Local News

Stronger Than Fire: Carlton Complex Recovery Group Launches Capital Campaign

Jul 02, 2015

The Carlton Complex Long Term Recovery Group (CCLTRG), the grassroots organization coordinating reconstruction efforts in the wake of Washington’s largest-ever wildfire, today announced the launch of an online giving campaign. Called, “Stronger than fire,” the campaign will run from July 1 through July 18, 2015—the weekend marking the one-year anniversary of the night three separate fires converged to create a firestorm that destroyed forests, pastures, orchards, businesses, barns and outbuildings, and more than 300 homes--including much of the towns of Brewster and Pateros.

Through online newsletters, videos, and social media posts, the campaign will spread the word across Washington about the work—and outstanding needs—of the Carlton Complex Long Term Recovery Group, which will use the funds to rebuild 40 homes lost by people without the means to rebuild on their own. Already the group has secured leadership gifts totaling $1.6 million—including a recent anonymous gift of $250,000, which the community is now being asked to match by July 18.

“Thanks to a tremendous outpouring of support from volunteers and donors across the United States and Canada, we have received the funds and donated labor necessary to rebuild the first 11 homes in Phase One,” says Carlene Anders, executive director of the CCLTRG. “We’re now asking the community to help us raise the money necessary to rebuild the remaining 29 homes for fire survivors without the means to rebuild on their own.”

Thanks to skilled volunteer labor, the cost of each new home has been reduced to little more than building materials and appliances. Moreover, the generosity of local building suppliers has reduced even the cost of materials to below retail. The Community Foundation of North Central Washington, which serves as the CCLTRG’s fiscal sponsor, is providing donor tax deductions and organizational administrative support without its normal two percent fee. As a result, all donations go directly to recovery efforts.

In addition to the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, leaders from other well-respected organizations, like TwispWorks, Room One, and the Methow Conservancy, are promoting the campaign by spreading the word among their own supporters. Radio stations KOMW, KNCW and KCSY are contributing thousands of dollars of donated on-air support.

“Our community's response to the wildfires has been powerful,” says Amy Stork, board member of the Carlton Complex Long Term Recovery Group and the Methow Valley Long Term Recovery Organization. “Many efforts have been made to restore our landscape and prepare for future disasters. Hundreds of families have been helped with needs large and small. Now it's time for us to help the most vulnerable of our neighbors, who literally have no way to rebuild on their own. We know our community will rise to this challenge.”

The campaign features several short videos—featuring testimonials of fire survivors who are receiving new homes, as well as testimonials of individuals and organizations who have contributed. Another video is of 23-year-old singer/songwriter, Brittany Jean, whose song “Wildfire” has become the soundtrack to the Carlton Complex recovery effort. Taken together, the videos present a powerful picture of a region working together to rebuild what fire destroyed.

“The amazing part of a disaster like this is, it reveals the strength of the human spirit,” Anders says.

To donate, visit CarltonComplexRecovery.com. All donations are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.