Fund drive tops goal with Smick bequeathal

A $20,000 contribution from the estate of H.E. (Tony) Smick will mean the nine agencies which participate in the Colfax & Community Fund Drive will receive proceeds in excess of their pre-drive goals. Distribution of the sums to the agencies was approved by the fund drive board. Board member Jeannette Solimine said the nine agencies will actually receive funds in excess of their stated goals under a policy which requires the fund to distribute the revenue received in a fiscal year to the agencies.

Solimine said this will be the first time in several years the Colfax & Community Fund Drive agencies will receive proceeds in excess of the pre-drive goals. For several years donations from the community have lagged.

She said a small part of the Smick donation has been put aside to cover costs for this year’s drive which will be launched at the Oct. 24 Rotary Club meeting.

Distribution amounts for last year will be reported at that time.

Mr. Smick, who died Jan. 26, bequeathed more than $1 million of his estate to different agencies. Major donations included $407,000 left to the Salvation Army, $356,000 to Union Gospel Mission and $204,000 to Whitman Hospital Foundation.