The Columbian’s recent editorial (“Beaches’ finest offering: community service,” Feb. 23) was a well-deserved tribute to Mark Matthias and Ali Novinger, who have contributed immeasurably to our Vancouver community.
Besides offering delicious food and a welcoming environment, they have provided unstinting support to many local nonprofits, including the Kiwanis Clubs of Southwest Washington. Not only did they start the Dr. Seuss Read Across America events in Vancouver, but they supported our Kiwanis Clubs in Battle Ground and Woodland/Kalama in spreading that program to surrounding communities.
With news of the imminent closure of Beaches, patrons were lined up out the door on Friday. We had stopped by to retrieve the generous donation of four gift certificates for our upcoming golf tournament to raise funds for the Kiwanis Doernbecher Children’s Cancer Program on May 10. Even with retirement on the horizon, their focus on community partners and nonprofits is unwavering.
We are among the multitudes who are deeply grateful to Mark and Ali for their support and their legacy of service to the citizens of Vancouver.
