MOUNT VERNON, Wash. — Washington State University is more than $80,000 closer to its fund-raising goal for revitalization of the Northwestern Washington Research and Extension Center at Mount Vernon, thanks to the following contributors:
- WSU Rally in the Valley – The Skagit County chapter of the WSU Alumni Association traditionally donates the proceeds from this annual auction, dinner and raffle event to scholarships. This year, the group agreed to support the WSU NWREC. Their gift totaled more than $21,525.
- Skagit State Bank – Founded in 1958 by James P. Bishop, who was raised on a Whatcom County dairy farm, Skagit State Bank is contributing $15,000 to the project. Bishop’s daughter, Cheryl Bishop, currently serves as CEO of Skagit State Bank and has been supportive of the revitalization effort since the concept was first discussed locally.
- Skagit County Master Gardeners – This group established a 1.5-acre demonstration garden at WSU NWREC in 1996 and since then has enhanced, enlarged and maintained the garden. The Skagit County Master Gardeners are contributing $15,000 to the revitalization project.
- Washington State Potato Commission – One of the most active research partners at WSU NWREC, the Washington State Potato Commission is donating $10,000 specifically to the facility revamp.
- WSU Alumni Association District Chair Bud Anderson donated $3,000, which was matched from his employer, Tesaro Inc.• The Waltner family, a third generation farm family in the Skagit Valley, is contributing $4,000.
- The firm of Jennings & Hart is donating $2,000.
- Tyler Clark, president of Agricultural Alternatives, is donating $1,000.
- Tony Chang is making a $1,000 contribution.
- Barnett Implement Co. is donating $1,000.
- Jerry and Mildred Rindal are making a $1,000 donation.
- Bill Rindal is contributing $1,000.
- William and Eunice Summers are donating $1,000.
- Bob Hulbert is donating $1,000, and has made several gifts in honor of friends and acquaintances.
- R. James Cook, retired plant pathologist who held the WSU’s Endowed Chair in Wheat Research, is making a $1,000 donation.
- Sorenson Seed Co. is donating $1,000.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the $8 million revitalization project was held June 1, 2005. The revamp includes construction of modern work spaces for research and for extension faculty housed in older, over- crowded facilities. Approximately $1.5 million of the total project cost will come from private donations. A committee composed of local citizens and WSU representatives is spearheading the fund-raising effort.
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