About LYN: Love Your Neighbor Foundation

Rooted in community, driven by compassion, here’s how LYN came to be and where we’re heading together.

Our Story & Origins

The LYN Foundation was born in the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the needs in Spokane suddenly multiplied and many usual supports were strained. With fewer resources available, families faced uncertainty, food insecurity, isolation, and loss. Seeing this, the founders asked: How can we respond in a way that uplifts our neighbors and strengthens community?

With over 30 years of farming and agriculture experience, the Loera family took an idea. Grow pumpkins, bring them to the city, sell them, and turned it into a movement to give back. Over 10,000 pumpkins per year have come from their farm to Spokane, and in just five seasons, LYN has raised over $300,000 from The Great Pumpkinfest events to support families and partner nonprofits.

From humble beginnings, LYN has grown into more than a seasonal fundraiser, it’s a hub that connects nonprofits, businesses, and neighbors, creating a network of support and generosity. Since the first Great Pumpkinfest, other seasonal fundraisers such as Shoes2Play and Kicks4Kids have developed and more are in the works.

Our Mission & Vision

Mission:
To unite neighbors in Spokane through giving, partnering, and service, meeting basic needs, fostering opportunity, and strengthening community.

Vision:
A Spokane where every neighbor has access to support, every nonprofit has the resources to thrive, and every business can play a role in lifting the community.

Core Beliefs & Values:

  • Compassion in Action: we don’t just respond, we roll up our sleeves.

  • Collaboration over Isolation: by connecting nonprofits, supporters, and neighbors, we multiply impact.

  • Creativity in Giving: every donation, volunteer act, or event is an opportunity for innovation and engagement.

  • Transparency & Trust: we operate openly so that supporters are confident in where every gift goes.

What We Do & How We Operate

Support nonprofits & individuals (Neighbors): We fund, network, and uplift Spokane-based nonprofits whose missions align with ours, helping them expand programs, reach more people, and collaborate across sectors. Individuals can inquire for unique needs.

Run signature events: Our hallmark is The Great Pumpkin Fest, which brings thousands of pumpkins, community energy, and fundraising to Spokane each Fall. All proceeds go back into local causes.

Provide direct aid: Through grants, emergency support, and resource distribution, we step into moments of crisis or need to help families get through rough seasons.

Foster corporate-nonprofit partnerships: We build bridges, connecting local businesses with nonprofits to co-create events, volunteer days, matching gifts, and creative community initiatives.

Milestones & Impact

  • 2020 LYN Foundation is founded during COVID-19 & the first Great Pumpkinfest event is hosted
  • 2024 LYN Foundation starts Kicks 4 Kids and gives back 40 pairs of shoes and socks to Windsor Elementary
  • 2025 Fast forward 5 years and the Great Pumpkinfest now brings in over 10,000+ pumpkins every year from the farm to the city to be sold with all proceeds going back into the community.
    • $300,000+ raised from the Pumpkinfest alone and given back through the Spokane community
    • 10+ nonprofit neighbors funded and networked
  • 2025 Kicks 4 Kids gives back 50 pairs of shoes and socks to Sunset Elementary

Why We Serve This Way

We believe that giving back doesn’t have to look one way. Some neighbors give donations, others give time, others give their business weight or networks. LYN exists to open doors to help people, companies, nonprofits, and volunteers find creative ways to serve. By connecting these pieces, we create a stronger, more resilient Spokane.

Join Us Today