Humane Society gets $100,000 gift

The estate of Donald C. and Jean M. Lewis, lifelong residents of Camas and Washougal, has given $100,000 to the Humane Society for Southwest Washington. The grant was made from the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington.

Upon her death in April 2009 at age 87, Jean Lewis bequeathed her estate to the Community Foundation for the benefit of the Humane Society and disadvantaged people.

Donald Lewis died in 2001. They both worked at the Camas paper mill from high school through retirement.

The Humane Society’s debt for its new headquarters and shelter at 1100 N.E. 192nd Avenue has now been retired.

“Raising these final dollars to pay for the construction of the Humane Society’s new animal shelter is absolutely critical to their long-term financial health,” said Rick Melching, Community Foundation president.

“The Community Foundation chose to release an initial $100,000 grant at this time knowing that Jean cared very much about having an appropriately equipped animal shelter in Southwest Washington. She loved all animals and would be happy to know that her legacy is contributing to providing a safe haven for them.”