25 Days of Giving for Bev Clark

Let me tell you about my good friend, Beverly Clark.

Bev and I have known each other for forty years. I don’t recall exactly how we met, but I know our friendship became strong in high school as we bonded over our love of reading, our budding interest in social activism, and our dreams of leaving our small hometown.

We both did eventually leave. Me to Seattle and Chicago, and Bev to Olympia to work for the government.

But, unlike me, Bev moved back.

She gave up her life in a city she loved to move back home to care for her mother.

Then she fought tooth and nail to adopt her two children, Leah and Liam, giving them the life they deserve.

A few years ago, she bought a house for her and her children … in fact, it’s the same house my family lived in when Bev and I first met!

She has served on the local school board and is committed to making our small hometown a vibrant place to live.

One of our mutual friends, who’s known Bev longer than me, described her as “self-confident, strong, trustworthy.”

Two years ago, however, Bev’s life took a turn in a direction she hadn’t foreseen. She was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer. Since then, she has had to quit her job, the only source of income for her and her family. She now must pay the mortgage, provide food and supplies for her kids, and pay medical bills with a significantly reduced income.

Friends from our high school class have been fantastic at stepping up to the plate, and Bev’s community has rallied around her. I know she is forever grateful to everyone!

My goal is to raise $2,500 to give to Bev during this season. $2,500 will help give Bev's family a holiday season of joy! We always hear about the “25 Days of Christmas.” I propose “25 Days of Giving” for Bev, Leah, and Liam. If 25 people gave $100, we’d reach our goal. If 50 people gave $50, we’d reach our goal. If 100 people gave $25, we’d reach our goal. However we do it, let’s do it!!