Why We Give - Chris and Linnea Covington

By: Chanelle Carlin

For 113 years, Deaconess Children’s Services has been transforming the lives of children throughout Snohomish County and the Pacific Northwest. We have not done it alone, nor could we hope to. Like many organizations serving our community, Deaconess relies heavily upon the generosity of individuals and businesses that support our mission. With their donations, staff and volunteers at Deaconess are able to help make children’s lives safer and brighter, thereby ensuring their future as well as ours as a society. Two of these amazingly generous people are Chris and Linnea Covington, owners of Structural Design Associates and Port Gardner Bay Winery (of Everett, Washington). Chris and Linnea are very active in their community, supporting many organizations with their time, money and seemingly endless amounts of energy and enthusiasm.

I recently had an opportunity to speak with Chris and Linnea about their reasons for giving to Deaconess. Linnea, a psychologist, said she’s always been familiar with Deaconess. She has seen families struggling with many challenges come to Deaconess for support and within a short period of time those same families were experiencing success. Chris, on the other hand, was not as familiar with Deaconess personally. When asked why he feels compelled to give, Chris shared a story about his father who was a carpenter. His dad used to help neighbors fix items around their homes and build things they needed, but would never take any payment for his work. It was just his “little way of giving back,” which is exactly why Chris says he gives.

Well, Chris and Linnea, thank you. Thank you for helping Deaconess to transform the lives of children. While you may consider your efforts to be small gestures on your part, we consider them HUGE and we greatly appreciate your generosity and willingness to serve your community in all the ways you do.