What we lose with Bradwood's demise

To The Eagle:

In all of the pro and con letters to the editor I've seen since Bradwood closed up shop, I notice there's not been much said about what our community will lose. Many people might not realize that Bradwood Landing contributed more than $100,000 per year to arts, kids, senior programs, the needy, and sponsorships for community events locally and regionally.

Some were major contributions of $5,000 or more, but often, Bradwood helped groups at a time they needed help. We made thousands of free photo copies for events. I offered free notary services. And, Pete Hackett used his carpentry skills practically every week. Here are just a few organizations and events will no longer get the help they so desperately need: CASA; The Lighthouse for Kids; United Way; Columbia Memorial Hospital Foundation; Food Banks in Clatsop, Pacific and Columbia Counties; The Scandinavian Festival; Astoria Regatta; Astoria Music Festival; Astoria Warrenton Chamber of Commerce, which includes all of the events they produce, such as the Crab Festival, Great Columbia Crossing, etc.; Astoria Warrenton Kiwanis Club; Astoria Rotary; The Wishing Tree and other Thanksgiving & Christmas programs for the needy; Clatskanie Kiwanis Club; Turning Point Community Center, Clatskanie; Local sports teams; Clatsop County Fair and Rodeo; Loaves & Fishes; Port of Play.

After the hurricane of 2007, Bradwood started the "Christmas Wishes" program with $20,000, partnering with New Northwest Broadcasters. Over the life of the program, $50,000 was given to very needy families. Many of the gifts came directly from our employees. I could paper a wall with the thank you notes and tears of joy.

Bradwood never felt that they were "buying" their way into the community. When we could help someone, we did. Pete and I volunteered hundreds of hours to make our community a better place. Over the last five years, I am proud to say our company made a difference.

The people opposed to LNG are cheering these days...but when all is said and done, many of our local non-profits will be hurting. And that's what is very sad. I would encourage everyone to please dig deep and give what you can to our local non-profits to help make up for the money they will no longer be getting from Bradwood Landing. And, to the anti LNG group, your work is not done; I challenge you to turn your energy and money into efforts that support these local groups.

Joni Marcks

Astoria