Lions Foundation Trust gives $68,800

By JULIE RAEFIELD-GOBBO
News staff writer

Twelve nonprofit organizations serving Hood River County will be receiving generous stocking stuffers on Dec. 12, courtesy of the Hood River Lions Foundation Trust.

A total of $68,800 in grant funds will be awarded, supporting organizations that serve youth, adults and seniors alike.

“We had 24 grant applications this year requesting over $167,000 in funds,” said Tony White, president of the Lions Foundation Trust. “Demand always exceeds supply, just like a regular family budget.”

This year’s “supply” of available trust funds represents 6 percent of the organization’s account balance as of Dec. 31, 2009.

“When the stock market was more kind, we had close to $100,000 to award each year. That number has dropped significantly, but we still look for the best way to impact the community positively with our awards,” White said.

Topping the list of award recipients is Opportunity Connections, a program serving disabled adults, who will receive this year’s largest award of $13,100, to renovate the nonprofit’s Gorge activity program building.

Here are the remaining 11 organizations and their awards:

n Next Door Inc. will receive $10,000 toward renovations of its new facility space.

n Hood River Lions Scholarship program will receive $8,500 to support high school seniors in continuing educational pursuits.

n Hood River Adult Center free meal service for senior shut-ins will receive $8,400.

n Hood River County Children’s Services program will receive $7,500 to support the Lions youth activity scholarship program.

n Hood River Christmas Project will receive $5,000 to provide holiday baskets to families in need.

n The Hood River Waterfront Community Park will receive $3,500 for a water fountain.

n Hood River Boy Scout Troupe 282 will receive $3,500 for ongoing programs.

n Hood River Leos Club will receive $3,000 for ongoing operations.

n Start Making a Reader Today (SMART) will receive $2,500 for ongoing programs.

n Pine Grove Elementary School will receive $2,000 to construct an outdoor learning center.

n First Book will receive $1,800 for ongoing operations.

“We hope that these grants will improve the quality of life for residents of the Valley and make this a better place to live,” said White.

Grant recipients have been invited to receive their checks at a special banquet scheduled for Dec. 12 at 6 p.m., at Hawks Ridge Assisted Living Facility, located at 1795 Eighth St. in Hood River. Hawks Ridge is sponsoring the banquet.

The Lions Foundation Trust has donated more than $1.3 million since 1999 to nonprofit organizations in Hood River County. The original donor who created the endowment supporting the fund requested to remain anonymous.

2011 GRANTS

Grant applications for the 2011 funding cycle will become available after Feb. 15 and can be obtained at:  http://gorgelions.org/s_sclu_hrnoon.htm.

Additional information about the Hood River Lions or the foundation may be obtained by calling Tony White at 541-386-1288.