The Mudd Nick Foundation’s local mission

Dan Haag • January 11, 2019

A trip to the nations capital was just one of many programs Mudd Nick Foundation created for kids submitted — A trip to the nation's capital was just one of many programs Mudd Nick Foundation created for kids.

The Mudd Nick Foundation has become synonymous with altruism along the Tillamook Coast.

As an all-volunteer organization, the Mudd Nick Foundation works to teach children in the Nehalem Bay and greater Tillamook County area about the fundamentals of lifelong citizenship and service to others.

Jim and Lynn Mudd made it their mission to improve the lives of kids around the area submitted — Jim and Lynn Mudd made it their mission to improve the lives of kids around the area.

Through the Foundation, children are offered a wide variety of opportunities to expand their life experiences through arts and culture programs, athletics, and travel.

Over the years, 60 learning experiences have been carried out annually. In the past, children have taken trips to Washington, D.C., Boeing Engineering, OMSI, and the Oregon Writer’s Festival.

The foundation got its start from a simple get-together of college pals.

Mudd Nick Foundation Annual Golf Tournament is a staple of the organizations fundraising submitted — Mudd Nick Foundation Annual Golf Tournament is a staple of the organizations fundraising.

In 1990, friends Jim Mudd and Doug Nicholson – along with Jim’s wife Lynn – decided to start a co-ed golf tournament, which they christened the ‘Mudd Nick Invitational.’

Now an annual event, the Charity Golf Tournament takes place at Manzanita Links every September and draws in hundreds of foundation supporters.

If you’ve ever strolled down Laneda Avenue in Manzanita, chances are you’ve come across the Mudd Dog stand, a cart that serves up Chicago-style hot dogs which benefits the foundations activities. Jim and Lynn Mudd have personally served thousands of happy guests every summer from the end of their driveway.

Visitors to Manzanita were treated to Chicago style dogs and lots of smiles at the Mudds Mudd Dog cart — Visitors to Manzanita were treated to Chicago style dogs and lots of smiles at the Mudd’s ‘Mudd Dog Cart.’

Sadly, Jim Mudd – the “heart and soul” of the foundation – passed away this past October.

But, the good works of the Mudd Nick Foundation will continue.

Dan Haag

Born and raised in the great white north of Minnesota, Dan Haag felt the pull of the north Oregon Coast in the early 90s. Finding that rain never needed to be shoveled, he married an Oregon girl and settled in Manzanita, where he works as director of the Manzanita Visitors Center. He is also a freelance writer whose work has appeared in a variety of state and national publications. He spends his free time wandering the area’s many trails, supporting the Oregon wine and beer industry, perusing coastal bookstores, and chasing his black Labrador, Lilo, along the beach.