LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

[January 4th, 2006] YOURS NOT TO QUESTION Y

As President-Elect of the Board of Directors of the YWCA of Greater Portland, I speak for the entire Board when I tell you I was disappointed with Angela Valdez's article "Asking Y" [WW, Dec. 14, 2005]. The story lacked the context of the information provided to the reporter by the YWCA and failed to include material from our partner organizations. The text of the table of contents was particularly misleading, and I was surprised and upset with the lack of balance in the story.

The YWCA has been serving women and families in our community for 104 years. In 2004-05, we served close to 35,000 people. The way this organization has survived is that we have been able to change our services over time to meet the evolving needs in our community while preserving our mission. We are proud of the tremendous community support that helps us provide our programs and services focused on seniors, women in transition, homeless families, and health and wellness.

Running a nonprofit organization is challenging. We must always struggle for the resources that make it possible for us to deliver services. The current economic climate demands that we operate leanly with an eye on the bottom line if we want to survive.

As stewards of a strong organization with a long record of achievement, our Board of Directors is dedicated and committed to our mission. Strategic decisions are not made in a vacuum but engage and involve the County and partners such as Loaves and Fishes. We have identified a vital need to expand our mission-aligned program services in our own building. It makes no sense for us to look elsewhere to do this.

The YWCA Board, staff and clients appreciate Adella Macdonald's effective leadership and personal support as a major donor.

Emi A. Donis
President-Elect, YWCA Board of Directors
Southwest Altadena Avenue

THEY KEEP THE LIGHT ON FOR ME

I have been a client of the Pulliam Deffenbaugh Gallery for the past 18 years. They have introduced and supported many wonderful artists and have made a vital contribution to the Northwest artist community since 1988. Pulliam Deffenbaugh Gallery is always very professional in all aspects of its business.

Over the years, there have been many times when I stopped by the gallery on a Sunday when they were changing a show and they stopped to offer consultation or answer questions. Often, with a phone request ahead of time, one or both owners would stay after hours to accommodate a late client visit to work around my busy schedule.

All business owners know that if you own a small business, you work all of the time. The article you printed on Dec. 14, 2005, titled "Flashing Lights" was very petty and a most unfair characterization of their business. You failed to note the great contribution they make to the art community on many levels.

Pulliam Deffenbaugh just recently completed the renovation of a new gallery space and completed the challenge of moving to the new space. You certainly owe them an apology for the unprofessional and tacky article you published.

Margaret Stroebe
Vancouver, Wash.