POULSBO — As the Huskies and the Cougs were preparing to duke it out in Pullman last week, Poulsbo Councilman Ed Stern was starting a grudge match of his own. But this one was aimed at boosting the spirits of the Bellringer Fund.
Stern, who bleeds UC Berkley Bears blue and gold, challenged Husky and Cougar fans to show their spirit by helping the 53-year-old community fund. But it wasn’t purple and gold or crimson and gray that made the first showing — it was Fran and Dolph Jaeger, fans of the Navy and Trojans, which Stern jokingly said “need not apply.”
The goal has been set at $30,000 for the holiday fund-raising drive for the Raab Foundation’s Bellringer Fund. Each year, the community-supported entity helps hundreds of Kitsap residents get the help they need with things like utility bills, mortgage and rent help, food and even emergency transportation.
So far, several fans of the fund have made organizers give a big cheer as they’ve watched donations soar near the $1,500 mark in less than a week. But Stern’s challenge still stands for all those alums out there. And so does the challenge to the community at large to make sure the Bellringer makes it all the way to the goal line.
Tax deductible donations can be made to the Bellringer Fund at Kitsap Bank in Poulsbo, 19725 7th Avenue, and the North Kitsap Herald, 18887 State Highway 305, suite 700, through Dec. 31.
Donations can also be mailed to the Bellringer Fund at P.O. Box 1244, Poulsbo, WA 98370. Contributions of $250 or more receive a receipt for the donor’s records.
Families, individuals and organizations will be listed on the front page of the Herald every issue as donations are tallied.
Community members can also help the Bellringer fund by getting their vehicles washed at Mike’s Car Wash in Poulsbo Village. Now through Dec. 31, owner Mike Brooks will be donating a portion of all automatic car wash sales to the fund. Last year, a similar fund-raiser made $1,375 for Bellringer. For more information, call (360) 697-1144.
Once again, the North Kitsap Herald will also be collecting toys for the Fishline Food Bank’s Christmas Toy Shop. New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the office between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 13. There is a particular need for items appropriate for ages 10-14.
The number to request help from Bellringer is (360) 697-6087.
Bellringer donations through Nov. 22:
•William and Helene Schmidt $100
•Fran and Dolph Jaeger $201 To Ed Stern — Raise you one. Go Navy! Go Trojans!
•The John Philipsens $100
Today’s total $401
Running total $1,451
