diverse skills, experiences and perspectives,
who guide the foundation and its strategic direction.
They volunteer their time and talents for
monthly board meetings and committees
that cover finance, programs, investments,
donor service and more.
Our communities are stronger and more
resilient because of their commitment,
wisdom and hard work. Our thanks to
them and all those who have served
before them.
Our
communities
are stronger
and more
resilient
because
of their
commitment,
wisdom, and
hard work.
2 |
5. Julie Fulkerson
Board Chair
& Business owner
Zuretti Goosby
Retired Field Rep.,
California Senate
District 2
John McBeth
Retired President,
O&M Industries
Kathryn Lobato
Nonprofit
Administrator
Charlie Jordan
COO & CFO
Prostar SoftwarE Inc.
Raquel Ortega
District Director,
CCC Fortuna Campus
Paula "Pimm"
Allen
Academic Advisor,
Humboldt State
University
Kevin Caldwell
Physician, Redwood
Medical Offices
Steve O'Meara
Owner, Kokatat
Mary Keehn
Founder,
Cypress Grove Inc.
Carol Rische
Retired General
Manager, Humboldt Bay
Municipal Water District
Greg Nesbitt
Retired Executive
PHOTOS BY: CATHERINE WILKES PHOTOGRAPHY
6. D O N O R D I R E C T E D F U N D S
These funds are created by donors who want their contribution directed towards a
specific cause.
F I E L D O F I N T E R E S T F U N D S
These funds are created by donors who want their contribution directed to a specific
area of work, given through HAF grants.
Areas of work include: Community; Health and Wellbeing; Scholarships; Environment
and Wildlife;Arts, Humanities and Culture; Companion Animal and Rescue; and Youth
and Family.
O R G A N I Z AT I O N A L F U N D S
Organizations invest their funds with Humboldt Area Foundation to grow the
funds for their organization over time.These funds are managed directly by the
specific organization.
Funds at HAF
Most of the funds at Humboldt
Area Foundation (HAF) are
directed by donors for a specific
purpose. These funds total
over $110 million. Only a
small portion of HAF’s funds
are available for responsive
community needs and initiatives.
Why
Opportunity
Funds?
47%
29%
15%
of funds
of funds
of funds
4 |
7. Think of how much change you have
seen in your lifetime.
We created Opportunity Funds to respond to the next unimagined, but
critical community need.
Opportunity Funds are used for challenges that face our community, and
provide long-term solutions for everyday important causes.
They are fluid.They adapt.They’re guided and managed by diligent HAF
board members.
By choosing Opportunity Funds for your giving, you unlock flexible
resources to keep Humboldt County strong.
Now is the time to make a difference.
Together, We Can Do More.
Give Now
or Learn More
hafoundation.org /
opportunityfunds
Only 9% of the funds are available to respond to changing needs.
O P P O R T U N I T Y F U N D S
Flexible money available for changing community needs including program work, initiatives, and
responsive grants.
The following pages tell the stories of
Opportunity Funds in action in our community.
9%
of funds
8. 6 | OPPORTUNITY FUNDS
Opportunity
Funds
Flexible money that acts responsibly for any type
of community need at any given time, including
program work, initiatives and responsive grant
needs.
Laurence & Elaine Allen Memorial Fund
Laurence N.Allen, a native of Nova
Scotia, Canada, moved to Arcata at age
six and died in 1992 at the age of 87.
He was a member of the Arcata City
Council and a longtime Arcata
businessman. He was a member of the
Arcata Lodge No. 106, Free and Accepted Masons, the Oakland
Scottish Rite of Eureka, the Aahmes Redwood Shrine of Eureka, the
Arcata Kiwanis Club, the Ingomar Club and the Baywood Country
Club. Elaine Allen, born in Arcata, died in 1997 at the age of 92. She
attended Arcata schools, graduating from Arcata High School. She
was a member of Eastern Star and the First Presbyterian Church of
Arcata.This is an unrestricted gift to the foundation. (1999)
Rayner C. & Winifred W. Burke Memorial Fund
Ray and Winnie Burke were active members
of the Eureka community from their arrival in
1961 until their deaths, Ray in 1988 and
Winnie in 1991. Ray participated in Kiwanis
and Navy League, and Winnie was a member
of American Association of University Women,
the Humane Society of Humboldt County, and
the Humboldt County Historical Society.
Grants from this unrestricted fund meet current and future needs of
the community. (1992)
PHOTO BY: JeffREY Schwartz Photography6 |
9. John Ellis & Linda S. Burman
Memorial Fund
John Ellis and Linda
Burman were married
19 years when John
was tragically killed in
a car accident. Linda
served on the St.
Joseph Hospital
Advisory Board, the
boards of directors of the YWCA and the Senior
Citizens Foundation, and was active in other
community activities. Linda left a portion of her
estate to establish this endowment fund with
income available for discretionary
purposes. (1991)
Bruce Cameron Memorial Fund
Bruce Cameron believed
that “people should do
good things for each other”
and throughout his life, he
lived that intention.An
adventurer and sailor from
the beginning, Bruce
explored many parts of the world before
settling in Arcata. During his life he kayaked the
Amazon, spent months in the Malaysian jungles
as well as extensive time in Peru, hunting for a
lost city. But more than an ordinary traveler,
Bruce was foremost a humanitarian, helping to
build a school and hospital on the remote
islands of Tonga.The people there remembered
Bruce years later and welcomed his boat as he
pulled onto the beach with great celebration.
Bruce passed away in 2009. Because Bruce
loved his life, his home and family and his
natural surroundings, he demonstrated that
love by making a last and lasting gift from his
estate to support the work of the community
through Humboldt Area Foundation. (2010)
Dorothy Coeur Memorial Fund
Dorothy K. Coeur impacted
many people in her lifetime
with her bright smile, warm
heart and willingness to lend
a helping hand to young and
old alike. Income from this
fund is available for
humanitarian, cultural, educational and
charitable purposes. (1988)
Helen Davis Memorial Fund
Helen was born on
November 15, 1900, on a
farm in Illinois. Her family
later moved to the “wild
west,” a town called
Round Up in Montana
where she married Dave Davis in 1926.
Eventually the couple found their way to Arcata
where Dave operated a barbershop and served
on the city council. Helen became a Campfire
Girls leader, inviting as many as 60 girls a week
into her home. She also invited the boys who
lived at the Presbyterian rooming house to her
home for dinner once a month.At age 76,
Helen began volunteering at the Presbyterian
Thrift Shop, continuing until age 92. Declining
health finally restricted Helen to her home
where she died on June 2, 2003, leaving behind
many grateful friends and admirers. Humboldt
Area Foundation established this fund to thank
and honor Helen for her gift to the foundation.
Grants will be made to a variety of charitable
causes. (2004)
Dorothy Egan Memorial Fund
Dorothy Mae Egan was
born and raised in Scotia.
Dorothy met and married
Victor Egan.Together they
built a home and settled in
Eureka. Her greatest joy
came from taking care of their home. If you
were to walk by, you would find Dorothy
working tirelessly in her yard. It was Dorothy’s
wish that her estate be given to Humboldt Area
Foundation to be used to benefit the people
and needs of Humboldt County. (2010)
Ivy Erene Hughes & Carl G.
Lundgren Fund
Ivy and her brother Carl
were born in Eureka to
Swedish immigrants.After
their parents’ early death,
13-year-old Carl left school
to support himself and Ivy.
Carl paid Ivy’s tuition and was very proud when
she graduated from Humboldt State College in
1923. Ivy taught school in the Fortuna area for
more than 40 years before retiring to travel,
play bridge and garden. Carl owned City Meat
Market and then Redwood Meat Co.After his
retirement in 1948 he moved to his ranch in
Kneeland and then to Santa Barbara. He died in
August 1981 and Ivy, in May 1996.The fund is
unrestricted. (1997)
Humboldt Area
Foundation
Opportunity Fund
The needs of our
community evolve over
time and many of those
changes are difficult
to foresee. Humboldt
Area Foundation
serves a unique role in
our ability to address
these changes.The
HAF Opportunity Fund
allows the Humboldt
Area Foundation
Board of Directors to
respond to challenges
and opportunities in
our region by utilizing
the foundation’s
unrestricted resources.
Learn more:
hafoundation.org/
opportunity
| 7
10. 8 | OPPORTUNITY FUNDS
Ingebritson Discretionary Fund
This remarkably
generous and
modest couple
created a
scholarship fund
with Humboldt Area
Foundation in 1989 during their lifetime
together. Later they left significant gifts to
several local organizations from their estate,
including a second fund with HAF to be used
at the discretion of the Foundation’s board of
directors. Dr. Ingebritson died in 2000 and
Mrs. Ingebritson died in 2006. (2007)
William F. & Ruby M. Kennedy Fund
William “Bill”
Kennedy grew up in
Samoa where he rode
a paddle-wheeler
across Humboldt Bay
every morning for
school in Eureka. Bill
graduated from Eureka High School, attended
Armstrong Business College and went to work
in Saudi Arabia for Standard Oil Company
when oil fields were being pioneered. He
served as Naval aviator for two tours during
WWII. Ruby grew up in the Arcata bottoms
and graduated from Arcata High School with a
certificate of achievement in bookkeeping. She
lived in San Francisco before moving back to
Eureka and working as bookkeeper. Bill
returned to Humboldt County, met Ruby, and
they married in 1953.Together they
established Kennedy’s Office Supply which
celebrated 43 years of business. Bill’s lifelong
interest in fly fishing and their mutual love of
the outdoors took Bill and Ruby to many
special places.This fund will be used at the
Foundation’s discretion. (2009)
Kokatat Fund
Kokatat has been
manufacturing paddling gear
in Arcata, California since
1971.At a time when many
technical apparel brands were
moving manufacturing
offshore, Kokatat continued to invest in
infrastructure in the US. Kokatat is proud of
our contribution to the local Humboldt County
economy. More than 90% of our global sales
are generated from apparel and accessories
manufactured in Arcata, CA.This fund was
established to promote the mission of
Humboldt Area Foundation and to encourage
discretionary giving to support strategic
community work. (2011)
Marian Coffman Larson Fund
Marian Coffman Larson, born
in Jacksonville,TX in 1930,
came to Humboldt County
with her family as a young
girl. She graduated from
Humboldt State University
with a BA degree and an
elementary school teaching credential. Marian
taught school in Humboldt County for 24
years, including 19 years in the Cutten
Elementary School District. Marian devoted her
time and efforts to the improvement of
education of young elementary school
students. She was a member of the California
Teachers Association and the Eureka Church of
Religious Science. Marian is survived by her
husband, Garth Larson.The fund is used for
discretionary purposes of the
Foundation. (1998)
Mary Virginia McIntosh-Mangham
Memorial Fund
Mary, a second generation
Eurekan, was a resident of
Oakland when she died in
1987. Her beloved
husband, James Mangham,
established this fund to
benefit her native
community. (1987)
Essie Mathews Memorial Fund
This unrestricted fund was
established by the family of
longtime Eureka resident
Essie Mathews. Grants from
this fund allow the
Foundation to address a
variety of community
needs. (1992)
James A. & Geneva Nealis
Memorial Fund
Believing strongly that people should
contribute actively to the community in which
they live, the Nealises worked with many
organizations and on many area projects.
Geneva, who died in June 1996, established
this fund to honor her husband James. (1990)
Vera P. Vietor Trust
Vera Perrott Vietor, a native of
Humboldt County, was married
to Lynn A.Vietor, who owned
and operated Eureka Boiler
Works and Acme Foundry Co.
After his death in 1972, Mrs.
Vietor established the Humboldt
Area Foundation. Later in 1972,
at the time of her death, she
left the family home in Bayside
to be used as the Foundation
office and headquarters.The
Foundation office was opened in
June of 1974.The surrounding
real property was dedicated in
memory of her husband.The Lynn
Vietor Nature Trail was completed
and opened to the public in 1995.
She also bequeathed $2,400,000
in trust for the benefit of the
Foundation. Income is available
for discretionary purposes. (1972)
Founder
of Humboldt Area Foundation
11. Carl Nielsen Memorial Fund
Carl Nielsen, a lifelong Arcata
resident, was a graduate of
Arcata High and had a 43-year
career with Seely & Titlow
Company. From 1943 to 1946,
he served in the army as an
army engineer in France and the Philippines.
Carl’s beloved mother, Emma, granddaughter
of pioneer William Burrill (for whom Burrill
Peak, near Weitchpec, is named), was the
daughter of Hans Knudsen, whose family
owned ranches at Orleans and Somes Bar. Carl
spent a lot of time on these ranches,
developing an avid interest in the history and
customs of the early European settlers and his
Indian forebears. He became known as an
authority on those subjects, as well as a
collector of artifacts from that period. He was
recognized as an accomplished woodworker
and gunsmith, specializing in early techniques.
He was appreciated for his generosity in
sharing his knowledge and skills.This is a
discretionary fund. (1997)
Sterling F. Paddock Memorial Fund
Sterling Fulmore Paddock was born at home in
Eureka on April 11, 1910, weighing just over
2 pounds. His grandmother’s wedding ring
fit over his thigh. He was put in a shoebox in
the woodstove warming oven, but was not
expected to survive. He passed away 44 days
before his 98th birthday on February 27, 2008.
He spent his youth working on ranches in
Humboldt and Siskiyou counties and enjoyed
deer hunting, fishing, and collecting rocks
and petrified wood. Later in life, he helped
local ranchers, taking care of animals, making
wood or house sitting for them while they
were on vacation. Sterling was a reliable, quiet
and private individual who lived in his own
home until a brief stay at St. Luke Manor. In
addition to other gifts to organizations he
admired, Sterling left this fund to be spent at
the discretion of HAF to meet local community
needs. (2009)
Don F. & Fay M. Quinn
Memorial Fund
Don F. Quinn, a native of
Eureka, was very active in the
community. He had a positive
attitude toward life and a
sincere desire to help others.
Born on October 4, 1920, he
died July 29, 1983. Fund income is distributed
at the discretion of the Foundation’s Board of
Directors. Fay Quinn passed away on
December 22, 1997. (1983)
James & Elva Shaw Memorial Fund
James was born and
raised in Kneeland and
was a Eureka High
School graduate. He was
a WWI veteran, a
member of the army
Corps of Engineers for 33 years, and a 60-year
member of the Arcata American Legion and
Knights of Pythias. Elva Murray Shaw was
raised in the Ft. Bragg area, and after marrying
Jim, she was a schoolteacher for a number of
years.This is a discretionary fund. (1993)
Julie Willows Memorial Fund
Julie Mae Willows was born
in Maine on June 17, 1912.
After her father and sister
died in 1918 during the flu
epidemic, Julie moved to
New York to live with her
aunt, as her mother didn’t
have the means to raise four children. Julie
went to church with a neighbor and Christian
Science became her way of life. Julie met Chet
Willows and they married in 1935. Chet, an
ex-marine, served in the Air Force in WWII.
After the war, they opened a restaurant called
“Julie’s” in Carmichael, California. In 1959,
they bought the Hartsook Inn in Piercy,
enduring the 1964 flood and a fire. Julie was a
member of the 1st Church of Christian Science
and Soroptomist International of the
Redwoods in Garberville. Chet died in 1973
and Julie operated the Hartsook Inn until
1984. She moved to Eureka in May 2009 and
died March 7, 2011. (2011)
Jean & Harold Wyckoff
Memorial Fund
The income from this fund
is unrestricted and is used
to respond to community
needs. (1982)
| 9
12. 10 |
n the last year, Equity
Alliance participants
have started addressing
community-level challenges
together, such as a coalition of HSU,
City of Arcata and Business leaders and
a coalition of McKinleyville organizations.
They are identifying patterns of troublesome
experiences with racism and are crafting and
employing solutions to address them.A group
of trainers-in-training are learning about
best practices and developing locally relevant
approaches.
To learn more visit hafoundation.org/
equityalliance.
U P D A T E
Equity
Alliance
of the North Coast
I
Made Possible by
Opportunity
funds
Together, we can
do more.
I’ve become more aware of how in subtle
ways I see people I come in contact with
as an “other”, how I assume “privilege”
and act on it, and how difficult it is to
change. I also notice how important
it is to be compassionate with myself
about how slowly I change and to be
compassionate about how hard it is for
others to change.
”
“
– Anonymous Donor and Program Participant
To learn more about Opportunity Funds, see page 4.
In addition to HAF Opportunity
Funds, we thank the Patricia D.
& William B. Smullin Foundation,
The Footprint Foundation, and
The California Endowment for
helping to make this work possible.
10 |
13. Participating in the racial
equity work gave us a
common toolbox with each
other and with other county
partners in addressing the
challenges and opportunities
in our community.
”
“
“
Racism is alive in our
community, whether or not
people believe it. I became
involved and stay involved
because I care about this
community. It is my home
and always has been. Nobody
should feel unwelcome in their
own home.
” – Alex Ozaki McNeil,
Chief Financial Officer,
Cafe Brio
– Kerry Venegas,
Executive Director,
Changing Tides Family
Services
PHOTO BY: JOSE QUEZADA PHOTOS BY: Catherine Wilkes Photography
14. 12 |
he Panamnik Building is located in Orleans, CA
and plays an essential role in our town.There
is no other place in our area for large groups
to gather. Originally an old grocery store, this
space has been vastly transformed and restored to
serve the needs of the community.
Mid Klamath Watershed Council (MKWC) works
hard every day to preserve the unique qualities of
the Klamath region and to restore local ecosystems
and the communities that depend on them. MKWC
employs more than seventy people in our quaint town
of 600, bringing over two million dollars in watershed
restoration contracts into local communities each year.
The beauty of this place is surely in its diversity
and richness of resources.Today, the Panamnik
Building is the site of a meeting with the Western
Klamath Restoration Partnership Core Team, who are
planning the return of good fire to 1.2 million acres
of the Western Klamath
Mountains. It’s also doubling
as a tattoo parlor for a local
artist.At the same time, a small
delegation of Klamath River Renewal
Corporation representatives are holed up in a back
room, orchestrating the home stretch of what will be
the world’s largest dam removal. It’s also home to
MKWC’s Foodsheds program, converting into a full
solar cooking center on a moment’s notice.
Much more than a space for our community to
gather, this building is a necessity to keep our
region strong and sustainable for the long-term.
Our youth, families, seniors and future generations
rely on this space to develop, grow, learn and prosper.
T
The
Panamnik
Building
A place to learn, grow,
gather and prosper.
SUBMITTED
STORY BY:
Erica Terence
Made Possible by
Opportunity
funds
Together, we can
do more.
Erica Terence
Mid Klamath Watershed Council
Outreach & Development Director12 |
15. ibby Maynard. Mentioning her name in the
community gets an instant response of gratitude
and respect. She has been described as a “ray
of sunshine, a community, cultural, and national
leader and a deep believer in humanity.”
Her résumé is a mile long, filled with a mix of volunteer
work and impressive leadership roles. She is a mover and
shaker, and to the core, she is an artist who loves where
she lives.
Libby is the cofounder and executive director of Ink People
Center for the Arts, serves as an independent community
cultural development consultant, and is a member of the
Humboldt Creative Alliance and the NorCAN steering
committee. She also serves on the board of directors for:
Access Humboldt, Humboldt County Convention and
Visitors Bureau,Alliance for California Traditional Arts
(a statewide organization based in Fresno), and Humboldt
County Workforce Development Board.
This past year, the community came together to celebrate
Libby with NorCAN's 2016 Nonprofit Leader Achievement
Award, an honor well deserved and respectfully earned
over multiple years of service to the region.
L
Nationally, Libby put Humboldt on the arts
map through her involvement with Americans
for the Arts, her advocacy with the National
Endowment for the Arts and other leadership
organizations.
But these are not the reasons I have come to
love Libby and hold her in my heart for all
she represents about what is possible.
Libby has a deeper belief and trust in
humanity than almost anyone I have
ever met, and she shows it by how she
conducts her work.
”
NorCAN is supported by
Opportunity
funds
Together, we can
do more.
PHOTO BY: CATHERINE WILKES PHOTOGRAPHY
“
Libby
Maynard
NorCAN's Nonprofit
Leader of the Year
– Peter H. Pennekamp
Senior Fellow, Community Democracy Workshop
and Retired, Humboldt Area Foundation
Executive Director
To learn more about Opportunity Funds, see page 4.
NorCAN, a program of Humboldt Area
Foundation, is dedicated to connecting,
training and convening nonprofit leaders
doing good work across the region.
Each year, we honor a leader with this
distinguished award to celebrate the
creativity and contributions of talent in
the nonprofit sector.
| 13
16. edwood Acres Fairgrounds
is an essential focal point
in our community. Not only
is it the home of the annual Best of
Humboldt Fair, but it also doubles
as a vibrant event center and major
evacuation hub.
Like most California State
fairgrounds, Redwood Acres is
located on state property and is
run by a board appointed by the
governor. In recent years, the state
has significantly cut funding to the
fairgrounds as a budget measure,
threatening the survival of many of
the fairgrounds across California.
Redwood Acres has creatively found
a way to balance the financial
situation by becoming home to food-
related businesses such as Natural
Decadence, Humboldt Cider Works
and others.This strategy maintains
the fairgrounds’ commitment to food
and agriculture while simultaneously
creating rental income to help
sustain the operations.
This year, Humboldt Area Foundation
partnered with Redwood Aces to put
together a combined grant and loan
program.This helped to fund the
remodel of several building spaces to
commercial kitchens.
To learn more about Opportunity
Funds, see page 4.
Opportunity
Together, we can
do more.
R
Redwood
Acres
Kitchens
PHOTO BY: CATHERINE WILKES PHOTOGRAPHY
Providing
a valuable
community
resource and
improving
finances.
Made Possible by
Opportunity
funds
Together, we can
do more.
17. trashed, overgrown, and
dilapidated alley isn’t
just an eyesore.An alley
that goes unmonitored
and unclaimed becomes a place
where people no longer feel safe. It
becomes a place where neighbors
clash and where tenants quarrel
with landlords. Eventually, a chronic
nuisance alley becomes too big of
a problem for any one neighbor to
manage and results in increased law
enforcement concerns and decreased
community well-being.
Community-led alley cleanups deliver
much more than just beautification.
Alley cleanups unite community
members on the grounds of mutual
neighborhood improvement and
provide a conduit for collective
stewardship.Through the Westside
Alley Reclamation Project,
neighborhoods gather together to
reclaim their alleys.
With the support of St. Joseph
Health Community Partnership
Fund, Humboldt Area Foundation,
California Center for Rural Policy,
Westside Community Improvement
Association (WCIA), and Westside
Eureka’s neighborhood resident
volunteers, since March 2016, ten
alleys have been reclaimed and
are now being adopted and
maintained by the neighbors.
To learn more about
Opportunity Funds, see page 4.
Opportunity
Together, we can
do more.
A
Westside
Alley
Reclamation
Project
PHOTO BY: MARK WELLER
SUBMITTED
STORY BY:
Mark Weller
& Heidi
Benzonelli
A well-maintained
common alley
gives people
a sense of
pride in their
neighborhood.
Made Possible by
Opportunity
funds
Together, we can
do more.
Mark Weller
Heidi Benzonelli
Neighbor &
Westside Alley
Reclamation
Project Volunteer,
Stanley James
Wong
WCIA Deputy Director
WCIA President
| 15
18. Hospice
of Humboldt
Circle of Care
Grief Program
PHOTO BY: ALLEF VINICIUS ON UNSPLASH
SUBMITTED
STORY BY:
KELSEY SLUSS
Made Possible by
Opportunity
funds
Together, we can
do more.
16 |
19. hile grief is a very human experience, often we need help
navigating through the painful patches. Prior to 2016,
there were few-to-no services in our area specifically
designed for children and teens struggling with loss.
With funding from Humboldt Area Foundation, Hospice of Humboldt
launched the Circle of Care Grief Program, which provides a safe
space for youth to work through their grief with trusted and trained
counselors. From the loss of a parent, friend, or loved one to a
cumulative grief of multiple personal or community losses, this program
meets youth where they are.
Since its launch, this program has served over 75 children and teens in
individual counseling sessions and group settings.Teenagers explore
their grief through creative writing and art projects in a collective
setting.They have reported that this program has improved their coping
skills and helped them feel less alone and less stressed in their day-to-
day lives.
In addition to providing direct services to youth, Hospice grief counselors
are committed to training staff at schools and other community youth
agencies who may encounter grieving children.These trainings allow
professionals who work with children to identify grief responses,
identify normal versus
complicated grief, and
provide emotional support
and intervention strategies
when appropriate.
To learn more about
the Circle of Care Grief
Program, please visit
hospiceofhumboldt.
org or call the Hospice
Grief Support Services
phone line at
707-267-9801.
To learn more about
Opportunity Funds, see
page 4.
W
A program designed to help local youth
navigate through the loss of a loved one.
DID YOU
KNOW?
• 1 in 5 children will
experience the death of
someone close to them by
age 18.
• In a poll of 1,000 high
school juniors and seniors,
90% indicated they had
experienced the death of a
loved one.
Kelsey Sluss
Hospice of Humboldt
Community Outreach Liaison
20. 18 |
Jane Doe
inWonderland
Sylvia Garvie Memorial Fund
Carl Nielsen Memorial Fund
Ivy Erene Hughes &
Carl G. Lundgren Fund
J ane Doe in Wonderland is a play and survivor
talk created by Humboldt County anti-
sex trafficking organization Game Over in
partnership with the Dell’ Arte International
School of Physical Theatre 2016 M.F.A. graduates
Grace Booth, Erin Johnston and Kate Tobie.
The play tells the story of local sex trafficking survivor
Elle Snow (“Jane Doe”) using the well-known Alice in
Wonderland to show the parallel story of the victim
and the survivor in a straightforward, artistic format.
The main objective of Jane Doe in Wonderland’s first
fully staged tour in 2017 was to provide prevention
education through the arts and increase community
awareness around domestic sex trafficking in
Humboldt County.The play toured for 3 weeks
throughout the county, with a total of eleven
performances and two shows specifically for
youth audiences hosted at Eureka High School.
Over 850 people attended the performances,
300 of whom were youth under the age of 18.
Each performance ended with time for open
dialogue with the audience.Audience members
shared stories about knowing family members or
friends who were trafficked, and even stories of being
trafficked themselves.
Based on the powerful response, feedback and need,
Jane Doe in Wonderland plans to develop a two-month
tour for Spring 2018 in the rural communities of
Northern California and Southern Oregon.
To learn more about Jane Doe in Wonderland,
visit janedoeinwonderland.org. For more
information about our local nonprofit fighting
sex trafficking, visit itsgameover.org.
To learn more about Opportunity Funds,
see page 4.
Made Possible by
Opportunity
funds
Together, we can
do more.
18 |
21. We received unanimous response from our teen audience
members that the play was written in a way that was
extremely accessible, powerful and enlightening. Many
teens even thanked us for opening their eyes to the red flags
and vulnerabilities that exist for their demographic.
”– Erin Johnston, Playwright and Director
“The Mad Hatter and the
March Hare read from
‘Pimpology,’ a book that actual
traffickers use to learn the
rules of “The Game,” a.k.a.
manipulation techniques to
use on their victims.” Grace
Booth as the March Hare, Jared
Mongeau as the Mad Hatter
PHOTO BY: TERRENCE MCNALLY
“
22. 20 |
Humboldt Area Foundation is home to the Cascadia Center for Leadership, an intensive
annual leadership program led by Mary Gelinas and Roger James that builds participant
skills in problem solving, creating high impact teams able to work
across differences to achieve more innovative solutions.
Whether you are an established or emerging leader or
work in business, government, education or public
service, Cascadia is dedicated to strengthening your
ability to make a positive difference in your world.
For more information about Cascadia visit
cascadialeadership.org.
To learn more about Opportunity Funds,
see page 4.
Natalie Arroyo (2010)
City Councilmember Ward 5, City of Eureka
Senior Planner, Redwood Community Action Agency,
Natural Resource Service Division
Coast Guardsman, US Coast Guard Reserve
The Cascadia Training program made me feel more
confident as a leader and allowed me to work on the
skills that aren’t my natural strengths. I also formed great
relationships with my fellow cohort members who I will
work with in the community.
”
Michelle Fuller (2015)
Environmental Programs Director, Blue Lake Rancheria
The Cascadia Program has significantly influenced how I
view leadership. It helped to disentangle previous beliefs I
had about power and authority from leadership.
”
Mary Burke (2017)
Program Manager, California Trout, Inc.
My life has become more balanced as a result of
implementing the practices taught in the Cascadia Program.
Leadership is about the whole person, not just who you are
in your job title or in your leadership role.
”
“
“
“
Made Possible by
Opportunity
funds
Together, we can
do more.
Growing Transformational
Leadership for 17 Years
23. HUMBOLDT AREA FOUNDATION 2016 / 2017 | 21
Speaking at the school board
meeting on the DACA resolution
was a no-brainer for me. All
children and their families
should feel safe when they are
in school; it should be a place
of love and nurturing so that
they can grow up to think
critically and add to our diverse
community in positive ways. I
felt good about representing my
faith community at the board
meeting because we are called
to be extensions of God’s love
in our community, and that is
exactly what we are doing.
”– Pastor Dana Gillport
“
The True North Organizing Network
is a diverse community-led, grassroots
organizing effort in Humboldt and Del
Norte counties.This year,True North helped
to lead and frame important discussions
on community concerns such as new
recreational facilities in Klamath, immigrant
rights throughout our communities, the
creation of a Spanish language radio
station and much more.
For more information about True North
visit truenorthorganizing.org
| 21
24. 22 |
To learn more about planned giving options and to support
causes you care about now and into the future, call
(707) 442-2993.
How to Give |
Choose where your gift
will be directed
• Support Humboldt Area Foundation’s community
programs or unrestricted grant making that
meets changing community needs via the HAF
Opportunity Fund
• Support an existing fund listed in this publication
• Create your own fund. Stop by for a conversation
on how we can best meet your needs
Identify how you would like
to make your gift
Cash Real Property
Stock Other Assets
DECIDE WHEN YOU WANT
TO MAKE YOUR GIFT
Make your gift TODAY, or make a MONTHLY
contribution charged to your credit card, or make
a plan now to give after your LIFETIME
Step
1
Step
2
Step
3
PHOTO BY: CATHERINE WILKES Photography
25. How to Receive | For more information about other grant
opportunities or to apply, visit hafoundation.org
or call (707) 442-2993.
GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR LOCAL NONPROFITS
FOR OTHER OPPORTUNITIES WITH OUR AFFILIATES
Wild Rivers Community Foundation | wildriverscf.org • Trinity Trust | trinity-trust.org
Union Labor Health Foundation | ulhf.org (Health Assistance Grants)
Supports a wide variety of projects, including community-led initiatives focused
on pressing issues that residents are passionate about and come together to
address. Projects involve those most affected and make use of collaborative
relationships and partnerships.
Supports proposals from nonprofits to strengthen or improve the organization,
leadership or operations in the following areas:
• Strategic Planning • Fundraising Planning • Executive Coaching
• Board Development • Personnel Issues
• Marketing/Public Relations • Operational Assessments
Supports projects in these following categories:
• Arts & Culture • Companion Animal & Rescue • Senior Opportunities
• Education • Environment & Wildlife • Southern Humboldt
GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR INDIVIDUALS
GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND ORGANIZATIONS
GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR GRASSROOT GROUPS/ORGANIZATIONS
Intended for sudden, unanticipated and unavoidable challenges which, if not
addressed immediately, could threaten an organization’s ability to achieve its
mission. Generally speaking, a compelling reason must exist in order to be
eligible for these grants.
Humboldt Area Foundation offers an online scholarship application for 140
different scholarship opportunities. The scholarships offered were created by
local residents to honor their loved ones and to support local students in pursuit
of their diverse ambitions. These scholarships feature a wide range of criteria.
Supports Native arts, cultural revitalization and cultural transmission between
generations in Northern and Central California. Grants are awarded to both
individuals and nonprofits.
Supports projects that are designed by and for the community that is impacted
to provide:
• Leadership Development • Existing Community Resources
• Diverse Participation • Partnerships that extend beyond residents
Community
Grant Program
AVAILABLE YEAR ROUND
Technical Assistance
Program (TAP)
AVAILABLE MONTHLY
Field of
Interest Grants
AVAILABLE ANNUALLY
September – November
Rapid Response Grants
ONGOING / NO DEADLINE
Scholarship Program
AVAILABLE ANNUALLY
January – March
Native Cultures Fund
AVAILABLE TWICE ANNUALLY
November – April
Grassroots Grants
Program
AVAILABLE MONTHLY
| 23
26. 24 | PHOTO BY: CKC IMAGES
What is
Planned
Giving?
It may sound fancy, though
really, planned giving is
simple.
What is planned giving?
Making a plan to make a charitable gift in the
future
Why is it important?
The tax code offers different incentives at major
life events: marriage, inheritance, sale of a
business or investment property and end of life
Some examples of planned
giving are:
• Charitable Remainder Trusts
• Bequests
• Life Estates
• Charitable IRA Rollover
• Donations of Appreciated Assets
How do you get started?
Your CPA or estate planning attorney can
help you decide what is best for you or for
more general information, you can contact
Humboldt Area Foundation at
(707) 442-2993 or Leave a Legacy
Humboldt at (707) 267-9922.
24 |
27. The Saunders Made
"Giving Back"
a FamilyValue
Today their lives
of service lives on,
sending kids to college
and keeping Trinidad
strong.
Learn more about how their legacy
gift is benefiting our region and learn
about ways you can make an impact.
Visit leavealegacyhumboldt.org
Leave a Legacy Humboldt is a partnership of Humboldt County
organizations including Humboldt State University, Hospice of Humboldt,
Humboldt Area Foundation, Humboldt Botanical Garden, and St. Joseph and
Redwood Memorial Health to promote planned giving locally.
Janice and Glenn Saunders
28. In Memory
In Honor
Gifts received by Humboldt Area Foundation
between July 1, 2016 and June 30, 2017 to
remember and honor.
Gifts made in memory of:
Roger Adrian
Gale Anderson
Dorothy Axsmith
Ernest G. "Gerry"
Ayers
Evelyn (Lynn) Davis
Ballard
John Barakos, DDS
Matthew David
Barnes
Betty Ann Barton
Anthony Joseph
Bessette
Carol Bethke
Earl Biehn
Richard Billington
Lily Boemker
Frederick O. Bott
Lavina Bowers
James Phillip Brantly
Ophelia Branum
David E. Brown
Franklin S. Browne
Gary J. Brusca
Vern "Rock" Monty
Buell, Sr.
Buffalo Woman
Sandra Marie Caddell
Dennis R. Cahill
Gary Cahill
Mada Huggins
Caldwell
Lela R. "Lee"
Chapman
Alyssa Marie Claybon
Nick Clemenza
Bill Clow
Gladys E. Cole
Kathryn Corbett
Sandra Corcoran
Robert "Bob" Calvert
Crichton
Marge Custis
Marcella Da Massa
Debbie Daggett
Fiorina Lena Mary Dal
Porto
Nelo Joseph Dal Porto
Gust & Eugenia
Dalianes
Kenneth David
Mark Steven De Nune
Maritess Faith
Demoret
Cozette Julia Denbo
John Thomas
Diamond, Jason
Thomas Diamond &
Wendy Diamond
Stan Dixon
Milton Dobkin
Leslie Robert Douglas,
Jr., DVM
Travis McKinley Dow
David Dowdakin
Esther Drasky
Kevin Richard Ebbert
S. Calvin Edinger
Yianni (John)
Ellenikiotis
Wendy Steinkamp
Ewald
Michael Feil
Debra Kay Foster
Fr. Eric Freed
Ralph Otis Fullmer
Phyllis Giacomini
Elizabeth (Beth) Amy
Giraud
LaVerne Glaze
Clara "Tody" Goetze
Hal Eugene Goodyear
Shirley Green
Sammie Ann Greene
Lathan Greensfelder
Margaret Alice
Guckeen
Clarence "Larry"
Hagmeier
Charles Hamilton
Richard E. Harmer
Mike & Hilma Harris
Thelma J. "TJ" Harris
Larry Hartwick
Richard Towner
Harville
PHOTO BY: JEFFREY SCHWARTZ PHOTOGRAPHY26 |
29. Emmet Hein
Nyle Henderson
Burnette Henry
Dorothy Hildebrandt
Sharon Hiner
Lee Hollowell
Scott Holmes
Jean Ann Horstman
Betty Hosterman
Beverly Hough
James A. Howard
Dale Hubbard
Pat Huddleson
Brian Jay Hunt
Panayiotis Issichopoulos
Barbara Iten
Jersie
Lucille Johnson
Elizabeth Alice Kachigian
Georgia Kanelos
Hal Karlsrud
Manuel Chernoff Kaster
Danny Lee Kautz
Dr. Lawrence Lew Kavich
Justin Scott Keele
Henry J. Kelly
Gayle Kertel
Klaus-Peter Knopik
Ralph Kraus
Guy F.D.R. Kuttner
Nancy Jacobs Lafrenz
Marlene Laidlaw
Lillian Lapham
Charles M. Lawrence
Clarence E. Leppek
Mary Leppek
Sandra Lobese
Robert M. Lochtie
Doris Loudermilk
Harley & Irene Lowden
Chesley & Josephine
Ludden
Chesley Boyer Ludden
Thomas J. & Emma Adell
Ludden
Lucinda 'Lu' Lyman
Eli B. Lyons
Jacob McDougal Lyons
Wally Maciel
Ian Christopher Mackey
Newman
Mary Virginia McIntosh
Mangham
Joanna D. Marcuz
Mike "Stix" Martino
Helen Joyce Mason
Jenny Mason
Arletta Masterson
Dorothy McGlothlin
Kelly McKenzie
Susie McKenzie
Ruth Meigs
Arnold "Bud" & Darlene
Miller
James & Betty Mills
Ruth Mountaingrove
Ruth P. Needham
Toula New
Jason Nightingale
Lois "June" Noel
Jenifer Nunnemaker
Leroy "Duth" Offenbacher
Virgina Oliveira
Jennifer Leigh Olson
Peter Eric Palmquist
Barbara Papstein
Gerald "Jerry" L. Partain
Manuel & Lorraine Pastor
Harvey C. Paulsen
Athena Perraki
Helen Person
Justin Porteous
Lois Prior
Debra Lynn Martin Quigley
Nicole Lynn Quigley
Alive Richard
Chandler Richie
Nelda Rose
Julia Rubino
Dylan Wade Ruiz
Glenn Walter Saunders
Janis Jean Saunders
Smokey John Savage
Martha Scavuzzo
Barry Scholz
Suzanne (Suzie) Wetzel
Seemann
Bill & Lorie Selby
Maeve Ryan Shanahan
Lana Skeen
Pat Smith
Mary Ann (Regan) Spencer
Larry St. Croix
LeRoy Starkey
Irene Steveson
James & Helen Stewart
James Michael Stone
Stuart Sundet
Kathy Sutton
Betty Swanson
Lorana Sweet
Michelle Lynn Tarwater
Michelle Tarwater
Keith Taylor
David Tecker
Raymond Thomsen
Jim Titus
David Toy
Josephine Trichilo
Stephen & Henry Tropp
Frances "Suzie" Van Kirk
Pete & Karlyn Van Matre
Barbara Van Putten
Lucille Bartlett Vinyard
Augustus A.Vogt
Alexandria Vouchilas
David G.Walker
Dr. Jack Walsh
Lynn Diane Warner
Janine Ford Waters
Joseph "Joey" Waters
Weaverville Lions who
have passed
Monet Madison Weems
Andrea Weidkamp
Andy Weidkamp
Alfred Wilkins
Dell & Greta Williamson
Floyd Wilson
Ruth Wilson
Flora Natalie Winzler
Richard Wolf, MD
Ann Marie Martin Woolley
Dr. Philip Young
Paul Zastrow
Gayle Ziolkowski
Leela C. Zion
Gifts made in honor of:
Richard Ames
Kitsy Anagnostou
Andru
Wallis & Kathleen Arnold
Melanie Bettenhausen
Kelly Boehms
Angela & Mark Bonner
Rick Botzler
Alexander Sage Stevens
Caddell
Edward Cardoza
Aunty Cathy
Patrick Cleary
Wade & Sabrina
DeLashmutt
Nancy Detwiler
The Stan Dixon Family
Coach DK
Deborah A. Downs
Sandra Forrest
John Gai
John & Gail Gai's 50th
Wedding Anniversary
Rose Gale-Zoellick
Peg Gardner
Charlotte Greenwood
Susan Hansen
Patrick & Barbara Hash
George & Antoinette
Highsmith
Esther Smith Holmes
Kevin Hoover
David Huck
Rees Hughes
Richard & Carolyn Hunt
Ron & Judy Irvin
Amy Jester
Malvern & Frances Jester
Thomas Joseph, Jr.
Coxswain KM
Joan Knoernschild
John Kovacovich
Maggie Kraft
Paul Kraus
Deborah Laurie
Sam & Evelyn Leeper
Michelle Lefebvre
Carol Lyons
Taylor Aaron Major
John & Jackie McBeth
The Melchisedek
Partnership, LP
Pam Mendelsohn
Mary Mitchel
Sheryl Mitchell
Jillian Moore
The Honorable John
Morrison & Mrs.
Morrison
Dr. Nancy A. Nieboer &
George R. Johnson, Jr.
Thomas & Nicole Norton
Mr. & Mrs. Skip O'Brien
Jennifer Olson & Daniel
Barton
Margaret Paczkowski
Gary Paul, Jr.
Harvey Paulsen
Fernando Paz
Allen Pierce, Jr.
Alli, Zach & Baby Swan
Powers
Iris Quinlan
Dennis Rael
Sharon Redd
Jennifer L. Rice
Tim & Courtney Ricks
Margo Robbins
Emilisa Botzler-Rodgers
Terry Roelofs
Alexander & Jill Rohn
Grecia Rojas
Elizabeth Rose & Michael
Ravenswing
Jenny Rose
Wayne & Andrea Roslosnik
JoAnn Schuch
Kelli Schwartz
Jerry Simone
Suzanne & Justin Slagle
Craig & Christie Smith
Nathan T. Smith
Rebecca Stauffer
James Steele
Barbara Stokely
Terry Supahan
Allison Swan
Erin Taylor
Carol Vander Meer
Pitt Varbano
Weaverville Lions Club
Blaine & Rayna Westfall
Ron White
Steve & Mary Wilson
Robin Wolff
Maggie Young & Simpson
McCormick
HUMBOLDT AREA FOUNDATION 2016 / 2017 | 27
30. Legacy
Society
Humboldt Area Foundation thanks all those who
have included a gift for charitable work in their
will or living trust. The following are Humboldt
Area Foundation's Legacy Society members whose
gifts will support work they value for future
generations. If you would like to join the Legacy
Society, please call Donor Services at (707) 442-
2993. You can join and be listed or choose to
remain anonymous.
Bill & Linda Alden
Jim & Judy Anderson
John Clayton Anderson
Brian Barcot
Eleanor H. Bates
Julia Bednar
Robert F. Benson &
Becky L. Evans
Assemblywoman (Ret.)
Patty Berg
Joan Rankin Berman
Dr. Ronald & Karen Berman
Diane Bettis
Susan Binckley
Mary Ann Bottini
Johnny Calkins
E. David Chambers
Carol Claire
Patrick Cleary & Cat Koshkin
Robert P. & Linda Cohen
Steve & Margaret Cole
Susan Combes
Maya Conrad
Lynn Hartley Crosthwait
Derwood & Judy Cunningham
Janet DePace
Jackie A. Deuschle-Miller
Thomas J. Diamond
Richard & Lynn Dorn
Ron Duffy
Robert Fasic & Roy Grieshaber
Juan & Lynn Freeman
Corinne E. Frugoni
Julie Fulkerson
Mary Gelinas & Roger James
Edward Giuntini
Steven M. Gompertz
Harold Goselin
Charlotte E. Greenwood
John W. Greiser &
Gregory A. Felando
Jim & Susan Grinsell
Katy Gurin
Marilyn Ann Hagar
Mr. & Mrs. David Hagemann
Patricia Hamilton
28 |
31. Susan Hansen
Jenny Hanson
Carol Harrison & Pam Martin
Ben & Chris Hawkins
Sherman & Amy Hensell
Dr. Scott L. Holmes &
Esther Smith Holmes
Don & Julie Hughes
Ardene Janssen
Marilyn Jenkins
Claire Josefine
Chris Justesen
Kathleen Kasmire
Burnie & Mary Kemp
Dominique J. Kilmer
Patricia A. Kimes
Louise Klingenspor
Anny Knight
Ivor Kraft
Larry Kuhn
John LaBoyteaux
Melinda Landry & Leo LaCasse
Alan Laurent
Richard & Carol Laursen
Cathy Lentz
Robert Lorensen
Helen Love
Richard & Kathleen Machado
Jennifer Margaret Mackey
Stephanie McCaleb
Leonard & Laurie McCrigler
Michele McKeegan
Lynn McKenna
Marilyn Miles
Linda C. Miller
W. John & Sara Moore
Carolyn J. Mueller &
James F. Carley
Jennylee & Greg Nesbitt
John R. “Jack” &
Henryetta Nichols
Joan Nilsen
Fred & Marlene Nunnemaker
Suzanne O’Dea
Gail Pascoe
Peter H. Pennekamp
Sharron Fuller Peterson
Birgitta Portalupi
Peter R. Presnell & Ann Gosselin
Frances Allen Rapin
Jennifer Raymond & Steve Avis
Javan & Alexandra Reid
Carol Rische & Sue MacConnie
Rick Roberts
Lois Lorraine Rogers
Jerry & Gisela Rohde
Emily Rowe
Jan Rowen
Nancy Saemmer
Janis Schleunes
Skye
Anthony Snow
David & Gabriele Somerville
Marie Stine
Dolores Terry
Karyn Lee-Thomas & David Thomas
Elizabeth Thompson &
Stephen Brisken
Robert T.Titlow
Hank & Sharon Toborg
Theodore, Josephine,
Diana & Paul Trichilo in
memory of Teddy
David & Gail Turner
Richard & Jean Twiddy
Vis & Sally Upatisringa
John A. Usrey &
Diana I. LaVelle
Carol Vander Meer
Lewis & Jane Vellis
Barbara Wallace
John & Rita Wesa
Alan & Barbara
Dolan-Wilkinson
Carol L.Wilson
Steve & Mary Wilson
Christine Witt
Kent D.Wrede
Katy Yanke
Wild Rivers
Legacy Society
John & Ellen Babin
Gary & Becky Blatnick
Dan & Kathy Brattain
Dr. Kevin Caldwell &
Dr. Donna Sund
Norma Fitzgerald
William & Maureen Follett
Anne Glidden
Kevin & Gayle Hartwick
Dr. Janis C. Heuser
Chester & Lynda O’Neill
R. Baird & Jane Rumiano
Mike Souza
Tom & Toni Stewart
Patricia Vernelson
Dennis & Becky Wood
PHOTO BY: CKC IMAGES
32. 30 | NEW FUNDS
New Funds
The funds below were established this year by
generous donors in our community that were
inspired to make a difference. Stories told on these
pages reflect their life's passions, love for their
community and desire to make an impact while
honoring their loved ones. Our home will be a
better place thanks to their incredible commitment
to our region.
PHOTO BY: CKC IMAGES
Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary Community
Endowment Fund
The Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary Community
Endowment Fund provides a source for community
donations to assist the city of Arcata in the
preservation, restoration, wildlife conservation,
expansion, public access and trail-maintenance of the
Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary.The Endowment will serve to protect
the natural beauty, habitats, walking trails and environmental health of the
Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary for the enjoyment of all creatures,
great and small. Funded projects may include but are not limited to:
wetlands and riparian habitat restoration, trail maintenance, land purchase
for marsh and trail expansion, climate change adaptation, required
environmental appraisals, permits and reviews or other projects which
promote and protect the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary. Ongoing
stewardship and oversight for the fund will be provided by the city of
Arcata Environmental Services Department, Natural Services
Division. (2017)
Cole Family Fund
This fund was established in 2016 by Donn and
Judy Cole and Mick and Janice (Cole) Miller to
honor their parents G. Milton (Coley) and Gladys
Cole, and our grandparents George Jacob and
Edith Cole, and William and Georgiana Allen,
pioneers of our area.The purpose of the fund is
to support the efforts of CASA in Humboldt
County. (2017)
30 |
33. HUMBOLDT AREA FOUNDATION 2016 / 2017 | 31
Paul Conner Memorial Fund
This scholarship was
established to honor the life
of Paul M. Conner, a
Humboldt County resident
since 1922 who worked for
25 years at Arcata High School as counselor,
coach and later vice principal. Paul also acted
in sixteen plays and was an extra in four
movies. He devoted himself to the physical
and mental development of the Arcata
wrestling team and was inducted into the
California Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2005 for
his years of service to the Arcata wrestling
team. In appreciation for Paul’s kindness,
advocacy, insight, and respect for students
during his career at Arcata High School, this
scholarship will be awarded to a graduating
Arcata High School senior who submits a
supplementary essay demonstrating their
breadth, potential, and courage to contribute
uniquely.This fund hopes to encourage
students who, when faced with divergent
paths, seek to follow the path less traveled to
make a difference. (2017)
Ellis Family Fund
Giving back to
this community is
a value of the Ellis
family.They
established this
expendable
donor-advised
fund because the family cares about the
children of this community, so this fund will
help to support programs focused on health,
youth, and education in our community. Mark
Ellis will be the advisor, assisted by his
children, Steven and Jessica.They are hoping
that gifts from the fund will enhance the
already wonderful North Coast. (2016)
Endowment for Eco-Cultural
Revitalization Fund
This fund is dedicated
to program support
for Tribal partnerships
focusing on
eco-cultural
revitalization
activities. Its focus is
to reconnect the hearts, hands, and minds of
people to the natural environment.The
Cultural relationships of indigenous peoples
with their ancestral homeland environments
are becoming more imperiled with each
generation. Indigenous knowledge is founded
in practice and belief; without being a
component of ecosystem process, the
functional role of humans is removed from our
landscapes.Traditional Ecological Knowledge,
practice and belief systems can be revitalized
and it may be our best chance at learning to
live with fire in our rural communities once
again. It is with great hope this fund will grow
to support the work in the Western Klamath
Mountains and beyond.When thinking of
water, fish wildlife, plants and people in
partnership with ecosystem process and
function.The program encourages people to
consider supporting this endowment
fund. (2016)
Eureka Symphony Endowment Fund
The Eureka Symphony, founded in 1991, is a
community orchestra providing high quality
music performed, supported and appreciated
by all ages.They bring the finest local
musicians together to share the joys and rigors
of presenting live symphonic music, giving the
community the opportunity to join in this
life-changing experience. Live classical music
makes life better, one note at a time – for
players and audiences! They feature
outstanding guest artists, including many who
began their professional life on the North
Coast.The Symphony Endowment was
established in our Silver Anniversary year
thanks to the generosity of music lovers who
want part of their legacy to be a thriving,
sustainable orchestra for many years to come.
They are particularly devoted to making fine
classical music available to the region’s young
people, bringing students to live performances,
providing small ensembles to area schools and
offering a free summer performance for
families. (2016)
Robert Fasic and Roy Grieshaber
Endowment Fund
Robert Fasic and Roy
Grieshaber enjoyed 48
years in a relationship
filled with love,
adventure, creativity and
spiritual companionship.
They met in Chicago when Robert was an
attorney and bank trust officer and Roy was a
marketing professional. In 1987 they moved to
Humboldt County to own and operate
Heartwood Institute, a vocational school east
of Garberville. Under their management, the
school earned its national accreditation.After
moving to Eureka in 2003, they served as
officers of the Redwood Art Association and
helped guide the association to purchase its
permanent home. Both were art lovers. Robert
was an accomplished photographer with a
passion for photography that started at age
ten.This fund supports arts and culture in the
city of Eureka including art organizations,
KEET-TV and projects that make Eureka an
attractive place to live and visit.The fund also
provides scholarships to students pursuing
higher education in any major. (2017)
Fern Cottage Fund
Fern Cottage House
Museum is our local
history museum
displaying a
collection of artifacts
and other objects of
artistic, cultural, and historical importance to
the Eel River Valley and Humboldt County.
Fern Cottage Historic House Museum makes
this available for public viewing through
permanent or temporary exhibits during
regular hours throughout the year.The mission
of Fern Cottage Foundation is to provide a
solid financial basis to preserve, maintain and
promote Fern Cottage Historic House Museum
through expanded community awareness and
involvement, increased educational
opportunities and celebration of its historic
value. (2017)
Dennis & Margaret Guckeen Fund
Dennis & Margaret Guckeen
Scholarship Fund
Dennis and
Margaret Guckeen
were married on
June 14, 1969, and
were married for 38
years before Dennis
passed away on July
14, 2007.They were both local high school
graduates; Dennis graduated from St.
Bernard's High School and Margaret from
McKinleyville High School.They pursued
teaching careers at HSU, Dennis graduating
with degrees in physics and math, and
Margaret with a degree in psychology.Their
teaching careers spanned 33 years, each with
the Klamath-Trinity Joint Unified School
District. Dennis was honored with the Jean
34. 32 | NEW FUNDS
Olsen Career Achievement Award in 2000.
Dennis and Margaret were both members of
the Willow Creek Kiwanis Club for many years,
In 2006-2007, Dennis served as Lt. Governor
for Division 20, with Margaret as Division
Secretary.The fund established in their name
will provide an educational scholarship as well
as support the Kiwanis Family House, the
Cal-Nev-Ha Foundation, Evergreen Lodge, and
the American Cancer Society. (2017)
Martha Hoffman Memorial Fund
Martha and William “Bill”
Hoffman moved to
California in 1990 when
they decided that Arizona
was too hot for their
liking.They took a drive in
their RV looking for “just
the right place.” It was
only when they drove
through Fortuna that Martha declared, “This is
where our new home will be.”They became a
part of Fortuna and shared their love of the
area with their toy poodle, Heidi.Their yard
was filled with beautiful exotic plants and
flowers. Martha and Bill’s generosity enabled
St. Joseph Hospital of Eureka to completely
overhaul their emergency room.The couple
was delighted to be able to spend the last
years of their lives giving back to the
community that brought them so much joy.
Martha was preceded in death by her
daughter Deborah, and by her husband Bill in
2013. Martha continued to live a full and
interesting life at home until her passing in
early 2016. (2016)
Dr. Ann Lindsay & Dr. Alan Glaseroff
Fund
Alan Glaseroff and Ann
Lindsay seek to help along
local nonprofit organizations
working to improve the
health of our community
and community
members. (2016)
Justin Porteous Memorial
Scholarship
Justin Porteous was born
and raised in Humboldt
County where he attended
Blue Lake Elementary School
from kindergarten through
eighth grade. Upon
graduation from Arcata High School and as a
graduate of Blue Lake School, he received a
scholarship for outstanding academic
achievement and leadership. Justin went
on to Humboldt State University where he
earned his degree in environmental resources
engineering. He enjoyed a successful career
in heavy construction as an Environmental
Manager and Project Engineer until his
unexpected death at the age of 42.A
scholarship in his memory has been created
to assist a Blue Lake and Arcata High School
graduate going on to a college or university.
Preference will be given to a student pursuing
a degree in engineering, mathematics or
related sciences. (2016)
Rural Student Fund
(2017)
Saunders’ Fund for Charitable
Giving
For Glenn and Janis
Saunders, natives
of Humboldt
County, community
is not just a place
they lived. It’s a
place they gave
back to, from scholarships for students, to
supporting a new library and numerous local
contributions and organizations.The Saunders’
Fund for Charitable Giving supports charitable
work in our region with an emphasis on
charitable projects in Trinidad, California.A
few examples that were near and dear to their
hearts are the community of Trinidad, Holy
Trinity Church,Trinidad School, youth and
families, and education. (2017)
Les Scher Jazz Scholarship Fund
Les Scher fell in love
with the Peter Gunn
theme song at age
11, and he's been
passionate about
jazz ever since. He
began playing
clarinet in fifth grade and later tenor and
soprano saxophones.After putting on concerts
featuring musicians like John Handy in high
school and Rahsaan Roland Kirk at UCLA, he
began bringing jazz musicians to Southern
Humboldt in the mid-1970s. Over the next 35
years, he brought a wide variety of music,
featuring greats like Elvin Jones, the Neville
Brothers, Mose Allison, Sun Ra, Hugh
Masekela, Johnny Otis, Chucho Valdes,Tuck
and Patti, Les McCann, Jimmy Smith, Eddie
Harris, King Sunny Ade, and Tito Puente.
His weekly jazz radio show on KMUD, 'Lester
Leaps In,' continues as the longest running
jazz show on the west coast. Les hopes this
scholarship will enable young musicians to
pursue their interest in jazz. (2017)
Leo D. Sears Memorial
Endowment Fund
The sale proceeds of a
donated apartment complex
formed the basis of this trust,
with the income going to the
designated beneficiaries.
Eventually, a portion of the
trust income will go to Six Rivers Planned
Parenthood,The Population Institute, and
Population Communications International,
with the remainder going to other causes. For
Leo, “it’s simply my way of paying back to
society.”To the charities, it provides an
ongoing source of funding for their programs
into perpetuity. “I wanted to ensure that what
I leave would support the charities I believe
in.” His interest in population grew from the
admonitions from his youth “if you can’t
afford ‘em, don’t have ‘em” to the Planned
Parenthood slogan “every child a wanted
child.” Leo said, “I think overpopulation is the
number one world problem.”The remainder of
the trust goes to other causes. (2016)
Sequoia Park Zoo Forever Fund
The Forever Fund
was established in
2016 by the Sequoia
Park Zoo Foundation
with the intention of
ensuring that
Sequoia Park Zoo
will continue being a place of inspiration,
education, and intimate connections with
wildlife and nature for generations to come.As
signified by its name, the Sequoia Park Zoo
Forever Fund will support the Zoo’s mission of
inspiring conservation of the natural world by
instilling wonder, respect, and a passion for
wildlife.The oldest zoo in California, Sequoia
Park Zoo is an award-winning and AZA
(Association of Zoos & Aquariums) accredited
institution committed to the highest standards
of animal care, education and conservation
programming. Sequoia Park Zoo is a valued
community asset and destination, a magical
and safe place to share and enjoy quality time
with wildlife, in nature.Your investment in the
Sequoia Park Zoo Forever Fund will help
sustain the future of this premiere North Coast
experience in the heart of Humboldt
County. (2016)
35. HUMBOLDT AREA FOUNDATION 2016 / 2017 | 33
any of us are fortunate to have a skill,
talent, or amazing ability for which we
are recognized within the community.
It is what makes our community
known and appreciated, and makes the Redwood
Coast a special place.
Ann Marie Martin-Woolley was such a person;
however, it wasn’t in just one area that she shone
as the person we loved.The same sensitivity and
commitment to our community was in both her
music and her love for children.
Her professional career was spent as a professor
of early childhood education at College of the
Redwoods. Her other passion was music –
specifically, the cello and singing in Good Company,
Machu Picchu, Uniontown Ramblers, the Eureka
Symphony, and many other groups. In each, she
performed with exquisite talent.
The Ann Marie Martin-Woolley Memorial Fund was
created to carry on her legacy.The goal of this fund
is to provide assistance to programs in schools and
nonprofit organizations that blend music and a love
for teaching young children.
To give to the Ann Marie Martin-Woolley
Memorial Fund, please visit hafoundation.
org/woolley or call (707) 442-2993.
M
The same sensitivity
and commitment to our
community was in both
her music and her love
for children.
AnnMarie
Martin-
Woolley
Memorial Fund
SUBMITTED
STORY BY:
John Woolley
John Woolley
Husband and Fund Advisor
36. 34 | NEW FUNDS
his year was the 10th annual
Sky Crest Lake Youth Fish
Derby & Firewise Day
held in Trinity County.This
free event offered fishing for youth
between the ages of 3–15 years.All
contestants received free bait, hooks,
stringers, a floater and a goodie
bag. Prizes were awarded as well for
specific categories.
Educational booths at the event
featured fire prevention tips, teaching
children ways to improve the safety
of their own homes, the forest and
fish ecosystems.The US Fish and
Wildlife Service, US Forest Service,
Cattlewomen Association, Humboldt
Saltwater Angers Association, Firewise
Community,Willow Creek Fire Safe
Council and other local organizations
all were in attendance.
Learn more about Trinity Trust on
page 130.
T
Trinity Trust
Grantee
Spotlight:
Willow Creek
Fire Safe Council
Gates Family
Endowment Fund
Trinity Trust
Summer Youth Mini
Grant Program
PHOTO BY: STEVE RICHARDS
37. HUMBOLDT AREA FOUNDATION 2016 / 2017 | 35
Social Work and Elder Support
Scholarship
The Social Work and
Elder Support
Scholarship Fund was
established in 2016 by
Robin Wolff, LCSW, who
has supported frail older
impoverished adults in
the local Humboldt County community for over
20 years.This scholarship is designed to
support social work students at Humboldt
State University who want to commit to
working with older adults in the local area.
Robin wants to dedicate this scholarship to
the memory and generosity of her parents and
hopes to inspire all of us to care more about
our local elders. (2016)
David J. and Elizabeth (Betsy) K.
Somerville Scholarship Fund
Originally from the
Pacific Northwest,
David and Elizabeth
Somerville moved to
Humboldt Co. in
1949 to grow their
family and start their
business.This many years later, they are the
proud parents, grandparents and great-
grandparents of children born and raised in
Humboldt. David's home accounting business
grew into a successful CPA firm that can be
found on Main Street, Fortuna today.Through
the David J. and Elizabeth (Betsy) K. Somerville
Scholarship Fund, they hope to help
graduating Fortuna High School students and
to give back to the community that supported
them and their family. (2016)
Carol Tredo & John Yolton Fund
John, Carol and
children first moved
to Humboldt County
in late 1979. John
worked at the
Crown Simpson Pulp
mill in Fairhaven and
Carol worked for an accounting firm in Eureka.
The children graduated from Eureka High
School, later attaining degrees from UC Davis
and Sonoma State. In 1983 John and Carol
moved away continuing to pursue career
choices taking them on journeys crisscrossing
the country and with residence within the
USA’s many culturally diverse regions. In 2000,
anticipating retirement, they returned to
Humboldt County to begin their last phase of
life enjoying the beauty, tranquility and mild
climate of the North Coast. (2016)
Kit Crosby-Williams Veterans for
Peace Fund
Veterans For Peace was
founded: to increase
public awareness of the
costs of war; to restrain
our government from
intervening, overtly and
covertly, in the internal affairs of other nations;
to end the arms race and to reduce and
eventually eliminate nuclear weapons; to seek
justice for veterans and victims of war; and to
abolish war as an instrument of national
policy. Kit Crosby-Williams provided the funds
for this scholarship.A longtime resident of
Humboldt County, she died April 21, 2015, at
age 79 in Arcata. She was an associate
member of Chapter 56 of Veterans For Peace
and an advocate for human rights,
environmental and land stewardship, and
peace. (2016)
Watershed Fund
Compliant Farms
recognizes the
opportunity for our
communities to move
beyond the trend of boom
and bust natural resource
extraction. Guided by permaculture principles
and focusing on individual efforts that have
great, cumulative effects, as a community we
can participate in the process of adaptive land
management for a regenerative future.
Compliant Farms was formed as the cultural,
regulatory and ecological worlds of small,
private cannabis farms collided.Through the
design and implementation of site-specific
management plans they facilitate an approach
for the community to become better land
stewards. In business plan and process,
through education and resource sharing, from
the generosity of their clients, and cannabis
famers, the Watershed Fund was born.The
Watershed Fund supports collaborative,
action-based projects that generate data to
quantify improved resource use.The results
can develop a replicable framework and
inform decision making as they transition to a
regenerative model. (2016)
Dr. Richard J. Wolf Memorial Fund
Dr. Richard Wolf was a
celebrated local nephrologist
who first brought dialysis
treatment to Humboldt County
in the late 1970s.The Dr.
Richard J.Wolf Memorial Fund
continues Richard's legacy by
enabling access to local kidney treatment.An
obstacle to medical treatment here has long
been the dearth of transportation services.
Many patients live up to a three hours' drive
from the dialysis center and have access to a
car but not the gas money for a biweekly trip
to and from their dialysis appointments.Too
many of these residents miss their treatments
because they cannot get to the dialysis unit.
This fund provides gas cards to local dialysis
patients so that they can attend their
appointments and receive the medical
treatment they need.Transportation to the Bay
Area for kidney transplant evaluation is also
funded. (2016)
Ann Marie Martin-Woolley
Memorial Fund
Ann Marie Woolley was
well known in two
different creative
worlds, music and early
childhood education.
Since 1975 she taught
in preschool settings
from Sonoma to Humboldt, directed preschool
programs, and became a Professor of Early
Childhood Education at College of the
Redwoods. Over the same period, she excelled
at the cello, playing in symphonies, chamber
and various folk music groups. For example,
when she passed, she had logged over 20
years with Good Company, a much-loved Irish
music group. In recognition of these important
and eclectic worlds, her family has initiated
this fund with the goal of supporting programs
that meet in the intersection of music and
education. Be it in schools, community music
festivals, or other venues, the fund will be
available for supporting and inspiring teachers
and musicians to perform and teach, making
our communities a better place to live. (2016)
38. Funds
Vera Vietor's vision to establish Humboldt Area
Foundation in 1972 has inspired more than 1,000
North Coast community members to create their
own funds, enriching the quality of education,
health, the arts, the environment, humane
animal care and other causes in our region.
The following pages tell of the vision and values
of these community members and the creative
solutions made possible through their generous
contributions.
• A•
Rose Abrahamson Trust Fund
Rose Abrahamson passed away on January 19, 2005,
just five days before her 92nd birthday. She was born
in Eureka with her twin brother Ralph to California
pioneers Charles and Edith (Evans) Boydstun. Her
father hiked from Chico to Salyer for a mill job, then
to Korbel where he found work with the Northern
Redwood Lumber Co.There he met and married
Rose's mother, the assistant post mistress in Blue Lake. Rose grew up in
Eureka and graduated from Eureka High School in 1932. She married
Einar Abrahamson on October 20, 1947, and lived in his family home
which later became Sherwood Forest Nursery. She spent 25 years as a
secretary and probation officer for Humboldt County.They moved to
Willow Creek in 1972 and resided there until 2002.This fund provides
scholarships for the Willow Creek Christian School and support for the
Eureka Rescue Mission to help people in need. (2006)
Wendell Adams Memorial Fund
Wendell Adams, former owner-manager of KINS
Radio, was active in broadcasting associations
and volunteered in a leadership capacity for local
service and fraternal organizations.The income
from this fund is used for Eureka Rotary Club
exchange students. (1986)
V E R A V I E T O R
Founder of
Humboldt Area Foundation36 |
39. HUMBOLDT AREA FOUNDATION 2016 / 2017 | 37
Adoption Horizons Endowment Fund
Adoption Horizons
was founded in
1982 by two
adoptive parents,
Kathleen Zamboni and Sue Andrews, who
hoped to bring new energy and ideas to the
field of adoption.Adoption Horizons has
provided continuous adoption services since
1982. During this time,Adoption Horizons has
placed nearly five hundred children from both
local and international sources.We work with
local birth mothers, the foster care system and
international placement sources.All the
children placed come to loving and prepared
(screened) homes. Changing lives one child at
a time has been the ongoing mission.The
Adoption Horizons Endowment Fund was
created to support the continued work of the
agency. Ninety-six percent of the revenues
supporting the agency come from fees for
service. In establishing the fund,Adoption
Horizons has created another way that the
community can support the valuable work of
the agency. (2003)
Eugenio & Maria Adorni
Memorial Fund
Harry Adorni made a $50,000 bequest to
the foundation as a memorial to his parents.
Concerned with support of the terminally ill,
Harry Adorni directed that income from this
fund benefits Hospice of Humboldt. (1988)
Harry J. & Hazel S. Adorni
Memorial Fund
Harry Adorni bequeathed $50,000 in memory
of himself and his deceased wife, Hazel.
The income is designated for the benefit of
homeless or injured cats, preferably through
the Humane Society. (1988)
Adult Day Health Care of Mad River/
Wellington Fund
Adult Day Health
Care of Mad
River is a
nonprofit
organization
established in 1985 for the purpose of
providing care for frail elders and those 18
years or older who are dependent on others
for their care.Adult Day Health Care
participants receive individualized health care
along with personal rehabilitation, planned
activities and involvement in numerous social
events.The program provides respite for many
families and caregivers. Jean Wellington was a
volunteer at Adult Day Health Care of Mad
River for 15 years. He is remembered as a
kind, gentle man with a great sense of humor.
Jean’s passion for his fellow man is evidenced
by his generous contribution given to Adult
Day Health Care of Mad River, which helps
fund various special projects and
scholarships. (2010)
Don & Bettie Albright
Endowment Fund
Don grew up in Fresno,
CA. He enlisted in the
Marines, serving as
flight engineer on a PBY.
Upon his discharge he
worked for PG&E for 43
years. Don was a mover
and a shaker of the community, serving as
president of Eureka Chamber of Commerce,
United Way, Humboldt Economic Development
and West Coast Alliance, as well as on the
boards of Humboldt Area Foundation,
Humboldt Taxpayers League, City of Eureka
Visitors & Convention Bureau, Eureka
Historical Society, Boy Scouts, Ingomar Club,
and as a member of Eureka Downtown Rotary,
North Coast Vintage Aviation and Marine
Corps League. Don and Bettie served together
on the first jazz festival committee of Eureka.
Don loved woodworking as a hobby. He was a
devoted husband, father, grandfather and
great-grandfather. Don passed away on March
5, 2008. He and Bettie had a wonderful life
together and wanted to share this
discretionary fund with others. (2008)
Les & Frances Alexander’s
Blessings Fund
Les Alexander met his
bride, Frances L.Archer,
when he returned home
to Klamath Falls, OR,
from military service in
the European Theater in
September 1945.This
union produced two children, four
grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren
(and counting).The family formed a logging
firm known as L. R.Alexander Logging, a
business that brought them to Fort Seward,
Humboldt County in 1955 and flourished in
various parts of the county until 1978.The
Alexanders were instrumental in forming the
Associated California Loggers and Women in
Timber, in support of the timber industry. In
1974 they formed the Mad River Hardwood
Company, a wood chip mill that produced
wood chips for use by the pulp mills and for
export to Japan.They retired in 1986 and now
reside in Freshwater.This fund was created to
support the work and mission of Grace Baptist
Church and the work of the Angel
Fund. (2006)
Joe Alexandre Memorial Family Fund
The Alexandre family
established this fund to
support a variety of
charitable purposes in
honor and memory of Joe
Alexandre. Born on the
Azores Island of Terceira
on May 14, 1937, Joe came to America with
his mother, Eva Rocha, as a twelve-year-old
boy knowing not a word of English. In 1960
he married Loretta Trutalli.They established
and operated the Alexandre Dairy in Ferndale
while raising three children, Renae, Blake and
Kristina.A progressive dairyman, Joe enjoyed
improving his business. He served as a director
on the Humboldt Creamery Board and as
president of the local Portuguese Association.
After he retired, he and three partners
purchased a restaurant and card room in
Ferndale, “Poppa Joe’s.” He loved to entertain
and have a party and he never met a stranger.
“You may be gone from this earth, but you
will always be remembered by the friends and
family who loved and respected you.”(2004)
Amer Memorial Fund
From a very
early age,
Linnea Amer
lived and
breathed dance.
As a teenager, she discovered the joys of
teaching dance and of choreographing her
own dances. Her students were her pride and
joy. Her love of life was infectious. She never
knew a stranger and was a friend to all.
Linnea died in a car accident in 1983. Her
father Richard’s world revolved around his
family. He loved life and people and enjoyed
working with the ballet company.All the
dancers became his “kids,” but he was
especially proud of Linnea and Phillip, his own
two dancers. Richard died in 1985.This fund
was established to help dancers take
advantage of summer workshops and classes
that will help further their hopes of a future
dance career. (1983)
40. 38 | FUNDS
American Association of University
Women, Humboldt Branch
(AAUW) Fund
The Humboldt Branch of the
American Association of
University Women was
founded in 1950 as a branch
of the national organization.
AAUW was founded in 1881
by educated women who wanted to support
other women in completing higher education.
With over 100,000 members nationally,AAUW
is a powerful voice for girls and women all
over the world.The mission of AAUW is to
promote equity for all women and girls,
lifelong education, and positive societal
change.This is achieved through supporting
women and girls at all levels of education,
groundbreaking research, and projects in our
local community.The AAUW Humboldt Fund
supports projects selected by board members
of the Humboldt branch. (2007)
Curtis R. & Helen M. Anderson
Scholarship Fund
Curt and Helen
Anderson,
both native to
Humboldt
County, chose
Eureka as their
lifelong home. Curt was the son of a
Norwegian sea captain who sailed the lumber
trade for the Carson Lumber Company. During
WWII, Curt held to his seafaring tradition by
sailing in the US Merchant Marines. He ended
his working career still involved with the sea
as an employee of Westfall Stevedore
Company. Helen M. (Aitken) Anderson, born in
Fields Landing, was also of Danish and
Norwegian heritage.Throughout their lifetimes
they celebrated their heritage with active
participation in the Sons of Norway Lodge.
Both also shared a deep appreciation for
Humboldt Bay’s cultural diversity, its richness
of personal histories, and its abundance of
good friends and family.They were pleased to
leave a lasting legacy, a small return for the
abundance that Humboldt County provided
them during their lifetimes. (2011)
David Riley Anderson
Memorial Fund
David Anderson, a
Times-Standard veteran
reporter and community
activist, passed away in
January 2002 at the early
age of 61. David’s
newspaper career stretched over three
decades. During that time he acquired a
reputation as an eloquent commentator on
Humboldt County news issues. He also had
true passion for the theater and bird watching,
and he helped pioneer the Pacific Arts Center
Theater. David played in several Shakespeare
plays and had a natural stage presence with
his New England-tinged, maple-thick baritone,
Falstaff beard and mountainous figure. Friends
of David considered him to be a true
gentleman, incredibly knowledgeable and a
gentle person who cared deeply. David’s family
from the East Coast established this fund to
purchase a bench at the Arcata Marsh in his
memory and to award an annual scholarship
to a student studying creative writing. (2002)
Jim & Judy Anderson Charitable
Remainder Unitrust
The Andersons have
been longtime
volunteers in
Humboldt County. Jim
previously served on
the HAF board of
directors. Judy is a
member of the board
of advocates of Planned Parenthood of
Northern California. “We believe in giving
back to the community,” says Judy. “If
everyone contributed a little time and money,
it would strengthen our community both now
and in the future.”(1999)
Anniversary Lodge #85, Arcata,
California, Independent Order of
Odd Fellows Scholarship Fund
The Arcata Odd Fellows
Scholarship Fund was
created to memorialize and
continue the Odd Fellows’ commitment to the
Arcata community. Scholarship awards are
made annually to Arcata and McKinleyville
high school graduates continuing their
education at a community college or university
and majoring in history. (1996)
Arcata Educational
Endowment Fund
This advised endowment
fund was established to
promote and enhance the
quality of education in Arcata’s public schools
by supporting educational projects not
currently funded by school district general and
categorical funds. Funded projects will
represent extensions of teaching that
challenge, inspire and excite students at
Arcata High School, Sunnybrae Middle School,
Arcata Elementary School and Pacific Union
Elementary School. (1992)
Arcata Forest Fund
The Arcata Forest Fund provides a source for
private donations to assist the city of Arcata
in purchasing forest lands to be added to the
Arcata Community Forest, the Sunny Brae
Forest, and the Jacoby Creek Forest. Donations
to this fund will go only towards the purchase
and restoration of forest lands, and will help
the city leverage state and federal grants.
Forest lands purchased through these funds
preserve and expand open space around
the city, and will be managed for recreation,
watershed and habitat protection, carbon
sequestration, and sustainable forestry
use. (2002)
Arcata Foundation Fund
The Arcata Foundation
Fund, established in 1987,
is dedicated to the
enhancement of
community life in Arcata.
The Arcata Foundation facilitates charitable
giving and raises funds to support work in the
areas of human services, education for all
ages, art, culture, local history, healthful
recreation, peace and enhancement of local
natural surroundings. (1995)
Arcata FFA Fund
The Arcata Future Farmers of America (FFA)
Fund was established by the Arcata Friends
of AG Club, which supports the Arcata FFA
program. Income from this fund will generate
annual scholarships for Arcata High School
FFA graduating students. (1996)
Arcata High ’50s Fund
The Arcata High ’50s Fund was created by
contributions from each Arcata High School
graduating class from the ’50s. Funds will be
used exclusively by the counseling and nursing
departments for students in need.Any income
41. HUMBOLDT AREA FOUNDATION 2016 / 2017 | 39
remaining will be used to provide scholarships
for students. (1994)
Arcata House Endowment Fund
The mission of Arcata House is to support
people experiencing homelessness while
they build a more stable life, to educate
the community about housing issues and
to advocate on behalf of homeless people.
The vision of Arcata House is a community
where everyone has a safe and affordable
place to live.Arcata House currently provides
transitional housing to families and permanent
supportive housing to individuals who are
chronically homeless and disabled.The
Arcata House board of directors opened
this organizational endowment fund with
a generous gift from Alex Stillman. It will
eventually provide additional income for the
important work of this nonprofit. (2008)
Arcata Interfaith Gospel Choir
The Arcata Interfaith Gospel
Choir (AIGC) sings inspiring
and uplifting black gospel
music.The seventy-voice
community choir serves the
North Coast region by performing at
community events, fundraising benefits,
memorials, churches and for inmates at the
Humboldt County Jail.The mission of the AIGC
is to inspire faith, hope, love, unity and joy
through black gospel music.The choir
exemplifies the principles of equality, unity and
cooperation through multifaith, multiracial
choir membership.The AIGC formed in the
spring of 1992 in response to the inspirational
performance of the Oakland Interfaith Gospel
Choir in the wake of the Rodney King riots.The
AIGC also includes a 15-member Youth Choir
with members from 5to12 years old. For
funding, the AIGC relies on choir member
dues, proceeds from AIGC produced concerts,
donations from the community, and from grant
funds. (2016)
Arcata Main Street Oyster Festival
Aquaculture Support Fund
Away.com ranked
Arcata Main
Street’s Oyster
Festival the 7th
best food festival
in the world.Arcata was recently named the
Oyster Capital of California.The annual festival
includes live music, award-winning
microbrews, plus over thirty food vendors that
take over the Plaza.This annual event draws
crowds of over eighteen thousand people to
Humboldt.The Oyster Festival brings in
millions of dollars to the local economy, and
visitors from all over the world visit Arcata for
this event.All the proceeds will help to sustain
the year-round activities Arcata Main Street
puts on in order to encourage local shopping
in Arcata.The Oyster Festival began 23 years
ago as a way to promote the local aquaculture
industry. Over seventy percent of the fresh
oysters consumed in California are grown in
four hundred fifty acres of Arcata. (2013)
Arcata Tigers, Inc. Scholarship Fund
The income from this fund is used to
supplement annual awards given to an
Arcata High School graduate to further
his or her education and to make school
improvements. (1988)
Area 1 Agency on Aging Senior
Services Fund
Area 1 Agency on
Aging provides
leadership and
services that
support older persons and those with
disabilities through education, programs,
advocacy and volunteerism. Donations to this
fund help support independence and quality of
life for a growing population of local seniors,
ensuring quality senior services for generations
to come. (1997)
John Ash Sustainability Fund
John Ash created this fund to encourage
exploration of the natural beauty on the North
Coast and make remote areas more accessible
to a variety of groups. (2001)
• B•
Homer P. Balabanis Memorial
Nursing Scholarship Fund
Union Labor Health
Foundation established this
nursing scholarship in honor
of Homer P. Balabanis, a
Humboldt County champion
for nursing workforce development and
education, and key founding administrator at
Humboldt State University. (2014)
Bancroft Scholarship Fund
This fund
honors
Dwight and
Lavina
Bancroft.
Because of
Dwight’s involvement in music and the
couple’s shared commitment to business,
scholarships are available to local students
majoring in business administration or music
at Humboldt State University. Lavina
established this fund in 1985 in Dwight’s
memory.With Lavina’s death in 1995, the fund
now honors both Dwight and Lavina. (1985)
Matthew David Barnes
Memorial Fund
Matthew D. Barnes was born
in Arcata in 1977 and died
suddenly from heart
complications at age 29. He
was a top scholar at Arcata
High School, a champion
showman for 4-H and FFA and a decorated
athlete in soccer and wrestling. Matt was an
avid golfer, and he loved the SF Giants and
49ers. Matt graduated from Cal Poly, SLO with
a degree in agriculture engineering and
worked for the John Deere Company. He was
devoted to his career. Matt had a passion for
agriculture, sports, hard work, and his family
and friends.This fund was established in
Matt’s name to benefit students wishing to
pursue a four-year education in agriculture or
engineering. Consideration is given to students
who have actively shown livestock or dairy at
the Redwood Acres or Humboldt County fairs,
have high academic achievement as well as
extracurricular and community
involvement. (2006)
Tom & Marilynn Bartlett Stand
Down Fund
As a member of “the
greatest generation,”
Tom was proud to
serve with the army
during World War II.
After the war, he felt a
special compassion for
fellow veterans.Tom’s family created this fund
to honor him by supporting the annual North
Coast Stand Down event which provides much
needed help for local veterans of all wars,
especially the homeless and their families.
After his army years,Tom graduated from Cal
42. 40 | FUNDS
Berkeley, became an optometrist, married
Marilynn and was blessed to have four
children, five grandchildren and a host of
friends.Tom loved the North Coast area with
opportunities to hunt, fish, play tennis, ski
and travel to other parts of the world. For
years, he and his father, as veterans, helped to
place small American flags on the graves of
each local serviceman or woman to celebrate
Memorial Day.Thomas Bernard Bartlett died
on Memorial Day, May 28, 2007. (2007)
O.H. Bass Memorial Fund
O.H. was a popular
restaurateur and longtime
supporter of local athletic
activities. Income will benefit
the Sequoia Humane Society
and Miranda’s Rescue. (1986)
Bauriedel Family Fund
John Bauriedel was a highly
respected teacher at Eureka
High School, as well as a
successful businessman. John’s
wife, Phyllis, passed away on
August 20, 2006. Fund income
enriches programs offered to children at the
Humboldt County Library in Eureka. (1983)
Beal Family Scholarship Fund
The Beal Family Scholarship was established in
2007 by William and Angelica Beal in memory
of four young people who lost their lives that
same year.The Beal family intends to give
$1,000 to a graduating Ferndale High School
senior each year to help that student achieve
their college education goals. (2008)
Robert Raymond Bean
Memorial Fund
Vern R. and Gail Edeline
Bean established this
memorial fund for their
youngest son, Bob, who
died of a malignant
brain tumor on October
5, 2000, at age 34. He
left his wife of 14 years, Pamela Tompkins
Bean, and four children, Nathan, Erica,
Matthew and Jessica. He also left his sisters,
Caren Campbell, Rosanne Gephart, Diane
Holsworth, and brother Edward Bean.While
growing up in Eureka, Bob was active in
school bands and orchestras.After moving to
El Cajon, CA in 1981, he became a member of
the Grossmont High School marching band
and the Red Robe Choir, which was chosen to
perform at the Vienna Music Festival in 1983.
Bob had fond memories of these music
programs and often spoke of the enrichment
they brought to his life.To celebrate Bob’s love
of music, this fund will provide scholarships to
outstanding music students furthering their
music education. (2007)
Julia Bednar and Irene Finney
Rescued Animal Care Fund
Julia and Irene became close friends during
the years they worked together on the
board of directors of the Humane Society
of Humboldt County (now known as the
Sequoia Humane Society).They shared a deep
concern for the welfare of stray, abandoned
or homeless animals.They also recognized the
financial hardship incurred by an individual
who, by rescuing a stray injured animal and
taking it to a veterinary hospital, became
responsible for the medical costs involved.
This fund is intended to pay a portion of the
costs of medical care and treatment of stray
injured animals rescued and brought to a
veterinary hospital in Humboldt County by a
nonowner. (2010)
Beginnings Incorporated Fund
Education and
community are
important and
synonymous with
Beginnings Inc.This
fund was established
to continue with the mission of supporting
educational opportunities and to encourage
community services. Beginnings is community-
based and guided by its membership.This fund
will support the ongoing use and maintenance
of the buildings and property and the long
range planning and organizational
objectives. (2015)
Albert & Irene Benzinger Memorial
Scholarship Fund
Albert was born in
1903, the third
generation of his
family in
Humboldt County.
Active in high
school sports, he graduated from Eureka High
School in 1921 and from UC Berkeley in 1926.
His creative work in electrical engineering was
cut short by the Depression and he returned to
Eureka, eventually operating a radio and TV
service business until retirement in 1968. In
1941,Albert married Irene Potter, a self-taught
artist. In addition to painting, gardening and
politics, she loved sketching plans for compact
and efficient houses.This scholarship,
established by the Benzinger family, will
recognize students eligible for membership in
the Humboldt Pioneers Society who are
graduates of Eureka High School and majoring
or prepared to major in a field related to
electronics or architecture. (2000)
Archie Bernardi Memorial Fund
Arcata Fire Chief Archie
Bernardi spent more
than six decades
devoted to the Arcata
Fire Protection District,
right up to his passing
on December 22, 2007,
at the age of 93.According to District Chief
John McFarland, “Archie was the Grandfather
of CPR in all of Northern California, changing
prior practices… that were primitive and
totally ineffective.” Because of Bernardi’s
leadership,Arcata was also the first fire district
in the county to have rescue saws and Jaws of
Life.Archie’s sons, Mark and Gary, recall their
father cooking for his family and the fire
department volunteers. He grew in his garden
many of the ingredients for his secret recipe
for raviolis and he also kept his favorite
blackberry patch a secret, the source for his
famous blackberry pies. In addition to other
gifts, Chief Bernardi created this fund by
bequest for the protection and conservation of
wildlife in Humboldt County. (2008)
Anthony Joseph Bessette
Memorial Fund
The family of Anthony
Bessette established this
fund to support a variety
of charitable purposes in
his honor and memory.
Born in Eureka, CA, his life
of 18 years was shared with friends and
family, and his smile and warm personality left
an imprint on the hearts of all who knew him.
He lived life on his own terms and followed a
unique path that valued friendship. He had
talent for computer applications that amazed
everyone. He was a member of the Sacred
Heart Catholic Church, attended local schools
and obtained his GED in 2007.The income
from this fund shall be used to support youth
programs that promote positive experiences
for teens and encourage the celebration of
life. (2008)