Contacts:

Ronny Oliver, Co-Chair: oliverfamily10@msn.com, 509-638-9767

Helen Bonser, Co-Chair:ssp_howie@hotmail.com, 509-251-2186

Reagan Oliver, Secretary 509-570-3687

Tom Bonser, Treasurer

Bio: Helen Bonser – Co-Chair

·         Helen moved to Spokane with her family in 1975 and worked for Spokane Public Library, raising two daughters in the suburb of Mead.

·         In 1981, her oldest daughter, Terri, fell in love with a woman.  When she came out, I was afraid of the consequences society might have for Terri and her partner.  There were no resources - nowhere to turn for support.

·         In 1984, the pastor of EMCC referred Helen to PFLAG.  The group met at Katie Urbanek's house.  There she found the education and support she had been searching for!

·         Since that time, Helen has been able to help other parents to accept and to celebrate their gay children.

·         As an activist, Helen was fortunate to be in on the beginning of many exciting ventures in the Spokane community.  Among them were: the annual Pride celebration and the Inland Northwest Business Alliance.  She is extraordinarily proud of both of these organizations today.

·         Because her daughter is who she is, Helen’s life has been enriched and enhanced by all the experiences she has had and by the wonderful people she has met.  She feels grateful every day!

Bio: Tom Bonser – Treasurer

·         Tom Bonser was born and raised in Spokane: third generation in a line of men who worked for the Great Northern Railroad.

·         Growing up in Hillyard gave Tom practical knowledge and many skills.

·         Tom is a disabled Viet Nam vet, but, he has not let that stop him from volunteerism in his community.  Tom was a leader in Parents Without Partners for nine years, he has served in the PTA, COPS Northwest, Care Cars and TOPS.  Presently, Tom is also an AARP tax preparer.

·         In the gay community, Tom has been a fundraiser for EMCC church, one of the "dads" in PFLAG, a peacekeeper at Pride, and has cooked breakfasts and dinners for many fund raisers and social events.  Currently, Tom is serving as treasurer, Spokane PFLAG chapter.

Bio: Reagan Oliver – Secretary

·         Reagan Oliver is a Spokane native attending Lewis & Clark High School and then the University of Idaho were she received her degree in Communications & Marketing.

·         After a 5 year stint in Houston, Texas with her husband Ronny Oliver, the Oliver’s returned to Spokane where Reagan worked for the City of Spokane in both the City Council Office as well as the Office of the Mayor as the Senior Executive Assistant.

·         Reagan went to work for the Transportation Security Administration, assisting with federalizing the Spokane International Airport following the events of 9/11.

·         Reagan & Ronny have two boys, Mathias and Ethan who currently attend Bowdish Middle School.

·         The Oliver family is actively involved in Unity in the Community, PFLAG as well as Odyssey Youth Center.