Photo from https://obituaries.neptunesociety.com/obituaries/spokane-wa/benjamin-gilmore-10729040

The Methow Valley Fund has been managed by the Community Foundation of NCW for over a decade. Originally funded by the Foundation and an anonymous donor, it has provided over $1M in grant funding to numerous Methow Valley nonprofits making an impact in the community.

Recently the Methow Valley Fund has been bolstered by legacy gifts left by bequests from residents who have loved and cared for the valley. Ben Gilmore was one of these individuals who left a significant gift through the Community Foundation to support the Methow Valley. The funds gifted to the Methow Valley Fund Endowment allow for increased grant award amounts in perpetuity. The gift has also allowed matching funds for Give Methow and support for Strategic Consulting Grants for local nonprofits.

Ben was known for his charm, wit, and minimalist lifestyle. He was drawn to the mountains, rivers, snow, and recreation abundance the Methow Valley provides. He drew friends to his home where he hosted parties, played music, and enjoyed the camaraderie of his like-minded community. He was a builder of almost anything – from chicken coops to tiny houses – and a ceramic artist.

Ben was known to be a helper and an advocate for making the world a better place. During his lifetime he worked with Outward Bound helping youth explore the outdoors, taught pottery and ceramics to students in Holden Village, and other volunteer ventures. After the 2004 earthquake in Thailand, he helped fishing people in one village rebuild their tsunami-damaged buildings and boats. In 2014 he helped with seasonal fire duty in North Central Washington.

“Ben had always been a strong believer and supporter of the Valley’s non-profits annually, as well as many national and international organizations” shared Jay Lucas, Ben’s co-representative of his estate. “This end of life gift to the Methow Valley Fund will ensure that his commitment to support all of these organizations will continue for years to come. His desire and actions to support organizations that provide help to others should inspire us all.”

It’s gifts like Ben’s that make a meaningful and lasting impact to the residents, visitors, and caregivers of the Methow Valley. His gift, along with other bequests and additional donations, will ensure a long-lasting financial resource that will help the Methow Valley thrive in perpetuity.

Learn more about the Methow Valley Fund