What We Do
Scholarships & Community Programs
Honoring the Past. Investing in the Future.
At the Wade J. Woodmark Foundation, we believe that remembrance and growth can go hand in hand. Our scholarships and community programs are rooted in the memory of loved ones and designed to plant seeds of possibility for the next generation.
Through educational support, literacy initiatives, mobility aid, and creative opportunities, we aim to help young people move forward with courage, creativity, and hope.
Our Programs
Coping Circle
Wade’s House - A Healing Place of Hope
The WJW Foundation’s flagship project is Wade’s House – A Healing Place of Hope. The first retreat home of its kind in the world, Wade’s House offers a place for families who have lost a child to spend time at the Oregon Coast, to relax and reflect, to take solace in one another, and to heal.
Currently undergoing renovation, the house is provided at no cost.
A Healing Quilt of Hope Project
Now, thanks to a new project called the Healing Quilt of Hope, those families at Wade’s House can wrap themselves in love and goodwill, in the form of a handmade quilt.
Mr. Man & Sweet Panda Project
Local cat becomes cec of the WJWF Mr. Man & Sweet Panda Project The Story of One Kitty’s Incredible Journey In May of 2010, John and Talley Woodmark’s orange Maine Coon cat, Mr. Ginger (as he was then known), anished from their Little Whale Cove townhouse. The Woodmarks’ son Wade’s death had taken place during the same week five years prior. Now, this second loss during that same timeframe was devastating for Talley.
John filed reports of the missing pet with every law enforcement and animal agency in the surrounding area. As weeks and then months passed with no sign of Mr. Ginger, they feared he was gone forever.
A year later, a report of a cat found in the Fogarty Creek area sparked recognition for Lincoln County Animal Shelter staff member Sara Wynveen. Through the cooperative efforts of Sara, and Diana Bargioni and Mary Lou Starker of the Central Coast Human Society, on May 24, 2011, the sixth anniversary of Wade’s passing, the Woodmarks’ phone rang …
Could it be true? Mr. Ginger was alive and safe at Bargioni’s home, just four miles away!
When Mr. Ginger saw his mom and dad, he immediately, but with difficulty, rose to his feet and, purring, climbed into their waiting arms. The Woodmarks were overjoyed.
A veterinary examination revealed Mr. Ginger had suffered a spinal injury and starvation; he’d lost over half his body weight, and his ear tips had been snipped off. Still, his good-natured spirit remained, and after a bath and fluff-dry, he began recuperating comfortably at home. With the help of his parents, he even gave several press conferences about his ordeal in the wild.
Feeling the need to leave the trauma of his past behind and to speed his recovery, Mr. Ginger made the decision to change his name. Mr. Man (as he is now known) is hard at work on Paws to Forgive, the memoirs of his year on the road. He also looks forward to being featured in the Woodmarks’ upcoming children’s book, On the Back Porch.
“We cannot believe our beautiful, lion-hearted kitty has returned to us – most especially on the anniversary of the day we lost our son,” Talley said. “We believe, without a doubt, he was a miracle sent to us by Wade. We are truly grateful to all individuals and agencies involved in his return.”
Mr. Man is now the CEC (Chief Executive Cat) of the Mr. Man & Sweet Panda Project. Named for the CEC and his late sister Panda, the project brings awareness of the many resources available to help reunite families who have lost a pet.
Hero Award
Our Hero!
wjwF Hero Award
What is a hero? The dictionary defines a “hero” as someone who is admired for courage or noble qualities. It can mean someone who has risen to meet a challenge requiring bravery in the face of adversity.
Marion S. Blum Leadership & Literacy Program
Named for its benefactor, the Marion S. Blum Leadership and Literacy Program, the newest of WJWF’s subsidiary projects, raises funds to provide literacy training, internship opportunities, and career placement assistance.
Marion Blum was an educator, a successful business woman (rising to the position of Vice President at Far West Federal Savings), an adopted grandmother, and a great friend of Wade Woodmark and his brother, Clay. The three shared a love of reading, writing, and travel which helped bond them on their path to exploring and motivating adolescent literacy in their community and beyond.
Marion’s donation of 8,500 books to Depoe Bay’s Neighbors For Kids program helped to raise thousands of dollars and broaden the horizons of many young readers.
Though Marion passed away on July 30, 2011, at the age of 92, her generosity, legacy and motivational insight live on.
Volunteer of the Year
The Wade J. Woodmark Foundation’s Volunteer of the Year Award is given in recognition of long standing generosity, creativity, and passion.
If a picture is worth a thousand words, then the hundreds of beautiful WJWF photographs and articles are priceless. This year’s Volunteer of the Year, Jennifer Graham, along with the help of Sandy and Ken Dust, prominent artists in the Northwest region, recently spent countless hours framing those many memories in order to provide a visual history of Wade J. Woodmark’s cherished life. These treasured mementos will help welcome all who visit Wade’s House – a Healing Place of Hope.
Artist’s Retreat Program
The Artist Retreat Program provides mentoring and inspiration through workshops and on-site practical experience. Ample space is provided where artists may work in a stimulating, distraction-free setting.
Artists such as Susan and Christopher Spence, and Greg Gorham will engage, educate and encourage individuals or groups in creative, hands-on sessions. Artwork donations from participating artists are sold to fund this program, and may be viewed at the WJWF Gallery in Depoe Bay, or online at WadeJWoodmarkFoundation.org.
Collective Healing Program
There are many ways to help support WJWF. Your collectibles, treasured mementos, and fine art are all welcome donations through our Collective Healing Donors Program.
When family friends, Jerry and Eileen Dumolt, Phil Heilman, and Claudette Phillips learned of their friend Wade’s passing, they wanted to donate something meaningful in his memory. The three families chose to generously donate their entire Disney® and Chilmark® collections, amassed over the years, to be sold to benefit Wade’s new foundation.
Wade spent his formative years learning the family business. The Blue Heron Gallery provided the backdrop for Wade’s education in retail sales. From an early age, he and his younger brother, Clay, performed every task: dusting, displaying, stocking, shipping, and selling, becoming extraordinary salesmen along the way.
With their parents, they built a clientele who returned year after year to expand their personal treasuries of brand names such as Swarovski® crystal, Walt Disney Classics®, M.I. Hummel® figurines, and Chilmark® sculpture, to name just a few.
A favorite aspect of the boys working in the gallery was the close ties and friendships they established, such as those with Jerry, Eileen, Phil and Claudette.
When their donations arrived, Talley and Clay spent several weeks unpacking, cataloging, ‘oohing’ and ‘ahhing’ over each wonderful piece. It was like a stroll down Disneyworld’s Main Street, with the best part knowing how much joy these collectibles would bring to others in Wade’s memory.
If you are interested in making a tax deductible donation of your fine art or collectibles, please contact WJWF.
Artful Dreams Project
Paints a Spirit of Giving
The “Artful Dreams” exhibition of works by established Colorado artists
When people say talent “runs in the family,” Colorado artists Bob Coonts, son Brent, and granddaughters Sierra and Shayla, are quick to agree.
Sierra, 11, and Shayla, 9, donated 100% of the sales proceeds from their recent Artful Dreams Project exhibition to the WJW Foundation.
Announce
Elizabeth Lane Scholarship
The Wade J. Woodmark Foundation is proud to announce Elizabeth Ann (“Ellie”) Lane of Gladstone High School, is the recipient of a $10,000.00 scholarship. Ms. Lane was chosen to receive this scholarship based on her academic dedication throughout her high school career.
Ellie lettered for three years on Gladstone’s swim team. She has just completed her sophomore year at the University of Oregon, where she is excelling in her academics, meeting new friends, and making good use of the library and outdoor spaces. She continues to major in Psychology, with a minor in Health Studies. She has also developed a keen interest in Philosophy, and yoga keeps her fit and focused. Ellie Lane embodies the Wade J. Woodmark Foundation’s primary goal of providing encouragement and support to young students through its Scholarship Program. The Foundation looks forward to working with Ellie as she furthers her academic studies, and strives toward becoming the best person she can be in the future.
Paying it Forward: Educational Trusts
On the night Wade died, seven of his friends had gathered at his home to celebrate life with a barbecue. The Woodmark family vowed to establish educational trust funds for the future children of those friends. Such trusts have been established and funded monthly for the four children born to date, and will continue until each child reaches the age of 18. Paying it forward in Wade’s memory for the children of his friends has brought a great deal of happiness to John and Talley.
Sadly, Wade’s childhood friend, Adam Arrambide, who was also present the night Wade died, also lost his life to a gunshot wound in 2021, while he was protecting a friend.
The Woodmarks are strong proponents for gun safety and hunter safety classes and certification. Local firearm safety training in your area may found on the internet or by contacting your local sheriff’s business office.
