I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Valley Record and Ben Cape for writing the article on Sandy and Jackie Guthrie in last week’s paper. Ben didn’t have much time, but he felt it was important to publish it.

There are a couple of things I feel are important to impart to the community. We do have expenses, but we are only asking that the girls’ rent be subsidized. It would be $2,450 a month, less their Social Security income of $1,600 a month. So we, in essence, need $850 a month to make it viable for them to continue to live at Red Oak Residence.

There is a fund set up for the girls at Red Oak for anyone who wants to make a donation. Please make checks payable to: Red Oak for Sandy and Jackie. Cash is always welcome. I realize that it is asking a lot of the community, but I, we, hope in God’s wisdom and grace that this becomes a reality. And, unfortunately, we don’t have much time.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the people I have met with and talked to who have helped me. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the time, caring and compassion I have received.

Thanks to the Episcopal Church and Rev. Patty Baker, the Ministerial Association and Pastor John Morauski who made a videotape for us and gave me free DVDs. I know he spent many hours doing this for the girls. I also want to thank Suzanne Russert, who volunteered to be the liaison between the association and Red Oak.

To the Methodist churches in Fall City and Snoqualmie, Rev. Jan Bolerjack and Rev. Dr. Beryl Ingram, I also send many thanks. The churches in our community have really rallied around the girls, both in prayers and donations. I was absolutely overwhelmed with their commitment to see that the girls’ dream does become a reality.

A very heartfelt and appreciative thank you to the following people: Laurie Anne Wilbert of Red Oak, Nancy Whittaker, Ruth Tomlasoff of the Mount Si Senior Center and Carol Peterson. Laurie Anne has gone out of her way to help the girls in every way possible. Nancy has offered to write a grant for the girls. Ruth and Carol have also tried to help them in every way they possible could.

Once again words can never express my, our, thanks and gratitude to each and every church and person that has helped in this endeavor. No matter how this turns out, I feel blessed to be a part of a community whose compassion and caring is one anyone can be proud of.

Julienne Engen

Snoqualmie