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The Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation awards $550,000 to 43 charitable organizations from seven counties in S. W. Oregon.
by Stacy D. Stumbo
CANYONVILLE -- The Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation awarded more than $550,000 to 43 charitable organizations from seven Oregon counties during its spring presentation of grants Thursday at the Seven Feathers Hotel & Casino Resort.
The event marked the ninth round of charitable giving for the foundation, which was formed in 1997 by the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians.
Since then, it has awarded 261 grants totaling nearly $3 million.
Tribal Chairwoman Sue Shaffer said the Cow Creeks have tried to choose programs that will benefit families, strengthen the community and promote the welfare of children.
She said part of American Indian tradition mandates tribal members look seven generations ahead to secure the legacy of their people, or there will be "no tomorrow to build."
Separately, the tribe awards grants to groups that might not qualify for foundation funding, or need revenue in great haste, Shaffer said.
As part of a casino compact made with the state, the tribe gives 6 percent of its annual revenue to charitable organizations.
Norm Gershon of Roseburg, a former state legislator and Gov. John Kitzhaber's appointment to the Cow Creek Foundation board, served as emcee during Thursday's presentation.
Money was awarded to programs in Douglas, Coos, Jackson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane and Deschutes counties.
Several organizations in Roseburg received $20,000 awards, including the Cobb Street Children's Learning Center, the Umpqua Community Action Network Confidence Clinic and the Umpqua Community Development Corp.
Dan Fromdahl accepted a $10,000 grant award on behalf of Camp Millennium, a therapeutic cancer camp for children that's being held this week near Kellogg. He wept as he left the podium.
A representative of Southern Oregon University Native Youth Academy said, "Thank you, my relatives," as he accepted $5,000 that will be used for summer tuition at the academy.
The early intervention and retention program is geared toward American Indian students who are struggling academically. The Native Youth Academy has been in operation for seven years, and some students have already gone on to college.
The foundation also gave money to unique programs, including the Lane County-based Jasper Mountain center, which will use its $8,800 grant for a therapeutic photography project. The facility provides therapy to abused children. The photography program will enable them to tell their stories on film.
The biannual Buster "Buss" Rondeau Award was presented to the Sugarloaf Community Association in Josephine County.
The late Buster Rondeau was an early member of the foundation and a tribal elder involved in the Cow Creek search for recognition 20 years ago.
Shaffer choked back tears as she gave the award, which she said is meant "to honor one who had given so much."
The Sugarloaf Community Association was given the award because of its innovation in providing educational programs to students in Williams, a southeastern Josephine County community. Through a partnership with the school district and surrounding community, Sugarloaf offers classroom instruction for children from second through eighth grade.
The grant money will be used for supplies.
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