Bellringer campaign surpasses goal in donations to Salvation Army

The 2017 Bellringer campaign has come to an end on a high note, exceeding its goal of $50,000.

The final tally for contributions to The Star’s annual Julius Gius Bellringer holiday fundraising drive is $55,510.08, which is $6,018.74 more than what was raised a year earlier.

The 2016 campaign netted $49,491.34. In 2015, $43,751.91 was raised, more than a $10,000 difference from 2017. The most successful Julius Gius Bellringer campaign was in 2008, netting $58,500 for the Salvation Army.

Contributions were accepted from Thanksgiving through Christmas Day. The majority came as checks mailed to The Star, with about 10 percent raised through online donations. As always, all contributions went to charity, with The Star picking up all administrative costs.

This year, all funds went to the Salvation Army.

“The Salvation Army is deeply thankful to all the generous readers of the Ventura County Star for their participation in the 2017 Bellringer Campaign,” Lt. Col. Kyle Smith, divisional commander of The Salvation Army in Southern California, said in a written statement. “With The Salvation Army having already distributed more than $125,000 to survivors of the Thomas Fire, these additional donations will be put to good use to help Ventura County residents throughout the year.”

The funds will be used to support programs throughout Ventura County, including the Street Outreach Program providing homeless services, the Ventura Emergency Shelter, the Free Dental Clinic, and the food pantries and assistance programs in Ventura, Oxnard and Simi Valley.

The final published list of 2017 donors is below.

List of final donors

In memory of Ralph Parker Bliss. From Constance Bliss and Kristen Lopez: $100.

In memory of Jim Caldwell. From USPS Breakfast Club — Milton, Steve, Jack and Dave: $40.

Donna Gordon: $25.

In memory of Cory Iverson. In honor of all firefighters who fought the Thomas Fire and to those firefighters who serve us every day. From Joe and Jayne Gorski: $200.

In memory of Buddy and Kona. From Georgia and Al: $25.

In loving memory of my husband, Ed Marks, and our parents, Gladys and Homer Barr, and Helen and Joe Marks. From Jackie Marks: $100.

Mary Ann Cohen: $200.

For Dale Danielson. From Marge Danielson: $100.

For fire victims in Ventura County. From Kathryn Jenkins and Virginia Lee Grindley: $50.

Hello to my former coworkers at the Ventura County Star. I am an online subscriber now. Giselle Velazquez: $40.

To help people affected by the Thomas Fire. From J.B. and E.M. Yim: $25.

Henry von Hecht: $25.

In grateful thanks to the fire personnel and first responders in the Thomas Fire. From Anonymous: $150.

In memory of my husband, Ervin; my brother, Aldo; and my parents, Pete and Felicina Fattarelli. Also, from El Rio, Cirrin Torres, who lost his wife, Theresa; his sister, Louisa; and brother, Ray. Then he also passed away in 2017. From Agnes Roberson: $350.

For people in the Ventura County Fire. From Ebelia and Anthony Moya: $100.

In memory of my parents, Bud and Meta Ewens, longtime donors to the Salvation Army. From Mike Ewens: $100.

In memory of Ted Wendel, loving husband, father and grandfather; and sons, Bill and Pete Wendel. From Emma Wendel: $300.

In honor of the firefighters and those who lost their homes. From Phyllis Whitlock: $100.

In love and appreciation of all the good that you do. From Anne and Bill Kohut: $200.

In loving memory of Angeline Nikkinen, wife, mother and grandmother. We all miss you. From Don: $50.

Thank you to the Salvation Army workers and volunteers for all that you do for others, especially for the victims of the recent wildfires. From Anonymous: $1,000.

In memory of my husband, Doug. He had a big heart, even if you couldn't see it, and believed in the goodness of others, especially his Irish peeps. From Katie Rainey: $50.

Given on behalf of my grandchildren in honor and memory of Kevin Wise, who was ever mindful of the needs of others, especially "the less fortunate children in the United States of America." From Richard Sager: $1,000.

In memory of our son, Markian Duss, who passed away 15 years ago, but has never been forgotten. We set a place for you at the Christmas dinner table. Love Mom and Dad: $100.

In memory of my son, Byron Elliott Wade, a paramedic who loved his chosen career, and in honor of the dedicated firefighters who have risked their lives in Ventura County. From Patricia Wade-Gooch: $250.

In honor of David and Alison Brandon and family after losing their home in the recent fire. Bless our firefighters. From Thelma and Eric Lyden: $100.

This check is to honor the firefighters who are still fighting fires. God bless them all. From Anonymous: $200.

In honor of my son, Terry. Merry Christmas. Love, Mom: $50.

Tony and Rhonda Breckley: $250.

In memory of Paige Fisher. From Jan Clemens: $100.

Darrell and Kate Thompson: $150.

Anne Millican: $104.60.

The Center for Spiritual Living, Pleasant Valley, appreciates and wishes to acknowledge the service the Salvation Army provides our community. Our center believes in sacred giving, the circulation of love by the giving of one’s time, talent and tithe. From the Center for Spiritual Living: $50.

In memory our parents, Walt and Virginia Rutledge, and Herb and Anne Trenbath. We love you and miss you. From Wally and Laurie Rutledge: $200.

To all the firefighters, police, Ventura volunteers in policing, and first responders for the Thomas Fire. Thank you all. You saved Ventura. From Greg Osborn: $25.

Trying to help Ventura heal from this terrible disaster. From Donna Miller: $1,000.

In loving memory of Jeanette Foushee, Roy and Pearl Hammerand, and Bill Winn. From Alan and Kathy Hammerand: $150.

In loving memory of our wonderful parents, Edward C. and Verla I. Cummings of Greenville, Michigan, and Wilton H. and Joanne L. Eich of Marysville, to whom we owe so much. From Rich K. Eich and Joan Taylor Cummings Eich: $100.

Grateful for family and friends. Remembering and missing those no longer with us. Forever thankful to our firefighters, first responders and military who keep us safe. Merry Christmas and may God bless our resilient people and our beautiful city. We are Ventura Strong! From Marilyn Reeder: $100.

Jennie and David Whaley: $313.19.

Mary Lou and Martin Zuanich: $500.

In memory of my mom, Janice Manjoras, and my grandparents, Helen and Russell K. Rogers. From Sherrie Basham: $25.

Anonymous: $2,500.

George and Christine Heavican: $250.

Loren Miller: $100.

R.I. and Gail Thiele: $100.

Ron and Eileen Yamamura: $50.

Editor's note: The following messages were accidentally omitted from past Bellringer stories, although the donations were included in the total.

In memory of my sister, Karen. It has been 10 years since you passed, but time and time again, you are remembered because you are never forgotten. I love you, Sis, and always will. Thank you Bellringer/Salvation Army for all you do. Merry Christmas. From Marilyn Erickson: $52.45.

Remembering my precious son, Nicholas Sean Sanders, who has now been gone more years than he was here on Earth, but who remains forever in my heart. Such a gift from God he was. From his mom: $100.

Editor's note: The following donation and message came in after our print deadline.

Please accept this contribution on behalf of our brothers and sisters who have passed away in the past year: Daniel Davies, Ray McCalister Jr., James Prince, Eldon Huntling, Harold "Hal" Coffman, Gene Crandell and Billy Maloy. From Plumbers and Steamfitters Local No. 484, Ventura: $250.