Winter Newsletter

Published January 1, 2023

Chehalis Foundation embarks on baseball field renovation at W.F. West High School

The Chehalis Foundation and Chehalis School District, have entered into a partnership to renovate the boy’s baseball field at WF West High School. This facility will serve the baseball community allowing teams to hold practices, games, and tournaments regardless of the weather. Crews will break ground in late 2023.

Jenny Collins, Chehalis Foundation Executive Director chairs the steering committee. She stated “Tyler McCallum and Robert Pehl, Jr. are accomplished business leaders in our community. Having them on board is a big boost for this project.”

Tyler McCallum, President of McCallum Rock Drilling says: “This is an exciting time for Bearcat Baseball and the Chehalis community. These improvements will change the utilization of the baseball field completely, allowing usage to expand from just a few months a year to year-round and putting us on the map for future tournaments and events. All of which drives funding to our community and, most importantly, the kids.”

The steering committee comprises an impressive array of members including Tyler McCallum, Robert Pehl, Jr. John Rothlin, Allen Unzelman, Donnie Bunker, Rich Bunker, Justin Wilson, Tracey Cox, Jeff Johnson, and Matt Noren.

Robert Pehl, Jr., Vice President of I-5 Auto Group states: “Baseball is not just a sport; it has the ability to teach kids some of the most important skills in life in a way that no other sport or class can. I look at this future field as a classroom or workshop to help raise the next generation of leaders in our community.”

Pledges and donations to this facility are currently at $1.3 million with a preliminary estimated project cost of $2 million. The official fundraising campaign has kicked off. For more information about this project, contact Jenny Collins at 360.508.6572 or [email protected].

During the initial plans for this facility, the following benefits were factors in the decision to move forward;

  • Enhancing the area’s appeal as a sports, tourist, and entertainment destination
  • Providing a first-class multi-purpose venue for area residents and out-oftown attendees
  • Increasing the overall quality of life and livability of the area
  • Capitalizing on existing and planned tourism efforts
  • Fostering relationships with area educational institutions
  • Providing venues for the expansion of existing educational/sports programs and the development of new program in our local schools
  • Generating additional economic activity in terms of spending, jobs, and earnings

Winter Wonderland Gala raises 200k

Through the work of countless volunteers, sponsors, and donors the Winter Wonderland Gala was a huge success. Fun was had by all as we celebrated the foundation’s success while raising 200k for Chehalis!

On behalf of our Board of Directors; we thank your for the years of support for projects that benefit the city, parks and educational excellence in Chehalis Schools.

Chehalis Foundation Welcomes New Board member – Tyler McCallum

The Chehalis Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Tyler McCallum to the board of directors. Tyler is President and Co-Owner at McCallum Rock Drilling and McCallum Powder.

Tyler has been a dedicated committee lead and member of the Leonard CTE Endowment Committee and the WF Turf Project at the Chehalis Foundation for the past 1 ½ years. Allen Unzelman (Foundation Treasurer and Nominating Committee co-lead) states, “Tyler has tremendous passion for the Chehalis community and the goals of the Chehalis Foundation. As demonstrated by his involvement in a number of foundation projects, he possesses the tactical and operations intellect necessary to turn passionate ideas into successful community projects. “

“The Chehalis Foundation has a proven history of completing great projects as demonstrated in their work at Penny Playground, the Shaw Aquatic Center, and other notable projects like the Student Achievement Initiative. I look forward to collaborating with the board for a stronger community,” said Tyler.

Endowment Spotlight: Leonard Career & Technical Education Endowment

The Chehalis Foundation manages seven endowments and over thirty scholarship funds. We will spotlight these endowments in our quarterly newsletter.

In 2019, the Leonard Career & Technical Education Endowment was created through a generous donation from John and Lois Leonard. The Leonards believed in supporting vocational students and CTE programs at W.F. West High School.

To date, the endowment committee headed by Kirby White (Foundation Board Member), has awarded over 60K to graduating students. One of those recipients, Hayzen Hoffman, utilized his funds to purchase equipment to start his custom saddle making business.

Foundation Director Jenny Collins stated “Working with Hayzen to purchase the leather working sewing machine was really exciting. He paid it forward by making a beautiful leather bag that we auctioned at the 2022 Winter Wonderland Gala. Watching students achieve their dreams and knowing that the Foundation played a part in their success is very satisfying.”

For more information about establishing an endowment for scholarships, parks or other purposes in Chehalis, contact us at [email protected] or call 360-508-6572.

Hayzen Hoffman, pictured with his saddle making machine purchased with funds from the endowment.

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