Kudos for generosity

The Olympian • Published November 15, 2008

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Thumbs up: Philanthropists

Individuals, groups and businesses active in philanthropy in South Sound often fly under the radar, invisible to the public, but deeply involved with their gifts of time and money. They support the nonprofit organizations that are the backbone of any community. National statistics show that 75 percent of the charitable dollars donated in this country are from individuals. Foundations contribute about 13 percent with corporate giving at 5 percent. And over the past 40 years, charitable giving has increased every year but one. Because most philanthropists do not seek publicity for their good deeds, it's heartening to know that there's a mechanism in place to shine the spotlight on deserving, charitable givers through South Sound Partners for Philanthropy. The partners, a consortium of nonprofit and community groups active in charitable giving, recently hosted their eighth annual Leadership in Philanthropy Awards luncheon at Saint Martin's University. This year's worthy award winners include: Phil and Judy Weigand, couple of the year; the Peter Fluetsch family, family of the year; Margery Sayre, individual of the year; Rotary Club of Olympia, philanthropic group of the year; and Providence St. Peter Hospital, business of the year. This year's award winners provide shining examples of how the quality of a life in a community is enhanced through charitable donations.

Thumbs down: Thieves

The saying "No good deed goes unpunished" certainly applies to a situation at the Boston Harbor Elementary School a week ago where volunteers gathered for a fundraising garage sale. Connie Harper and another parent organized the sale. The proceeds were designated to benefit the enrichment classes, especially the Spanish class at the elementary school. When parents showed up to get the sale items arranged and ready for the first customers, they were surprised to find the school was without electricity. Connie and her husband, Milt, dedicated volunteers and PTA officers, saved the day when they dashed home, loaded up the family generator and hooked up enough lights in the school gym so the community garage sale could start on time. Power was restored shortly thereafter and the day saw brisk sales and lots of good cheer, according to parent Carol Lee Roalkvam. There was a different mood at the end of the day, however, when it was discovered that the Harpers' generator was missing. A big thumbs up to Connie and Milt Harper for their efforts to ensure that the Boston Harbor fund-raising event was a success. And to the person who attended a school fundraiser and stole the Harpers' generator — well, maybe there is such a thing as karma. Their actions are despicable.

Thumbs up: Magnet school

North Thurston School District plans to turn Horizons Intermediate school on 54th Avenue into a new magnet school to serve Lacey sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-graders who are interested in the performing arts. It's a terrific idea. The magnet middle school would serve about 240 students next year, and ultimately 270 to 300 students, according to outgoing Superintendent Jim Koval. Students would have to apply to the school where they would take core classes as well as courses in instrumental and vocal music, dance, theater and visual arts. Koval said the school will offer an opportunity to explore curriculum formats and variations to the traditional six-period day. "This is an opportunity ... to look at things differently," he told the school board members.

Thumbs down: Seattle administrators

The Seattle School District has mistakenly released private information — including Social Security numbers — of about 5,000 school employees. The district will pay the bill for identity theft protection for the workers. The information went to a union that represents some of the workers. Union officials said the personal information has been destroyed. The union had requested medical-benefit information, but the district released personal information such as salary, home address and other data that should not have been released. The 5,000 employees affected by the mistake make up more than half the district's work force. Heads should roll.