Tim and Lee Welch

For the next two weeks, Tim Welch and his wife, Lee Hutton-Welch of Woodland, are offering to match donations to the Longview-based Lower Columbia Community Action Program Foundation, up to $35,000. The goal is to help the nonprofit organization build its endowment.

Also known as CAP, the charity provides safety net services, such as food assistance, as well as self-sufficiency programs such as job training.

Last year, the Welch family made a $350,000 bequest to the CAP Foundation, the largest single contribution CAP or its Foundation had ever received in the organization’s 46-year history.

The bequest was to be delivered at the time of their deaths. Rather than waiting, the Welches wanted their gift to be working for CAP and the community now.  They have pledged $35,000 for the CAP Foundation to be matched by the community, each year for the next ten years.

“This is a gift for the here and now instead of the hereafter,” says Tim Welch. “We want to see our money having an impact now. We want to be part of the dream.”

Between Oct. 1 and Oct. 15, any gift to the CAP Foundation will be matched by the Welch family.

Donations can be sent to 1526 Commerce Avenue, Longview, WA 98632, or  online at www.lowercolumbiacap.org.