Billy Henry sat down with Mike and Christy Williams in their home on a warm fall evening to talk about their deep support of NWABA: donors, board member, tandem biking volunteer. Most recently Mike and Christy set up a charitable estate gift to NWABA.
Billy explained that about 90% of the organization’s budget is philanthropy. Although NWABA used to have 20% government support, now government support provides only 10% of the budget.
He said, “Philanthropy will propel us forward.”
Talking about how NWABA’s legacy programs work, he said, “We don’t touch the funds, just the interest. Those funds support us forever.” Billy added, “What makes an estate gift to NWABA so meaningful is that we don’t charge the athletes anything to participate in our activities.”
While nibbling on a delicious charcuterie selection and drinks in the Williams’ lovely home overlooking the Columbia River, the conversation turned to the couple’s passion for supporting NWABA.
Mike and Christy first learned about NWABA when a friend who was on the board invited them to the annual auction in 2015. It was the first time either had heard of the organization.
Mike recalled, “At the event, we heard athletes sharing their inspiring stories. It really impacted me.” Christy agreed. “When you see how NWABA makes a difference in people’s lives, it’s easy to believe in the organization.”
In fact, Mike was so impressed with NWABA that he joined the board in 2018. Over the years, he has served on several boards, but he said “NWABA is unique. You’re not supporting a building or a park. You’re supporting humans. It’s tangible. You get to see the look on the kids’ faces when they participate in a sporting activity. NWABA does so much for folks who normally don’t have opportunities.”
Mike and Christy mentioned many reasons they support NWABA.
“Christy and I are impressed with the way the organization is run,” Mike said. “The folks at NWABA are excellent stewards. I know our gift will be maximized and will make a big difference in helping a lot of people. The funds you give do not go to the bottom line, but to the front line—helping people.” He added, “You can see the direct impact the organization has on the lives of kids. It changes their lives forever.”
Christy said, “Many organizations that provide a service charge a fee for people to participate, but NWABA never charges a fee. Mike and I wanted to be part of a life-changing organization. That is NWABA.”
Both Mike and Christy mentioned they have been impressed by the dedicated staff and volunteers who are committed to the mission.
Mike said, “Everybody involved is engaged. That comes from Billy’s leadership. He’s a connected, inspirational leader, and his perspective and passion trickles down to all the staff. He expects everyone to perform at a high level, but he doesn’t expect people to do tasks that he wouldn’t do himself.”
Christy said, “Billy’s passion for providing opportunities for blind athletes is infectious.”
Mike agreed, “Billy has a passion for these kids because he WAS one of these kids. Being visually impaired himself, he has gone through so many trials and tribulations in life without the opportunities of a sighted person. He knows what it’s like to be a young athlete and not have the opportunities.”
He added, “As a board member, I am motivated by Billy’s vision, drive, and tenacity in leading the organization through growth over the years.”
Mike has volunteered for several nonprofits in the community over the years. Now retired, he explained while he continues to volunteer for NWABA: “Helping people is gratifying. I’ve seen Billy and the NWABA staff demonstrate their passion about what they are doing. The way they follow up and build relationships with the athletes and the people they’re supporting.”
Although Christy has volunteered for many nonprofit organizations, she says volunteering with NWABA felt different. Deeper. “When you volunteer for NWABA, there’s an immediate gratification. A connection.”
She added, “NWABA has one focus: to provide opportunities for visually impaired people to participate in sporting activities that we sighted people take for granted. NWABA provides opportunities for so many visually impaired kids to try new things and gain confidence. I’ve seen how the organization impacts lives.”
Mike also began volunteering in tandem biking at various NWABA including Camp Spark. He has been impressed by the enthusiasm of the kids: “They are so excited to ride a bike—an everyday experience that other kids take for granted. I was impacted by seeing someone experience an activity they otherwise won’t have an opportunity if it weren’t for NWABA.”
Mike described one especially memorable tandem bike ride with a visually impaired man in his 20s who lives in Portland and had to navigate riding multiple city buses to arrive at Wintler Park in Vancouver to participate.
Mike explained, “When you do tandem biking, you have a captive audience with the visually impaired athlete riding in the second seat. We biked for several miles and carried on a conversation as we pedaled. Although this man always had wanted to travel, he hadn’t been able to because of his visual impairment.”
When Mike mentioned that he had traveled internationally, the athlete wanted to know more.
“He asked me to tell him about my travels so he could make a picture in his mind. As we rode along, I told him about things I saw in London and Scotland. At the end of the ride, everyone asked him: ‘Where did you go?’ The other tandem bike riders had said something like ‘we went to Lincoln School’ but he said, ‘We went to London and Scotland!’”
Mike said, “I take riding a bike for granted. I take international travel for granted. This opportunity created a moment of traveling internationally that this gentleman couldn’t experience in his own life.”
The experience deeply impacted Mike, too. He said, “It’s a life-altering experience for the athlete—and it impacts volunteers, too.”
As the evening came to a close, Mike, Christy and Billy each took a turn at summing up NWABA in one sentence. The organization reaches so many people and impacts lives so deeply that it was not an easy task.
Mike: “NWABA is an organization that helps visually impaired individuals who often are isolated by providing opportunities to experience activities that sighted people take for granted.”
Christy: “NWABA creates friendships and community, providing opportunities for blind athletes to connect with someone who is like them and faces the same struggles.”
Billy: “NWABA is about helping people who are blind to build confidence, achieve their goals, and reach their greatest potential.”
Our Champions create a lasting legacy by making catalyst gifts that fuel our vision for the future. We’re grateful to supporters like the Williams family, who have entrusted their legacy to NWABA. You, too, can become a Champion and ensure our life-changing programs endure for generations.
To learn more about planned giving and how you can make a meaningful impact, contact Kim Hash, Director of Philanthropy, at khash@nwaba.org or 360-448-7254.