Ray Hickey Endowment for Children

In a special presentation held June 20, 2007 at the YWCA Clark County Helene Schoen Center, it was announced that Ray Hickey is donating $1,000,000 to the YWCA Clark County, establishing the Ray Hickey Endowment for Children. This extraordinary gift will assist the YWCA Clark County in sustaining special programming for homeless and low-income children through its Y’s Care Children’s Program. This early childhood program offers a full-day educational curriculum and nurturing care to 2 ½ to 5 year olds and helps their parents understand the importance of their role as their children’s first teacher. (Click here for more information about Y's Care.)

In recent years, Y’s Care has experienced a significant reduction in revenue from government funding sources. In addition, the program is offering more services to children with learning and behavioral challenges, which has increased program expenses. The endowment will ensure that all children in the program receive the extra care and attention they need to prepare for a successful start to kindergarten and school.

Ray Hickey and his daughters Linda Hickey and Cindy Nesbitt have supported the Y’s Care Children’s Program for many years, financially and otherwise. They have donated new clothing and toys for the children and supplies for the classroom, in addition to making exceptional financial contributions. Joyce Kilpatrick, former YWCA Clark County Executive Director, commented, “Ray Hickey is one of the special folks in our world who touches lives and changes lives. He is a gentle kind soul who cares for children and the world in which they live. This gift will help Y’s Care to continue serving youngsters, who thrive in its environment of love and care.”

The endowment is expected to generate $50,000 per year for the Y’s Care Children’s Program, which has an annual budget of $280,000. Kathy Kniep, YWCA Clark County Executive Director, remarked, “We are extremely grateful to be receiving Ray’s gift, because we know that it’s going to have a positive impact on the lives of some of the most at-risk children in our community. By providing long-term funding for this special program, Ray Hickey is giving generations of vulnerable children a chance to succeed in life. We are thrilled to honor him today.”  

Vancouver Mayor Royce Pollard, left, speaks during the announcement of the Ray Hickey Endowment for Children. Ray Hickey is on the right and Kathy Kniep, YWCA Executive Director, is in the center.