Donor Spotlight: Alan Bartelheimer
Each chapter of life brings new experiences, opportunities and transitions. When Alan Bartelheimer’s brother, Wayne, passed away in 2019, Alan not only lost his older brother, but also his longtime business partner.
The Bartelheimer brothers grew up on a dairy farm in Snohomish, Washington, where they learned the value of hard work at an early age. Both were active in 4-H, FFA and athletics, and both graduated from Snohomish High School before earning college degrees and beginning their professional careers.
In 1990, their paths came together again when they purchased a dairy in Othello, beginning a new chapter as partners in Bar-E Dairy. For nearly three decades, their lives and livelihoods were closely connected through the family business.
Following Wayne’s passing in 2019, Alan transitioned from business partner to personal representative of his brother’s estate—and that is how the Columbia Basin Foundation first came to know him. Wayne had generously named CBF as the beneficiary of one-third of his estate, with the gift designated to establish scholarships for area students. CBF worked closely with Alan to carry out Wayne’s wishes and create an enduring scholarship opportunity that would help young people pursue higher education.
The impact of that decision has been remarkable. Wayne’s charitable gift to CBF totaled $662,588, and during the past six years, CBF has awarded 125 scholarships totaling $146,520.02. Even after those awards, the fund has continued to grow and now has a balance of $859,460.46. It is a powerful example of what an endowed charitable gift can accomplish—providing meaningful support today while continuing to grow for future generations.
Over the years, Alan has had the unique opportunity to watch his brother’s generosity create an ever-expanding impact.
Last November, while being interviewed for CBF’s 30th Anniversary video, Alan shared a simple piece of advice about charitable giving: “It’s never too early. Whatever the amount, just do it.”
Preparing for that interview prompted Alan to reflect more deeply on Wayne’s legacy and, in turn, consider the legacy he wanted to create himself. He realized the time had come to make some charitable decisions of his own.
This year, Alan established a donor-advised fund at CBF, giving him the opportunity to support causes that are meaningful to him and, importantly, to see the impact of his generosity during his lifetime. Since establishing the fund, Alan has supported a variety of initiatives through CBF’s simple and streamlined charitable giving process.
Wayne’s gift began one chapter of the Bartelheimer family’s philanthropic story, and Alan is now writing the next.
We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of both Wayne and Alan Bartelheimer. Their thoughtful giving is creating opportunities for students, strengthening our communities and building a legacy that will continue making a difference for generations to come.