Hartline Betterment Org. awarded $15,000 grant

The Paul Lauzier Charitable Foundaiton recently awarded a $15,000 grant to the Hartline Betterment Organization, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. The vital funds will help support the completion of capital improvements for the Historic Hartline School Rehabilitation and Adaptive Reuse Project. The timely grant award, combined with additional funding assistance, will allow the HBO to proceed with planned exterior masonry repairs on the Hartline School.

The charitable foundation (www.lauzier.org) was created pursuant to the last will and testament of Paul Lauzier. During his lifetime, Lauzier made numerous contributions to educational, religious and community organizations. His legacy of charitable giving continues through annual grants awarded by the Paul Lauzier Charitable Foundation in support of community development, youth programs, public health and safety, education and agriculture in rural communities in central and eastern Washington.

The all-volunteer nonprofit Hartline Betterment Organization is working with the owner of the Hartline School, Grant County Port District #5, community members and supporters from the surrounding region to preserve, rehabilitate and adaptively reuse the historic Hartline School.

In addition to raising funds for masonry repairs, the HBO and project volunteers recently repaired the roof, including the bell tower; cleaned and painted the library in preparation for meeting rentals; and hauled away debris left from sports field construction.

A locally owned and operated retail shop opened in the building in early May, and four additional rooms have been rented as office and retail space. Additional information about the historic Hartline School can be found at http://www.heartofhartline.com.