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Commonwealth North Raises $36,000 in Spontaneous Paddle Raise for Typhoon-Affected Western Alaska Families
Anchorage, AK – November 6, 2025 – In a powerful display of Alaskan solidarity, Commonwealth North’s annual Hickel & Egan Awards Gala transformed into an impromptu fundraising triumph on October 23, raising $36,000 in minutes to support families devastated by Typhoon Halong in Western Alaska. The funds were presented today to the Bethel Community Services Foundation, ensuring direct aid reaches those in need.
During the gala at the Anchorage Museum, honoree John Binkley, business man and former Bethel Senator, was delivering a heartfelt appeal for support to Western Alaska residents still reeling from the typhoon’s destruction when Joe Balash, Executive at Santos, called out from the audience: “Paddle Raise!” Emcee and board member Moira Smith swiftly seized the moment, launching a rapid-fire bidding session that galvanized the room.
Nearly two-thirds of the 150 attendees contributed, with Northrim Bank business development officer Bill Bailey pledging an initial $14,000 matching gift from Northrim Bank. Additional commitments of $5,000 each came from the Binkley family, Santos, and John Shively propelling the total to $36,000.
“This was Alaskans stepping up for Alaska at its finest,” said Ross Johnston, Executive Director of Commonwealth North. “And it shows how one person’s timely nudge—thank you, Joe—can spark a wave of generosity that makes a real difference.” John Binkley agreed, “I believe former Governors Hickel and Egan, for whom the event honors would be proud of the spirit demonstrated during the event.”
Yesterday, November 5, Johnston presented the check to Fannie Black, a board member of the Bethel Community Services Foundation, in the Northrim Bank lobby in Anchorage. Joining the presentation were Northrim’s Jason Criqui and Kari Skinner, alongside Shively, Binkley, and Balash.
Fannie Black shared a personal connection to the crisis. “This support means everything to our community,” Black said. “My family has been deeply affected—my uncle is among those still missing after the typhoon. So many families remain displaced, and this $36,000 will go straight to them for immediate needs like shelter, food, and rebuilding. On behalf of everyone in Bethel and beyond, thank you for seeing us and stepping up.”
The Commonwealth North Hickel and Egan Awards gala honored John Binkley and Gloria O’Neill, CEO of Cook Inlet Tribal Council, for their lifelong dedication to Alaskan leadership and community building. Commonwealth North’s event underscored the organization’s mission to foster nonpartisan dialogue and action on issues vital to Alaska’s future.
About Commonwealth North
Commonwealth North is a nonpartisan leadership organization dedicated to building a stronger Alaska through informed dialogue, strategic partnerships, and actionable solutions. For more information, visit www.commonwealthnorth.org.
Media Contact:
Ross Johnston, Executive Director
Commonwealth North
Email: exec@commonwealthnorth.org
Phone: (907) 444-1923
Media
John Binkley calling out numbers as Moira Smith frantically writes down the pledges at the Commonwealth North Hickel & Egan Awards Gala on Oct 23, 2025 at the Anchorage Museum.
Nearly 2/3rds of the room showing their support by pledging money to Western Alaska Residents at the Commonwealth North Hickel & Egan Awards Gala on Oct 23, 2025 at the Anchorage Museum.
Convening in the Northrim Bank Lobby on November 5th, 2025 Noon.
From left to right: Joe Balash (Santos), John Shively (Resource Development), John Binkley (Business Man & Former Legislator), Fannie Black (Bethel Community Services Foundation), Jason Criqui (Northrim Bank), Ross Johnston (Commonwealth North), Kari Skinner (Northrim Bank)
Writing the Commonwealth North check to the Bethel Community Services Foundation.
From left to right, John Binkley (Business Man & Former Legislator), Fannie Black (Bethel Community Services Foundation), Jason Criqui (Northrim Bank),Joe Balash (Santos), John Shively (Resource Development), Ross Johnston (Commonwealth North)