New Foundation Aims to Expand Access to Youth Baseball and Softball Across Whatcom County

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — September 23, 2025 — The Bellingham Bells are excited to announce the creation of the Bellingham Bells Community Foundation. The foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the Whatcom County community by providing increased access and equitable opportunities for you to play baseball and softball.

The Bellingham Bells Community Foundation will focus on breaking down barriers that prevent kids from participating in sports, ensuring that every child has the chance to learn, grow, and thrive through athletics. Through ballpark fundraisers, events and corporate donations, the foundation will provide support to local baseball programs and players through scholarships, equipment donations, and accessible programming.

“Baseball and softball are more than just games, they are pathways to teamwork, confidence, and community,” said Stephanie Morrell, Bellingham Bells Community Foundation Executive Director. “The Bellingham Bells Community Foundation is committed to making sure all youth in Whatcom County have the opportunity to experience those benefits.”

The foundation will have seven members on its board of directors, all with different backgrounds.

Kevin Schmitt, the General Manager of Phillips 66 Refinery in Ferndale, WA, will serve as the Board President. Schmitt has spent 25 years in the oil and gas industry. Starting his career with P66 in Oklahoma, he’s spent time in Montana, California, and Texas in various leadership roles within the company before moving to Ferndale.

Tom Soran will serve as Vice President. Soran is the Director of Manufacturing at Metrie Inc., a leading North American wood moulding manufacturer. Soran leads a team of 140 employees focusing on safety, engagement and productivity.

Erica Quam, the Pacific Northwest Partnership Manager for Positive Coaching Alliance, will be the foundation’s Secretary. Quam helps bring training, tools and resources to sports organizations so every child can have a positive sports experience. She is also a co-owner of PRIME Sports Institute in Bellingham with her partner Kerry. 

Serving as board members are Brent Lillibridge, a former Major League Baseball player and founder of Base by Pros, a local baseball and softball training academy, Matt Berendsen, the Senior Vice President, Growth at Whatcom Educational Credit Union (WECU), Sara Nichols Chiabai, the Chief of Staff at Whatcom Community Foundation, and Elizabeth Purdy, the Community Affairs Manager for Puget Sound Energy.

The foundation board will meet quarterly for strategic and fundraising planning, as well as grant allocation.

For more information about the Bellingham Bells Community Foundation, including ways to get involved, visit www.bellinghambellsfoundation.com or contact Stephanie Morrell ([email protected]).