Our Mission
Giving so youth can succeed!
Our goal is to help every child in our community reach for the stars.
Established in 2006, Morning Star Foundation is on a mission of “Giving so youth can succeed!” This dynamic Foundation is led by a board of directors experienced in finance, business, law, and the needs of our communities. Although our major beneficiary is Morning Star Boys' Ranch, the Directors of Morning Star Foundation are proud to support many charitable youth activities in Spokane and the greater Inland Northwest.
Morning Star Foundation encourages all forms of charitable giving including gifts of cash, appreciated securities or real estate, bequests in your will, living trust, or life insurance. We can even help you set up a contribution from your IRA!
Success is built on a strong Foundation
Every child should have the opportunity to succeed. Growing up in the Inland Northwest offers some magical experiences that allow children to grow. Opportunities like education, arts and cultural enrichment, and the chance to experience the adventure of the great outdoors. Sadly, not every child has access to the riches our community has to offer. Not every child is set up with the opportunity to succeed.
That is why Morning Star Foundation is developing our “Reach for the Stars” program, an opportunity of giving to meet those needs. Through this outreach, we will be able to help a foster child feel at home, support healthy lifestyles with after school programs, and create unique and valuable life experiences to shape tomorrows leaders.
We are excited to expand our vision and reach more children and ensure the youth of our community can succeed. Please join us in our energetic plan to assure the success and sustainability of these critical programs dedicated to ensuring youth in Spokane and the Inland Northwest can reach for the stars.
Our Impact
Adventure Suits
Our donors are amazing! Because of generous people just like you, we had a little left over from our school-fundraiser this year. That meant we had just enough to grant Liberty Park Community Development Center enough to provide "adventure suits" to their littlest learners. Now, no matter the weather, no matter their families ability to provide coats and boots, the preschoolers will be able to get outdoors. The joy on their faces at being able to play in the snow will brighten even the grayest of days.
Bring Your Own Backpack
For the first year ever, Morning Star Foundation hosted an event to supply Spokane's littlest students with the tools they need to succeed. Through our efforts with donors like you and strategic partners like Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP), we were able to supply 53 families with backpacks and shoes for their students entering kindergarten. We are excited to grow this partnership and do more next year!
16 Kids Received Gifts from the Elks Club #228!
With the generous support of the local Elks Club, the Foundation was able to provide the residents of Morning Star Boys' Ranch with 16 pairs of snow boots, warm gloves, personalized blankets, pajamas, new pillows and more!
Caring For Kids
For the 21st Year in a row, Morning Star Foundation partnered with Catholic Charities of Spokane to host Caring for Kids. This unique event brings awareness to the community of the most vulnerable children and families. Through our partnership, Caring for Kids raised money to support programs at Morning Star Boys' Ranch, St. Annes' Children and Family Center, CAPA/PREPARES, Food for All, Funiture Bank, Rising Strong, and St. Margaret's Shelter.
Educational Fund
Every year the educational needs of children in our community are challenged. The Foundation is proud to give back by providing equipment and financial support to youth programs in our community that build our children up to be future leaders.
Our Leadership
Meet our Foundation
BURKE JACKOWICH
MSF President.
Vice President and Associate General Counsel at Washington Trust Bank. Previous board president for Camp Fire USA and a Vice Chairperson for Spokane County Civil Service Commission
JULIE KAY WEBSTER
MSF Vice President.
Current National Art Honors Society Member. Certified Marketing and Finance Professional. Director of ABM at Ignitium Marketing.
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David Shriner
MSF Treasurer & Finance Committee Member.
Former EVP at Oppenheimer & Company, Retired Managing Director for Bear Stearns. Entrepreneur and advisor for multifaceted industries.
R. TERRY NEAL - Emeritus
MSF Board Emeritus Member & Property Manager.
Former MSF Board President. VP CRE Group for Washington Trust Bank. Morning Star Boy's Ranch Alumni, Boy #218
NORM LEATHA
MSF Board Member & Finance Committee Member.
Entrepreneur in Residence for Gonzaga University's Hogan Program.
Lori Brennan, MBA, RHIA, CHC
MSF Board Member & Finance Committee Member.
Corporate Compliance and Privacy Manager for MultiCare Health System. Previously Director of Compliance and Privacy for Rockwood.
Kristina M. Weiss, ARNP
MSF Board Member & Marketing Committee Member.
Family Nurse Practioner for Chas Health.
M.S. Gonzaga University
Masters Nursing University of Washington.
FATHER JOE WEITENSTEINER
MSF Emeritus Member.
Past Executive Director of Morning Star Boys' Ranch. Father Joe remains active in the Catholic community.
Our Dedicated Staff
ERIN NEAL
MSF Executive Director
Formerly entrepreneur and film producer. Specializes in small business strategy, graphic design, and content writing. Previous Mentor at Reel Grrls (Seattle), educator at Village Theater and marketing consultant.