Page 5 - Chehalis Tribal Newsletter - January 2020

5

Group helps families heal, find hope

After devastating loss, Raise for Rowyn recently
Raise for Rowyn started a podcast called “Angel
Talk,” where ways to cope with
connects loved ones GET/GIVE HELP grief is discussed.
Multiple events are held
to crucial resources To receive help, fill out the during the year to create
assistance request form at
raiseforrowyn.org. awareness and help raise funds
Raise for Rowyn, a local
nonprofit created to assist If you would like to join in that go to those in need.
helping grieving families,
The annual 5k fundraiser
families suffering from the please visit the website or
death of a child, has received send contributions to: Run for Rowyn in Tenino is
donations from both Lucky Raise for Rowyn, P.O. Box 631, scheduled for Saturday, June 20.
Eagle Casino & Hotel and the Tenino WA, 98589. The Chehalis Tribe and LEC&H
have donated to the event every
Chehalis Tribal Government year.
since it was established in April “Although there is so much Another major fundraiser
of 2015. for Rowyn was established to the nonprofit offers is an annual
Brynn Johnson founded the sadness involved with how help raise spirits and hope and
nonprofit organization after it (Raise for Rowyn) started, provide faith for others. People dinner, gala and silent auction,
which was first held at Lucky
her 17-month old daughter from the program maintain Eagle in 2016 and 2017. The
Rowyn Leea Johnson was in there is so much beauty in it a close relationship with a group moved to a larger venue.
a fatal accident when she fell majority of the families helped. Chehalis tribal entities have
underneath a moving vehicle as well.”– BRYNN JOHNSON The program sends out holiday donated since the beginning,
driven by a family friend on the and birthday cards to remember and their contributions total
morning of Sept. 16, 2014. loved ones who passed away. more than$35,000. Brynn
After the passing of Rowyn, recent loss of a child. Raise for Rowyn also helps said the relationships she has
the Johnson family received The loss of Rowyn Leea has connect families to resources built with the Chehalis Tribe
support from locals in their led to the remarkable nonprofit for counseling. Because they have benefited the nonprofit
hometown of Tenino. Brynn had that has provided financial provide for such a wide-spread tremendously.
worked at Lucky Eagle Casino support for those who suffered area, sometimes research is Raise for Rowyn is planning a
since she was in high school and the same devastating loss. necessary to find local resources grand opening at the nonprofit’s
built relationships with people “Although there is so much for those seeking specific types headquarters in Tenino this
on the reservation. sadness involved with how it of counseling or therapy. spring.
Brynn explained that John (Raise for Rowyn) started, there
Setterstrom, former CEO of is so much beauty in it as well,”
Lucky Eagle Casino, was one of Brynn said.
the first people to be there for Raise for Rowyn has helped
the family. The casino donated more than 300 families in 21
food to help with the healing states. Services include funeral,
process. headstone, cremation and
“We were just so overwhelmed anything else that is part of
with the love and support of the the final arrangements of the
community,” Brynn said. deceased individual.
The help from the town of The organization doesn’t
Tenino and the Chehalis Tribe just focus on raising funds and March 6-8
inspired her to help other financial assistance. It also
families suffering from the offers emotional support. Raise

Chehalis Tribal Community Center
461 Secena Road, Oakville WA 98568
Information TRUE DOUBLE
for elder MENS ALL-NATIVE +1 TOKEN
caregivers 1ST-4TH PLACE AWARDS
MVP, ALL-STARS, 3-POINT KING
9 A.M.-4 P.M. CONTACT
MARCH 3 Orinda Goddard: email ogoddard@chehalistribe.org or

Chehalis Tribal Community text 360-280-9186 / Skylar Bracero: email sbracero@
Center Gathering Room chehalistribe.org or text 360-522-0606
RSVP by Feb. 21: Community Wellness Manager Christina * Fee must be paid before first game
Hicks at 360-709-1741, chicks@chehalistribe.org (please make checks payable to Chehalis Tribe)