Tamarack Wellness Center Begs Support

Local nonprofit Tamarack Wellness Center has fallen into deep financial crisis with the loss of a $60,000 donor. The center itself—which offers swimming, yoga and massage therapy as a means of promoting good health—relies exclusively upon donations and fees to keep itself functional. Without government finance, the loss of a $60,000 donor could be detrimental to the center’s quality of service unless said amount is raised by September 1st.

Donor and executive director for the Tamarack Wellness Center, Sue Sherman, will take her leave from the company at the end of this month, thus cutting her donation chord and resulting in the urgent revenue shortage. She encourages the public to donate so that Tamarack can “broaden its base of support.”

She says: “It’s time for the Lane County community to do their part” in a cry for help to the citizens of Eugene—and surrounding areas—to save the company by making tax deductible donations.



As of now, the company has raised $15,000, and so find themselves with 75% of next month’s finances left to gather. Board members at Tamarack seem to be handling the stress of the situation well; Ann Cole, board chair, says: “We are confident we can raise the support we need to keep Tamarack alive.”

Ultimately the irony here lies with Sue Sherman’s reason for leaving. She says: “The difficult economic times have contributed to my decision to make this change,” which, understandable as it is, only appears to have left the company with further financial problems.

While the recession has hit everything hard in Oregon, nonprofits seem to be taking the brunt with fewer willing donors to support their services. Tamarack Wellness Center falls unhappily into that category with their founder and major donor falling prey to the economic crisis. For more information on the center, or to donate, see www.tamarackwellness.org