Samis Foundation donates SL Food Bank property to local non-profit
SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake Food Bank volunteers and other supporters on Monday expressed appreciation and thanks to the Samis Foundation for its donation of the building and property on East Main.
Samis employees and board members visited the food bank during a day trip that included stops at other local properties owned by the late Sam Israel and now managed by his namesake foundation headquartered in Seattle.
Israel passed away in 1994 at the age of 95. A reclusive millionaire who lived a frugal lifestyle, Israel owned a ranch for several decades on the west side of Soap Lake. During his lifetime, he amassed vast property and real estate holdings in Grant and King counties, including downtown Seattle, where he was one of the largest single landowners.
In 1989, Israel created the Samis Foundation, which is overseen by a board of trustees and professional staff to manage the properties. In accordance to Israel’s wishes and directives, the foundation has since donated almost $150 million toward 200 community and charitable organizations, primarily in Washington state and the nation of Israel, said chief executive officer Connie Kanter.
Last month, Samis finalized a deed transfer that gives ownership of the food bank property at 325 E. Main Avenue to the local non-profit, said Adam Hasson, the foundation’s director of real estate and a great-nephew of Sam Israel.
The only costs involved were two $5 processing fees, according to county records.
Food bank volunteers felt the donation recognized the facility’s long service and benefit to the community, and a belief that the non-profit will continue to assist those in need into the future.
“I’m very impressed by the corps of volunteers who support the food bank’s mission of service,” said Judy Neuman, chair of the Samis Foundation board of trustees.
The intent, she said, “was to carry on Sam’s legacy.
Added Kanter: “We know the important role that the food bank plays in connecting with the community. This is a joy to be able to donate this.”
Kitty Thomas, who previously served as the food bank’s director for 16 years, was among the supporters on hand for Monday’s gathering. There was gratitude, she said, “to see it come to fruition.”
Helping organize the dedication was Theresa Bennett Scheib, a local broker with United Country/Patrick Real Estate and a property manager for Samis Land Co. and Samis Foundation.
Other supporters in attendance included Chelan Kleyn and Mike Tabler, trustees of the Ephrata-based Paul Lauzier Foundation. Over time, Lauzier has donated a total of $82,500 for capital improvements to the food bank that include electrical upgrades, roof replacement, awning and window repair, remodeling the back entry, and concrete pad and parking lot improvements. Lauzier has also contributed another $21,000 toward program support and food purchases through the years.
The 9,100-square-foot building was built in the late 1940s and has a current assessed value of $105,735, according to the Grant County Assessor’s Office.
Earlier this year, current food bank president Fred Wright said the facility serves between 200 and 250 people weekly from the area communities of Soap Lake, Wilson Creek, Marlin, Coulee City, and Hartline with packaged and fresh commodities.
The Samis Foundation’s philanthropic efforts include funding for Jewish education, youth travel and family relocations to the State of Israel, youth and social services to those in need there, world disaster relief, and wildlife and historical preservation efforts.
