A Christmas miracle
During a week in which nerves were frayed and tensions high over the threat of severe flooding in and around La Conner, a bright glow of good news was emitted from up on the hill. The La Conner Sunrise Food Bank, long an integral part of the community and less than a month away from losing its rented location, no longer has to move.
For months, it appeared that the pioneer era building, which dates to the 1890s, would be sold to another buyer. That transaction fell through, and thanks to a key benefactor, the food bank closed on a contract with the Skagit County Masons for the historic Garfield Masonic Lodge Building at Third and Benton streets on Dec. 8.
“We’re filled with tremendous gratitude to remain in our current home, but also for what it means toward our ability to continue serving the community,” said Arin Magill, director of the food bank. It serves 120-140 families weekly.
The deal, the terms of which were not disclosed — other than that the Masons lowered the asking price by having a non-contingent and expedited closing, and that the building would be sold to the food bank for the benefit of the La Conner community — is being hailed as a Christmas miracle.
A volunteer steps forward
In a story with numerous heroes, the one all parties are praising is Shelter Bay resident Duane Holmes, a longtime food bank volunteer and its former treasurer, who connected with community advocate and financial advisor Scott Price of Edward Jones Investments to explore the possibility of La Conner Sunrise Food Bank purchasing the Mason’s building.
Once Price discovered the original proposal to buy the building had changed to a contingent offer, he decided to go in a different direction and formed a partnership with Holmes and the six-member food bank board of directors to submit a non-contingent offer and expedite closing.
Magill lauded Holmes for knowing “exactly what it means to leave no detail overlooked to ensure the success of the food bank,” citing the hours he spent during the operation’s early years checking temperatures in freezer units and ensuring that tables and shelves were secured to support the weight of heavy food supplies.
“I thought that if I could donate something to the food bank, that maybe it could help them find a new place,” Holmes said.
An opportunity presents itself in the 11th hour
For his part, Price tirelessly sought another food bank venue when it appeared the Masonic lodge would sell to the original buyer.
“I was asked by the board to help and advise them in finding an alternate location, either temporary or a long-term permanent location and plan,” Price said. “I worked on this for about five months through my connections in the community.
“I tried a lot of options, made a lot of phone calls,” he recalled. “I was working on Plans A, B, C, and D.”
Then, when it was least expected, the option of buying the building presented itself.
“When I heard that the original purchase and sales agreement went to contingency, I felt this was the crack of hope I was hoping for,” Price said. “After talking to the real estate agent who said they would look at a new offer without contingencies, I called the board together and told them of what I found out and the board voted to make a non-contingent offer on the building.”
Board president John Petrich worked with the Masons and came to a beneficial purchase price for the Masons and the food bank, Price said.
“In the meantime, I was working with Duane for the last five months as well on how he could support the food bank,” he said. “When I told Duane about the new development, he offered to donate enough money so the food bank could purchase their building and stay in La Conner for years to come.”
A community effort
Magill said the search for a new space had begun over two years ago when it was anticipated the Masonic Lodge would be marketed. Magill said many joined Price, Holmes and her in the effort, including Petrich and board members Rick Thompson, Tami Mason, Mary Lee Killinger, Michelle Havist and Marcella Baker; Mayor Marna Hanneman; and numerous volunteers and community members.
Magill and Price each alluded to how Holmes remains modest in acknowledging his life-changing donation. He was primarily concerned for those who will benefit from the food bank’s continued service in La Conner.
“Throughout its 15-year history, many volunteers have contributed their hearts and hands toward the La Conner Sunrise Food Bank’s efforts to serve its neighbors in need,” Magill said. “The commitment of volunteers has had a direct impact on opening its doors with a few boxes of food and $500 to the community resource that it is today.”
Bill Reynolds is a general assignment reporter for La Conner Community News.
