Founding Families

To ensure the permanence of the Community Foundation of Snohomish County, we began a $2 million campaign in 2001 to create an endowment for our operations. The vision and foresight of the following eight founders has created a lasting impact on our community by helping to guarantee the future success of the Foundation.

The Community Foundation was established
with Founding Gifts from:

The Newland Family Fund for Giving
Phil Johnson
John and Idamae Schack
The Bargreen Family
The Nysether Family Foundation
The Don and Joyce Tisdel Family Fund
The Roy and Ann Thorsen Family
The Harry and Jeanne Metzger Family

Community Foundation of Snohomish County

The Newland Family has had a long history in the construction business and has always been involved in a wide range of community, civic and charitable efforts.  Their founding gift launched the operational endowment fund. It reflected the spirit and knowledge of a builder, who knows that the strength and quality of the completed structure is a reflection of a carefully prepared foundation.

Community Foundation of Snohomish County

Phil Johnson, who grew up in Everett, started Millstone Coffee, transforming the coffee industry by selling a high quality, freshly roasted, whole bean coffee in bulk, dispensing units in grocery stores.  Phil remains in the coffee industry as a partner in Cascade Coffee. For Phil, giving back to the community is a natural thing to do. In his quiet, behind-the-scenes way, he supports a variety of community needs.

Community Foundation of Snohomish County

John & Idamae Schack arrived in Everett in 1978.  When they decided to make the city their home, they became active, supporting civic and community endeavors. Knowledgeable about the work of community foundations, they were enthusiastic about the prospect of forming one here. Their founding gift reflects their support for a vision that is backed by sound business practices.

Community Foundation of Snohomish County

The Bargreen Family, the fourth founding family, has been in Everett since its earliest days where Bargreen Coffee Co. had its beginning in 1898.  Grace Bargreen was a strong advocate for community building “from the ground floor up.” Howard left a legacy of business skills and community and civic involvement. The family continues its involvement in community support and leadership.

Community Foundation of Snohomish County

The Nysether Family exemplifies their Norwegian heritage. They are innovative, entrepreneurial and hardworking. The Nysether family business, Sea-Dog Corporation, was founded in the 1930s. They chose to make their gift through their family foundation, supporting local youth and developmentally challenged individuals of all ages as well as the natural environment and wildlife.

Community Foundation of Snohomish County

The Roy & Ann Thorsen Family. Roy was born and raised in Everett.  He met and married Ann while serving in the military and returned to Everett after the war to start their first business, Central Body Works, and to raise their children, Rob and Nancy. The family has been strong believers in Everett and became founders because of their great hopes for the community.

Community Foundation of Snohomish County

The Don & Joyce Tisdel Family envision a future for Everett where the downtown core bustles with activity and growth. Joyce grew up in Cashmere and Don in Bellingham.  They met on a blind date and were married in 1953. In 1966, they began Tiz’s Doors in their garage, growing and operating the business for the next 30 year. The family has been active in the community and has had a particular interest in programs for youth and seniors.

Community Foundation of Snohomish County

The Metzger Family supports the Foundation’s important mission of strengthening communities, feeling that it’s important to help others and do what you can to give back to the community. Harry and Jeanne Metzger, with their four daughters, Jan, Jo, Meg and Maddy, reflect a family value that has come down through the years, one they hope to pass on to the next generation.