New board members of Phillips County’s Because nonprofit are pictured from left, front row, Karina Davis, Mary Fulscher and Kayla Kafka; and back row, Steve Young and founder Orville Tonsing. Not pictured is Gayln Einspahr. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications
New board, NYE fundraiser set to reboot long-standing Because nonprofit
The spirit of helping others is what inspired Because to be established in 1986, and that’s the same thing that has prompted a reboot this year. Though the Because nonprofit never went away completely, it has waned over the years. A new board is ready to bring Because back to its former glory and help out people in Phillips County.
Because was formed in 1986 by Orville Tonsing, Ron Morgan and Barry Wells, but Tonsing is quick to point out that they had a lot of help from others. It was established when a friend was in need, and the three decided to do something about it. Why? “Because we care,” Tonsing explained, and that’s where the name came from.
Because became a nonprofit, and its board members went about fundraising and assisting people in need. It was never meant to address any one particular need. From a large-scale natural disaster to a family simply struggling to keep the heat on through a tough winter, Because is there to meet any type of need.
Through the years, Because has helped people get their teeth fixed, bought shoes, helped families keep the heat on and paid rent.
The full article is available in our e-Edition. Click here to subscribe.