EVERETT — Frank Fargo keeps count. In more than six years of providing a basic need, Fargo has supplied 6,300 hot showers. They are free for the asking.
The Clearview man will be honored this week for his charitable work, which involves hauling his shower-equipped trailer to church meal programs at least twice each week. Homeless people line up to shower in the trailer, which has two 150-gallon water tanks, an instant water heater, a hose hook-up, towels, toiletries and more.
On Wednesday, 61-year-old Fargo will be given the 2014 Raili M. Hanson Inspirational Award at the sold-out Breakfast with Bethany. The event, at 7:15 a.m. Wednesday at the downtown Everett Holiday Inn, is a fundraiser for the Bethany of the Northwest Foundation. Ken Hammond, the foundation’s development director, said all proceeds will support the needs of seniors cared for by Bethany of the Northwest. The nonprofit organization runs several Everett area retirement and care facilities.
The award is given annually in memory of a longtime member of the foundation board. Raili Hanson, for 40 years a nurse at Everett General Hospital, died in 2010. She was the wife of Larry Hanson, former publisher of The Herald. Hammond said Fargo was nominated for this year’s award by Hanson.
With his Ford F-250 Super Duty diesel pickup, Fargo brings his custom Cobra Salem travel trailer to the alley behind Everett’s First Presbyterian Church on Wednesday nights. Volunteers at the church serve a weekly “Dinner at the Bell” to people in need. Dinner starts at 5:30 p.m., but Fargo spends hours there as people use the shower, one by one.
On Saturday mornings, Fargo takes the shower trailer to Lynnwood’s Trinity Lutheran Church, where a “Neighbors in Need” breakfast is served starting at 8:30 a.m.
Fargo’s wife Louise has helped with the shower program, often accompanying him to the meals. Now, Fargo said Friday, her role is buying needed supplies for the showers.
He finds time for the shower mission between his work for the Port of Seattle and a devotion to soccer. A construction manager for the port, Fargo plays fullback with the Greater Seattle Soccer League. He plays Thursday nights with the 55-and-older Flounders, and Mondays with the over-60 Seattle Seniors. “I’ve been playing soccer since I was in high school,” he said.
And after providing 6,300 showers, he has a new goal of supplying at least 10,000.
“I’m not sure when it’s going to end,” Fargo said. “A lot of people need help. They’re needy, and they still are people. And I like people.”
Julie Muhlstein: 425-339-3460; jmuhlstein@heraldnet.com.
How to help
Donations to Frank Fargo’s shower assistance program may be made through Cascade View Presbyterian Church, 1030 E. Casino Road, Everett. 425-355-5352.
Bethany of the Northwest Foundation supports the needs of seniors cared for by Bethany of the Northwest. Information: www.bethanynw.org/wordpress
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