Because Every Kid
Deserves to Shine
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 support the needs of children's charities serving the at-risk youth in our community. 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 tomorrow's 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!
Our Leadership
Board of Directors
Burke Jackowich
Board President
Senior Vice President and General Counsel at Washington Trust Bank | Previous Board President for Camp Fire USA | Vice Chairperson for Spokane County Civil Service Commission
David Shriner
Board Treasurer & Finance
Committee Member
Former EVP at Oppenheimer
& Company | Retired Managing Director for Bear Stearns | Entrepreneur and advisor for multifaceted industries.
Lori Brennan, MBA, RHIA, CHC
Board Member & Finance Committee Member
Corporate Compliance and Privacy Manager for MultiCare Health System | Former Director of Compliance and Privacy for Rockwood
Kristina M. Weiss, ARNP Board Member & Marketing Committee Member
Family Nurse Practitioner for Chas Health | M.S. Gonzaga University | Masters Nursing University of Washington
Our Dedicated Staff
Julie Kay Webster
Chief Executive Officer
National Art Honors Society Member | Certified Salesforce Administrator | Certified Marketo Expert