Readers open their hearts, wallets

The community was extraordinarily generous this year.

The Seattle Times Fund For The Needy raised the second-highest total in its 28-year history: $632,086 for children, families and the aged. That's about $85,400 more than last year.

"Maybe living in the cold and dark during those days after the windstorm due to power outages made people more charitable for those really less fortunate," speculated Will Blethen, company treasurer and the Fund's director. Blethen was without power himself for six days after the Dec. 14 storm.

A new tax law also helped, Blethen said.

Individuals aged 70 ½ could give as much as $100,000 from an Individual Retirement Account to charity without having it counted as taxable income or a charitable donation.

Thanks to that new rule, one donor gave $45,760 to the Fund, the largest single gift.

Another gave his usual $20,000, which makes his total contribution to the Fund over the years to more than $60,000.

And then there was this note along with a $500 check:

"Thank you for the opportunity to contribute. ... As we sat here today waiting for our family to come over for Christmas dinner and gift-opening, we realized how very blessed we are and how the dice happened to roll in our favor."

One couple gave because the Fund "disperses the money where it should go" and "handles the money in the right way."

The five secretaries at Roosevelt High School made a group gift to the Fund — which supports 12 different agencies — as a way to address the variety of needs they see in the school.

"We were able to give to the community together even though we give in other places separately," said Chris McMillin-Helsel, the school's registrar.

A few fundraising events made a big difference.

The 5th Avenue Theatre donated $31,840 from a performance of "White Christmas."

Argosy Cruises gave a portion of its proceeds from the annual Christmas Ship program — more than $35,200.

Whatever the many reasons for giving, Blethen wants the community to know:

"We are very grateful ... for this show of support ... It makes a huge difference to the agencies providing vital services."

Since its inception in 1979, the Fund has distributed nearly $10.7 million, not counting this season's campaign. The Seattle Times Co. absorbs administrative costs, so every dollar goes directly to the agencies.

The money supports a broad spectrum of needs, from shelter and hot meals to counseling, mentoring and rehabilitation. And emerging concerns aren't forgotten; a new recipient was added this year: ASTAR (Autism Spectrum Treatment and Research) Center.

Other agencies served by the Fund For The Needy are: The Salvation Army, Senior Services, Childhaven, Hopelink, Family Services, Atlantic Street Center, Youth Eastside Services, Treehouse, Asian Counseling & Referral Service, Kindering Center and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Marsha King: 206-464-2232